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Student Life

Five reasons why Student Unions exist

Ever wondered what the Student Union actually does? Members of the Students Union at Liverpool Hope University explain...

Liverpool Hope SU
by Liverpool Hope SU
Last Updated:
17 Jan 2024

Kira Cox (Students’ Union President), Ayo Akinrele (Vice-President Welfare & Community) and Pranay Shakya (Vice-President Education) explain why your Students’ Union is more than just a code word for cheap beer and clothes discounts, and why the SU actually exists.   

To give students a voice


"Students are the Students’ union – every student is automatically a member and without you we wouldn’t exist," says Kira.

"The Students’ Union (SU) works in the same way as a workplace union. It campaigns for the rights of its members – you - and lobbies on key issues, bringing them to the attention of your university, the National Union of Students and the government. Every SU will have a dedicated officer to represent you on a range of issues such as education, welfare, disability, diversity, the environment and more. If you think your university needs to address something or look again at a certain policy, let your SU know.

"Your SU sabbatical officers have taken a year out of studying to represent you, and have all undertaken specific training, so they really do have your best interests at heart".

To help you enjoy activities and broaden horizons


Kira says: "Your SU will have a number of officers who help organise sports and societies on campus. They will be your first port of call to help you find out what is on offer. The SU organises day trips, activities and nights out during Freshers’ Week and throughout the rest of the year, as well as the Freshers’ Fair, where you can sign up for as many clubs and societies as you want. They can even help you set up your own society or club".

To help you access the advice you need  


"Your SU can advise on your rights when it comes to things like student accommodation and private landlords and also offer you individual representation if you have a grievance with your university," says Ayo.

"You can also call into your SU for general advice and they will be able to signpost you to the best people to speak to about finances, mental health and wellbeing, accommodation and academic support. You will likely see your SU run campaigns around national awareness days and take part in local and national events".

To help you to develop new skills and enhance your CV


Pranay says: "Taking an active role in the SU is a good way to develop your negotiating and campaign skills. Many SU Sabbatical Officers have gone on to careers in politics or become key influencers in social policy and business. If you run and are elected as an SU Officer you will receive national training in all of the key skills you need, as well as opportunities for development throughout the year. SU Officers represent students at local and national events, so you can practice your networking skills while doing something for a cause you are passionate about!".  

To help you meet new people


"You can choose how much you want to get involved with your union,” says Ayo. “You can use it as a one stop shop to find out about societies and clubs, take part in campaigns, or even run as an officer to help represent a cause that is important to you. It’s completely up to you".

Kira adds: "Either way, it is a great way to meet new people. I first met Pranay and Ayo through events put on by the SU and by getting involved in campaigns. We became good friends and realised that we also worked well together. This spurred us on to run as the Sabbatical Officers for the Liverpool Hope SU.

"Now, while a lot of the friends I made have moved away after graduation, we are staying on the extra year to work for the SU. We work with other local and national universities and have made even more friends and contacts as a result. Of course, the cheap beer and discounts are still there, but ultimately, your Students’ Union is a voice for all students, a way to make a change and also a fantastic social experience".

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