Stronger together
Our student community is an incredibly diverse one, comprising a vast range of identities, backgrounds and lived experiences. As a member of our diverse community we expect you to extend respect to others both on and off campus as a respectful member of your new campus and city. We are a positive and peaceful community. Pledge to be a part of this so that we can be truly stronger together.
As a diverse and welcoming community, we pledge to support each other and be respectful of the challenges that each of us face in our everyday lives. We might be from different backgrounds and identities, but we are one community who is Stronger Together. This page is a place for you to learn about fellow students from different walks of life, understand a bit more about their University experiences, and find out how you can support each other.
Women* students
The Women*’s Network is here to represent anyone who considers womanhood to be part of their identity inclusive of trans, non-binary and intersex inclusive people, and anyone who experiences oppression as a woman.
The aim of the Network is to create a safe and engaging space for students who identify as women* through:
- Campaigning on issues affecting our members and to further the equality of students who identify as women* in the university environment.
- Organising various social events through interaction with women* students and continually adapting to changing student need.
- Supporting the network members signposting them to various welfare and outreach programs in the Union, University and wider Nottingham area.
More information can be found here.
BME students
The Black and Minority Ethnic Students’ Network exists to provide a safe space within the University of Nottingham’s Students’ Union where self-identifying BME students (including students of African, Asian, Arab and Afro-Caribbean descent, those from minority ethnic groups including Jewish and Romani students, and those who identify as having mixed or multiple ethnicities) can come together, discuss the issues affecting them, and campaign to improve their student experience.
The aim of the Network is to create a safe and engaging space for Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) students through:
- Campaigning on issues affecting our members and to further the equality of BME students in the university environment.
- Organising a variety of social events from Valentine’s parties to BME career events, building a community of BME students and continually adapting to changing student needs to make university feel like a second home.
- Supporting the network members welfare, signposting to the various welfare and outreach programs in Nottingham and at the University.
More information can be found here.
Disabled students
The disabled community at Nottingham is incredibly diverse, strong and supportive. The Disabled Students’ Network are a collective of fellow students you can go to for advice, support or just a chat. The aim of the Network is to encourage cooperation, coordination and collaboration among Disabled Students’ Network members in order to create an engaged supportive community in the Students’ Union for students with disabilities, supporting their activities and interaction between different Students’ Union groups.
The aim of the Network is to create a safe and engaging space for disabled students through:
- Providing a platform for members of the Network to engage with the University and the Students’ Union, acting as a representative in democratic meetings and voicing concerns with influential individuals.
- Organising and engaging with campaigns and initiatives associated with the Disabled Students.
- Providing a safe and social space for Disabled Students.
More information can be found here.
Mature students
The Mature Students' Network is here to raise awareness of issues affecting mature students, and to promote and protect the welfare of mature students. Mature student refers to Undergraduate students who are aged over 21 on entry to the University, and Postgraduate students who are aged over 25 on entry to the University.
The aim of the Network is to create a safe and engaging space for mature students through:
- Organising a range of events including family-friendly meet-ups, small social gatherings, day trips and big nights out where students can meet and network.
- Providing support, advice and guidance, acting as a point of contact for any issues or queries you may have.
- Organising campaigns on issues affecting our members, with our Mature Students' Officer acting as an advocate and voice for students within the Union, University and wider community.
More information can be found here.
International students
The International Students' Network is supported by the SU part-time International Students' Officer who works alongside an elected committee. All international or EU students are automatically considered members of the Network.
The aim of the Network is to create a safe and engaging space for international students through:
- Playing a prominent role in the Welcome Programme, as well as holding various events throughout the year that celebrate the cultural diversity of the University and promoting the profile of all cultural societies in the Students' Union.
- Having a welfare and representational role and acts as a primary channel for international student voices to be heard. This ensures all international/EU students take full advantage of everything Nottingham has to offer and truly enjoy their stay in the UK.
More information can be found here.
LGBT+ students
The LGBT+ Network exists to represent all students studying at the University of Nottingham who do not conform to the heteronormative or cisnormative expectations of society (and therefore anyone who self-identifies as LGBTQIA+). This also includes questioning students and anyone who experiences any sort of queerphobia/bigotry.
The aim of the Network is to create a safe and engaging space for LGBT+ students through:
- Running campaigns with the interests of the constituents of the Network in mind that defend and extend the rights of LGBT+ students.
- Hosting social events and activities that are a way to meet like-minded people in a safe and accessible way.
- Signposting the various welfare and outreach programs available at the University and in the wider Nottingham area.
More information can be found here.
What can I do to help make sure your university experience is a good one?
You don't have to do much! Just be aware of our differences and how things that may seem like everyday experiences for some can be challenging for others. And speak up when you see something that seems inappropriate!
In the unfortunate event that you do experience harassment, or if you are worried about someone else, please contact the University confidentially via Report and Support.