We're really happy to welcome you to Edinburgh College now that the academic year has begun. Edinburgh College Students' Association is run by students, for students. We represent students within the College and defend, extend and promote students' rights. If you're facing difficulties in your academic or personal life, we can help, advise and advocate for you. To help you get your bearings, we've summed up some key info about our role at the College and created a video to introduce you to your student officer team: Skye, Luna and Jon.

The start of this academic year has been impacted by industrial action. We know it can be confusing sometimes, so we’ve created an article with lots of useful links to try to explain the situation. We also want to hear from you about how the strikes are impacting your experience at College, so please complete the short form so that we can share your experience with decision-makers.

You may have seen us at Freshers’ Week events, handing out flyers and promoting our new Clubs and Societies. College isn’t all about education, it’s about having fun and making friends too. We’ve got loads of clubs on offer this year, from crafts to gaming. All are free to take part in. Our first society meetings are this week.

• Tuesday 12th September, 12.30-1.30pm (S1-12.1) – Student Parents’ Society – an inclusive community for students who are also parents.
• Tuesday 12th September, 4-5pm (S0-A1/2) – Worldwide Students’ Society – a society embracing different cultures from around the world, aimed at students who are not from Scotland and the UK.
• Thursday 14th September, 4-5pm (GP-113) – LGBT+ Society – a dedicated safe space for LGBT+ students.

Each and every campus has a Swapshop where you can get (and donate!) free, good quality clothes, shoes, books and accessories. Our Community Fridges are restocked with free food each week, with the first deliveries starting this week on the following campuses:

• Sighthill - Monday @ 11am
• Granton - Wednesday @ 10am
• Milton Road - Wednesday @ 10am
• Midlothian - Thursday @ 1pm

At each of our offices, we distribute free period products and condoms for students. Feel free to come along at any time to collect these. Our offices are in the following locations:

• Granton – Room R101 in the Red Learning Street
• Midlothian – Room S-06 by reception
• Milton Road – Room 0-27 beside reception
• Sighthill – Room S1-24.1, overlooking the Atrium

The Equality Newsletter brings you the latest equality news and developments at Edinburgh College, such as updates to policies, initiatives and training. Anyone at the College is welcome to contribute to this newsletter, please contact equality@edinburghcollege.ac.uk for more information.