Oxford is confusing to all newcomers because is has two student unions. The actually student union to which all students are a member is OUSU, the other is "The Oxford Union" or just "The Union". The Union has a two hundred pound life-time membership fee to join and a termly fee of nine pounds. Every Thursday during term time The Union hosts a debate (it is sometimes referred to as a debating society) with invited speakers (frequently prominent people of society which all to often happen to be ex-Union members themselves). They also host a variety of non-debate speakers from around the world (or try to). This year has seen several hiccups with speakers having to back out because of more pressing matters back home (no matter what they claim The Union does not actually make the policies that avert global disaster) or for security reasons (apparently even Oxford has a few riotous hoodlums).
But their current selling points involve cheap alcohol and lots of parties and social events. The Union has its own bar and club as well as library and historic debating chamber, reflecting the priorities of today's youth. All of which are members + guests only. Debates and seekers are free for members but ten pounds a head for guests.
This weeks debate was on whether debt is the root of all evil. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your point of view) all the debaters were more of less agreed upon the basic ideas that too much debt is bad, some debt can be useful and is needed so it debate got a bit dull at points. But it was an interesting experience and I plan to try and go to some more contentious ones next term.
