Introduction

Every university and loads of Higher Education and Further Education Institutions have Students Unions, Guilds or Associations. They are there to make sure that you have the best time possible while you are at Uni by providing advice, representation, sports teams, societies, shops, bars and entertainments.

Before you get to university

One way to get to know a lot of other people quickly is to join one of the societies run by the Union. You can get an idea of what is available by checking out their web site at your chosen university.

On your course

Student Unions provide Advice Centres to help students who are having difficulties while at Uni. They can help students with housing, financial, academic and health problems and give professional and confidential advice totally independent from the university. Some unions run nightlines, which are telephone advice services that run into the night.

The social side of university life can play a huge role in making sure you have a great time and Student Unions provide tonnes of activities for you. Student Unions run sports teams that enter the British Universities Sports Association competitions at all levels.

Union Societies are also provided for, be it from support and social societies like LGB (Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual) or to same interest societies like Live Music.

Both sports teams and societies give you a chance to meet people with the same interests as you and make some great mates. And of course unions provide entertainments, be it at their own bars or at venues near their institution.

See the interactive section, 'More about Student Unions'.

Student Unions can make more of your university life. For more information on the services that your Union can provide visit their website (see Useful Links).

Moving on

Union reps are recruited from uni students, so if you have enjoyed what your Union provides you could consider standing for office and getting even more involved! That would look good on your CV!

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