A year of social highlights: Ramsay Hall, Ian Baker House and Astor College

As UCLU representative for the halls, it has been an honour to represent the residents and put views across to the union and it has been enjoyable to work with the management in order to ensure that the student voice is heard.

Over the course of three terms a number of events were organised by the respective social committees, which have all been a great success, and the envy of many other Halls.

Busy social calendar

Formed early in the academic year, the committees have put on a wide range of activities. Film screenings at Ramsay were held in the TV room with a selection of different films from different genres being showcased with free popcorn and drinks. These provided a wonderful end to the week on a Sunday night in order to 'de-stress' ready for the upcoming week. Weekend football matches were also organised in the Sports Hall of Astor, making the most of the facilities that are available.

A couple of times a term, parties were organised in the Ramsay lounge or Astor Common Room, both of which always went down with a treat, including a 'refreshers' event. It also gave students the opportunity to DJ in front of an audience. Afterwards there would normally be a club night lined up, either in Camden or closer to the UCL campus at ULU.

Towards the end of the year, a number of post-exam events were highly regarded such as the trip to Thorpe Park, with a full coach venturing out to enjoy a day of adrenaline rushes. The themed dinners in our canteen were also well received, with the summer BBQ providing the highlight. The food was lovely, the sun was shining, and as the Pimms flowed, bands played in the Ramsay quad.

Fresher's Ball 2015

All of these events culminated in what was one of the best events ever organised by a social committee - The Freshers' Ball 2015.

At Café de Paris in the heart of London, over 400 residents and their friends enjoyed a night of dancing, drinks, canapés and photo booths, with a jazz band and DJs playing. Going on into the small hours, this highlighted the dedication and commitment of the social committees in order to pull off such excellent events.

These residences have been home to many of us over the past months, and despite niggles at times I, and I'm sure a lot of others, are going to miss it. Beyond all else, the highlight for myself has been meeting fantastic people, be it in the office, the dining hall, or New York Three, and ultimately the formation of friendships which I hope to keep for years to come.

None of the above would have been possible this year without the ingenuity and drive of the social committees, so I'd like to thank them for their dedication and hard work in producing events that have enriched our fresher experiences. In particular I would like to thank the respective chairs of the social committees: Charlotte Hardwick for Ramsay Hall and Ian Baker House; Dara Vakili for Astor College. Without your leadership and vision the year wouldn't have been anywhere near what you made it. Thank you.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to wish you all the best in your future studies, and I hope you've all had a wonderful year - I know I have!

George W X Barker, UCLU Ramsay, Ian Baker and Astor Accommodation Representative