General UK Info / Socialising

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Student Unions

What is your students’ union?

As a student at a UK university, you will automatically become a member of your students’ union. The students’ union is independent from the university, and is run by and for students. It exists to support and to represent its members. The students’ union provides a range of services, and also ensures that students’ needs and concerns are heard by the university and in the wider community.

Where to find your students’ union

Most students’ unions have a building on campus, where the elected officers have their offices and services for students are located. Your students’ union will also have its own website, where you can find out about services and activities, and contact your elected officers.

What can your students’ union offer you?

Your students’ union gives you the chance to join with other students and to have an influence. It is also an important source of advice, support and social activities during your time at university. In order to help you make the most of your time at university your students’ union offers:

Representation and Democracy

Your students’ union holds elections each year, where students vote for the officers that will represent them. Some student officers work full-time for the students union (called “sabbatical officers” or “sabbs”). Other officers work part-time for the students’ union while continuing their studies. Each officer has a different area of responsibility.

Officer roles are different at each university, but are likely to include a President, an Education Officer and a Welfare Officer, among other roles. Some students’ unions have an elected International Officer, who is responsible for representing the needs and concerns of international students.

You can find the contact details for your elected officers on your students’ union website. As a member of the students’ union you are eligible to vote in students’ union elections and to stand as an elected officer. Look out for more information from you students’ union.

An important part of the students’ union’s role is to represent students on academic and welfare issues. Academic issues are all of those relating to your course of study. Students’ union officers meet regularly with the university to discuss academic issues and resolve problems. Each programme of study also has a course representative (sometimes called “course rep”), who can take students’ problems and queries to faculty staff.

Elected officers also represent students on issues related to welfare – like accommodation, safety and health. Students’ unions campaign on all kinds of issues affecting students. Some campaigns might be aimed at students (eg. promoting a healthy lifestyle).

Other campaigns are aimed at those in power at a local level (eg improving public transport around the university). Many students’ unions are members of the National Union of Students (NUS) which brings students’ unions together to run campaigns aimed at the national government (eg. ensuring high-quality and affordable student accommodation).

Advice and Support

Many students’ unions provide advice and support services for students. Advice Centres are staffed by trained advisors, who can offer you impartial advice on problems relating to your course, or on other aspects of student life.

Some students’ unions also offer immigration advice. Your students’ union may also have a careers service, an employment agency (or “job shop”) and an accommodation office. Many students’ unions also offer subsidised childcare for students with families.

Societies and Activities

Most students’ unions organise a welcome (or “freshers’ week”) at the beginning of each year, with a programme of activities to help new students to get to know their new city, have fun and make new friends. Students’ unions also run activities for students throughout the year – such as trips, events and parties.  Look out for publicity in your students’ union building or on the website!

Students’ unions support a wide range of student societies. These bring together students with a shared interest – whether this is music, politics or sport – and are run by a committee of students. Many students’ unions also have national and cultural societies, or an international students’ society. Most students’ unions have a “societies fair” at the beginning of the year, where you can see what is on offer and join the societies that interest you.

Learning and Development Opportunities

Getting involved in your students’ union is a great way to gain skills and experience outside the classroom, and to improve your chances of getting the job you want when you finish your studies. Many students’ unions offer students the opportunity to find voluntary work in an area that interests them.

There are also many opportunities to develop your leadership skills through involvement in the students’ union – including acting as a course representative, joining the committee of a student society, or standing for election as a students’ union officer.

Shops and Services

Many students’ unions have shops, cafes, bars and nightclubs. These are usually run by the students’ union, and any profits are used to support non-commercial services. There are often employment opportunities available in the students’ union for students wanting a part-time job. These jobs will be advertised in the students’ union – so look out for them.