'More to university life than study'

University students who would like to broaden their horizons with some extra-curricular activities will have no shortage of avenues to choose from next academic year.

The University Students' Council is planning a calendar of events that is rich in entertainment, culture and opportunity for serious discussion.

But the council's message to students is "don't just come along - take part in the organisation as well".

"We would like to encourage students to get involved behind the scenes, as well as by their attendance," said Matthew Tabone, the KSU's public relations officer.

"The more students participate in this way the better it is for them. We believe there is much more to university life than studying. Students can help with the organisation and still do well academically. There is a lot more to university life than many students think possible," he promised.

"There will be an organising committee for each activity and we are willing to involve a lot of students."

One of the first activities on the calendar is Campusfest. With its music, bars and party atmosphere, the weekend event planned for the middle of September will ensure the hot summer holidays end on a high while serving as an ice-breaker ahead of the academic year.

The first happening of October will be Freshers' Week, during which new students will be helped to find their way around campus as well as to negotiate the administrative maze.

Another fun event will be just round the corner though. Band Bash, a four-day gig for established and new musicians, will be held in the second week of the month.

In November there will be a culture night and an art exhibition for the higher minded among students and in February a treasure hunt and sports festival will satisfy those with a more adventurous or athletic bent.

In between, in December, the International Students' Day will provide a way for local and foreign students to get together and get to know each other better.

To make sure students see the funny side of university life, a series of comedy nights will take place throughout the year, with live performances by budding young comedians.

The traditional Students' Festival - that kaleidoscope of live stage acts forming the highlight of the KSU calendar - will be held in March. And the hilarious, not-to-be missed Miss Campus contest is scheduled for the following month.

Academia will be far from forgotten, with the holding of a number of seminars, conferences and a students' congress, focusing on educational themes and student issues.

And to prove that university students do not just think about themselves, the KSU is planning to raise awareness of certain issues such as mental health, Aids, human rights and the environment, and raise money for charity as well. September will have students volunteering their time for a good cause in the Reach-Out Campaign, December will usher in a week-long fund-raising effort, and in April a festival of street shows for charity will be held in Valletta.

The last event on the calendar will take place in mid-April. Oscar Night will see awards presented to students who have proved themselves, through any of the above activities, to be the best dancers, comedians, artists and so on.

After all that most students will want to lock themselves away in their rooms to prepare for the impending exams...