BSNOC: Best Student Neighbour on campus competition in Newcastle
A tribute to the unsung heroes of Newcastle University
2018…Its only been a few months but the great hangover of 2017 seems to be ever-looming. In this age of Trump, Brexit, and of course KFC’s newly announced chicken shortage, there seems little hope of any consolation on the horizon. Division – left, right and centre. Its as if we are heading straight into a modern day apocalypse. The age of heroes seems a thing of the distant past… but…
*****BREAKING NEWS*****
There appears a little glimmer of prospect amongst our sea of troubles…
Our very own Newcastle Uni and the Students' Union have been working behind the scenes of this modern day Greek tragedy to bring us the 'BEST STUDENT NEIGHBOURS ON CAMPUS COMPETITION'. This year long initiative has been put in motion to help improve the relations between residents and students throughout Newcastle.
Forget the shallow and corrupt ‘Fittest Fresher’s’ or ‘BNOC of the year’ competitions, which provides a platform to boost the egos of young ruffians across the country. THIS IS BSNOC, a new and unique competition which allows the unsung heroes of the Toon to flourish.
What’s it all about?
The competition is designed to celebrate the work of our students in their respective communities, whether that be emptying bins in Byker or helping the homeless in Heaton. Residents from across the city are asked to nominate the students/household that they believe have had the most positive impact on the area in which they inhabit.
Last year a record 5,731 students volunteered in communities across Newcastle, working with 200 local charities and groups. Together with local residents, Newcastle University students organised 18 litter picks across the city, collected 6,930 bags for the British Heart Foundation – raising a staggering £97,020! Moreover, some 281 student volunteers made 175 visits to local schools. It seems not all of us spend our days in the safety of our blankets and ruining our livers by night. What’s your excuse?
Who can enter?
Nominees can range from considerate neighbours to full on philanthropists, no contribution is too great or small. If you’re feeling on the fence about it, why not climb over it and get to know the person on the other side? After all, neighbours…become good friends.
What’s the prize?
Each month from March, BSNOC aims to find a worthy winner – The winning households will receive up to £1,000 to help towards their rent and living costs in recognition of being good neighbours. Tantalising is it not?
The judging panel includes Newcastle East MP Nick Brown, Chair of Newcastle University/Students’ Union Partnership Committee and CEO of Northumbrian Water Heidi Mottram and Business Editor of the Journal Graeme Whitfield as well as residents, local councillors and representatives from the University.
More information and details of how to nominate and the terms and conditions of the competition can be found on Newcastle University’s website.
Happy Neighbouring!