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Students' Union

Your Students' Union (SU) is at the heart of student life.

They are an independent, student-led organisation that represents your needs, protects your rights and, when it comes to making important decisions that affect you, makes sure your voice is heard. And as a University of Nottingham student, you're already a valued and celebrated member of the SU.

From its home in the Portland Building, the SU works hard to make sure your university experience is the best it can be, from the day you arrive to the day you graduate. They're here to make sure that you can experience a huge range of social, cultural, sporting and recreational activities, make changes by standing up for what you believe in, and find support when you need a helping hand.

Explore more about the SU

Societies - get involved, have fun

You can join any of the SU's diverse and vibrant societies. With over 200 societies and other student-run groups and services you can pursue your current passion or hobby, find a society or organisation specific to your degree…or try something new? You might even want to start your own society.

The school's very own Politics Society is closely affiliated with us and is run by students, for students. The Politics Society organises events, some of which are related to your work – debates, visiting speakers, trips to places of interest — but also many that are purely social. We pride ourselves on being able to support the society in its activities, helping to foster a strong and everlasting community for our staff and students alike.

Apart from the Politics Society, we also collaborate with the Model United Nations Society (MUN), Nottingham Citizens and Amnesty International. The Model United Nations Society combines discussions on important global issues in an informal, welcoming environment. Every Thursday evening, they debate a different topic in the style and structure of the United Nations. Members assume the role of a UN member state and represent their view.

The society discusses various issues such as the Kashmir conflict, the Rohyinga refugee crisis and the Red Sea crisis and seeks effective solutions. Everyone gets a chance to put forward their own view, and to take further questions from other delegates, all in a non-judgemental and low-stakes atmosphere.

After every session, the society holds a social at The White Hart pub in Lenton, just a couple of tram stops away from the university. They also hold regular events with societies from the university and beyond. This is a great way of forming friendships and networking with like-minded people interested in politics!

You can join them at their two introductory debates on Thursday 26 September, or come along to their non-alcoholic social on the Friday.

During Welcome Week, which starts on the 23 September, you can find out more about all our societies at the Students’ Union Freshers’ Fair, which will be included on your timetable. We also recommend following our societies on social media for news and updates.

Browse societies

Become a course rep

Course reps are a vital part of the student voice. Through gathering feedback from your peers, sitting in key meetings and by lobbying or campaigning for positive change, you can make a real difference to the academic experience of those on your course.