An Insight Into Leeds Student Union

• 04 Feb, '16
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If you don’t know much about what a student union is, imagine it like a student government or association. A group of students who are often voted into position run the representative body for students.

Leeds University has a student union that is led by six sabbatical officers who make up the student executive. These students are supported by volunteers and part and full-time staff. Members of the union work together to represent students in many different aspects of University life.

The Student Union at Leeds is one of the biggest student communities in the UK. The Union represents a grand total of over 30,000 students, which is a big responsibility. On a very basic level, they are there to make sure you enjoy your time at University, and get the most out of your time studying in Leeds.



The Leeds student union has a motto that it lives by:

‘Together, we’ll make sure you love your time at Leeds’

Change and reform student life

The student union has the ability to change student’s lives and implement things that students want to be done. They cover all areas of student life, from accommodation and student clubs, to course issues and volunteering.

The union works with students and University staff to make things happen. They listen to the collective voice of the 30,000 plus students and try to make positive changes based on the feedback they get. Leeds student union has ‘a proud history of enabling students to inform change in the University and the City.’

Help with learning new skills

The student’s union can help you to learn new skills while you are at University. You will learn a lot from your degree, but there are lots of other things you can do to develop your skills and enhance your education.

Social hub

Like most other Universities, Leeds student union is also a key social hub. In the union building there are lots of facilities to keep students entertained, from cafes and seating areas to restaurants, bars and clubs, Leeds union has it all. Here are some of the main social facilities you will find in the union:

Old Bar - Traditional pub.

Terrace - Restaurant with an outdoor terrace, serving food and cocktails.

Hidden Cafe - Large seating area and cafe serving hot drinks and cake.

Salad box - Food area serving healthy salads.

Balcony - Cafe serving coffee and pastries.

Nightclubs and bars - ‘With a 2000 person total capacity, these state of the art venues host live music, club nights and one-off events.’

Support when you need it

The union can also provide support during your time at University. If you have any issues then you can speak to someone at the union who will give you free independent advice.

Here are some other things that Leeds student union does

• Oversees all the University groups and societies (there are around 250 of them).


• Working with partners and external companies to improve student life.


• Provide career guidance and help students when they come to the end of their time at University and need to get a job.


• Hosting and organising student events throughout the year.