Students' Union

The Union really is run by students for students. General Meetings are the highest decision-making body of the Union and provide an opportunity to discuss issues, make student announcements and engage in lively debate. Whilst representatives are elected to sit on and run a General Meeting, any student is eligible to attend, vote and have their say.

The direction and development of the Students’ Union is the responsibility of the Trustee Board, which is made up of two student trustees, one College trustee, three external trustees and four student Sabbatical Officers.

The Sabbatical Officers are elected for one year in office and work full-time either during or after completing their degree. These Officers are assisted by 13 elected Executive Officers who work as unpaid volunteers alongside their studies. 

The Union also employs more than 20 permanent members of staff who oversee the administrative and commercial activities of the organisation.

The Union tries to ensure that our campus is a vibrant place for you to study and live, with services that help students with their daily lives such as the non-residential bus service and the weekly market days. 

They also organise social events in the  three SU managed venues |on campus and try to make sure that the packed entertainment programme contains something for all tastes. 

The Union is responsible for all clubs and societies| and runs and co-ordinates RAG (raise and give). 

RAG is a dedicated group of students who raise money for charity in wild and wonderful ways.

 Your welfare is a top priority within the Students’ Union. Our Student Advice Centre |has an open-door policy meaning students can confidentially seek help with any academic or welfare issues.

This can be anything from advice on student housing, appealing degree results to information on finance and employment. Students do not have to make an appointment.

The Students’ Union runs its own award-winning media – The Orbital and Insanity Radio (1287AM and 103.2FM). The Orbital magazine, awarded Best Student Magazine by the NUS Media Awards in 2006, is produced entirely by students. It contains College and local news as well as comment and debate, features and interviews, lifestyle, reviews and sports.

Insanity Radio is also run by students and was voted England’s Best Student Radio Station in 2005. It broadcasts 24 hours a day as well as over the internet with shows from chart and chat to specialist music shows. Find out more.|

Through its bars, catering, non-residential bus service and entertainment, the Union employs more than 250 students. The bars are entirely staffed by students, while the entertainment is only possible thanks to student Technicians, DJs, Security, Minibus Drivers, Cloakroom, Cleaning and Box Office staff.

Student staff also have considerable representation on the Staff Forum, which informs management and supports executive decision-making. It also offers you valuable skills to complement your academic study. Find out about Students’ Union jobs|.