Learning About The Student Union

Each day I am constantly checking my Facebook and Twitter accounts and lately I'm noticing a lot of updates from my university's Student Union. To be completely honest I only joined/followed them on Facebook and Twitter because they were a part of the university. I only vaguely knew what a Student Union was but lately I've began to ask myself, what can they really do...? It's like having an NUS card, I know what it's for, but what does NUS even mean...? (I now know it stands for National Union of Students). I asked a couple of my student friends today what they thought Student Unions did, all they could tell me what that a Student Union was an organisation that represents the interests of students within the University. They couldn't really elaborate when it came to specific things they did for students.
Looking on my Students Union website I found out a great deal of information. Initially all I knew was that everyone registered on a university course (be it full time or part time and irrespective of which campus they studying at) are automatically members of their universities SU and can access a wide range of services and activities the Union run, and that in short... we as students run the SU by sharing ideas/concerns with a group of elected representatives; the Student Council who act on our behalf.

Student Unions also offer a great deal of advice to students in areas such as;

Financial Support - They will help you find the financial support you're entitled to and help you find a student bank account that offer interest-free overdrafts. They will help you with your budgeting and even help you if you feel like you're getting into debt. Hardship funds are even payed out for students who are in financial crisis and are thinking of giving up university due to financial problems. (Students studying part-time and those who chose not to accept student loans only). TIP: If you have a low income, you can get what is called a 'HC1 Form' from your Student Union, this will exempt you from health costs such as prescriptions and dental costs.

Health & Wellbeing - The SU will help you if you feel you have issues with crime, alcohol, drugs, mental health and sexual health and will provide you with appropriate services should you need them.

Academic Support - During your time at university you will be asked to take various assessments to test your learning and understanding of your subject. Unfortunately problems can and do sometimes happen. Your university will have resources and help available for students who are struggling with their learning, whether it is help preparing for exams, problems with referencing, or general study skills advice.  

The Student Union is also there to help you if things go wrong during your studies. They will offer advice, information and representation, on a range of academic issues, including:

• Applications for Exceptional Circumstances: What to do if illness or personal problems affect your work and you need to defer an assessment or request a coursework extension.

• Errors in the way an assessment is conducted: What to do if you feel that an error the University has made has affected an assessment e.g. the assessment rules were not followed properly.

• Disciplinary procedures and appealing the outcome of a hearing: What happens if you are accused of breaching the University rules i.e. plagiarism, an examination offense or issues about your behaviour.

• Complaints: Information regarding how to complain about a member of University staff, the course delivery or an aspect of your time at the University that you are unhappy with.

And for us student nurses in particular...

• “Fitness For Practice” What to expect if your “Fitness For Practice” is called into question whilst studying a professional course (i.e. Nursing).

It is doubtful problems like this will occur, but incase they do, you now know where you can seek help. Thank you for reading. If you have any questions please comment below.