Students' Union: what's it all about?
Bradford Life Blog
The Students’ Union is the heartbeat of the student experience at almost every UK university, here is some information on what it's all about.
What is a students’ union?
The Students’ Union is the heartbeat of the student experience at almost every UK university.
The aim of the Union is to represent you, as a student. They help to provide opportunities and support so you can make the most of your time at university.
When you start at university, you’ll often be automatically enrolled as a member of your university’s students’ union. It’s worth checking at your enrolment to be sure though.
What can a students’ union do for me?
Your students’ union can help you in many ways. The services and support on offer will vary from uni to uni. At most unions you can expect:
- socialising – from societies and sports clubs, to events and trips out
- spaces – to meet, eat, party, work and relax
- support – from personal help, to problems or queries with your course
- opportunities – from chances to volunteer, to paid representative roles
- a voice – express your views and have them shared at a higher university level
Who runs a students’ union?
Students’ Unions are usually managed by students at the university. A core team of university employees may also be involved, to assist with the day-to-day management of the union.
Many students’ unions have a team of senior representatives known as sabbatical officers. These are paid reps and are usually recent graduates of the uni. They are voted into their role by the students at a university. The senior reps will lead the activities and organisation of a particular aspect of the union during their time in the role.
Here at Bradford, we have sabbatical officers for:
- community and activities
- sports and wellbeing
- student affairs
- education
Most students’ unions also have volunteer part-time reps. These reps lead on a specific aspect of student life, such as ethics or inclusion. They could also represent a group, such as the international students at their uni.
The various societies, clubs and events are also student-led.
How can I get involved?
Students’ unions can't exist without students. By getting involved, you’re contributing to a positive experience for your fellow students. There are also personal benefits - you could:
- make like-minded friends
- develop new and existing skills
- gain work experience and enhance your CV
- support other students
- enjoy amazing experiences you’ll remember forever!
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You’re bound to find a role, whatever your interests or skills. You can volunteer to:
- manage a club or society – you can even set up your own society
- offer support and advice to fellow students
- represent students in an area you’re passionate about
- organise and lead activities
- support a charity or organisation
- play for a sports team
- contribute to the administration and management of the union
You can search the opportunities available to you here at Bradford on the University of Bradford Union (UBU) website. You’ll also find details of how to set up a new sport club or society.
The students’ union at Bradford – listen to our podcast
The University of Bradford Union (UBU) can be found in Student Central – a purpose-built facility surrounded by gorgeous green space.
Check out our podcast Students’ Union: What’s it all about? for an introduction to the UBU from two of our key staff – Michael and Adam.