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How to get involved with Students' Union UCL

10 February 2020

It can be intimidating to be part of such a large institution as UCL, especially as an international student, but getting involved with the Students’ Union can help you to make change and feel like part of a community.

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National societies

Students’ Union UCL is home to over 60 cultural and National & Cultural societies where you can meet and have fun with people from all over the world. National & Cultural student groups are at the heart of the cultural fabric at UCL. They often organize fantastic events that are free of charge and open to all UCL students to join in. For membership, events and other information, please visit the Club and Society section of the SU website.


Get involved with democracy

The Students’ Union is a democratic body which makes its democratic decisions through three ‘Policy Zones’: Activities, Education, and Welfare & Community.

You can get involved easily by submitting a policy proposal or a general idea to be discussed on the SU website. Some of the things that have been talked about at Zone meetings this year include mental health support, sustainability, and accommodation costs. Even if you’ve never been involved with the Students’ Union before, the Zones are forums for all students to make changes happen.


Elections

The Students’ Union is led by elected student officers, some full-time and some part-time. As an international student, you are represented by the International Students’ Officers which is a part-time role and the Welfare & International Officer who works full time for you. Their jobs are to represent you and your interests to UCL and in the wider community. To find out more about what they’re doing you can get in touch with them or submit a question to be asked in a democratic meeting.

If you would like to be even more involved, you could run for an Officer position in our Leadership Race. If you’re continuing as a student at UCL next year you can apply for the part-time officer role. Any UCL student is eligible to run for the full-time sabbatical roles even if you are on a visa or due to graduate. The role is paid a salary of approximately £25k and we help you with visa requirements.

Find out more about the election and all roles available by visiting the SU website. 

Applications are open from now until 4th March and we’ll be holding events for interested candidates throughout February. We’re inviting international students to come along and chat to us about the opportunities on Friday 14 February at 1pm in the SU building.