What can ECSA do for you?
ECSA, the Edinburgh College Student’s Association, offers a wide variety of services for students across all four of our campuses.
As well as providing academic guidance, ECSA is also on hand to help support students in a personal capacity, and can signpost on to further, relevant services and organisations.
Mary O’Driscoll is Vice President of Activities for ECSA, she says it’s a vital resource that students shouldn’t hesitate to make use of:
“We try to create a warm, welcoming environment for all of our students, and act as a safe space where they can come to seek help for anything going on in their lives, whether it’s directly related to their College studies or not. Sometimes we get people coming in looking for a bit of support because they’re struggling in class, other times it’s because they’ve had some good news about a job interview that they just want to share. It’s a great place to be in.
“We have a swap-shop where people can come in and donate clothes, toys, books and also take them away for free, we operate a community food pantry which gets stocked up weekly, there’s a chill-out area in the Sighthill office that has a Nintendo Switch for students to play. We also try and raise awareness and put on campaigns surrounding issues we believe will be relevant to our students, and support our class reps, who can help directly raise issues with us.”
ECSA also help lead many student-run societies within the College, including the knitting and crochet society, the Magic the Gathering society, and the gaming society. Mary says getting involved with societies is a fantastic way to grow into the Edinburgh College community:
“The Societies are one of the best ways to really feel part of the community here at the College. It’s an opportunity to meet friends, maybe learn a new hobby, or share your passions if it’s something you’re already interested in. If you have an idea for a new society, we will also do what we can to help get you up and running, and if you want to sign up for one, it’s simply a case of going on the ECSA website and following some links.
“The societies are completely student-led, and we just do what we can to support the delivery of their events and activities. The goal is also for them to continue on after the person that started them has left the College, since a lot of people are only here for a year or two.”
Finally, for anyone considering getting involved with ECSA but unsure if it’s the right step for them, Mary has this message:
“Your academic growth is obviously super important, but so is your social growth. You never know how far the connections you make at College can take you, or how they can develop throughout your life. You should nourish parts of your College experience that aren’t necessarily course related, to make sure you are getting the most out of your time here”.
A full-list of societies available at the College can be found on ECSA’s website here.