Best Universities for Students' Union 2023

For the third year running Sheffield Students’ Union has won our SU award! Students have consistently rated it highly in reviews, commenting on the support and excellent events hosted by the union. From club nights to campaigning, Sheffield SU aims to provide the best experience for all its students!

Greenwich Students’ Union supports students throughout their time at university, both academically and socially. At each campus, the union hosts events encouraging students to meet new people and build networks (such as community breakfasts and dinners), runs a free and independent advice service, and several not-for-profit outlets. As members, students can set up their own clubs and societies or join one of the many existing groups to relax and socialise outside of university work.

Cardiff Students’ Union is a central part of university life in Cardiff. With an emphasis on student voice, the union actively engages with students on academic concerns, mental health support and hosting amazing events. The Great Hall and Y Plas venues have a 1,500 capacity, running weekly club nights and live music throughout the year.

Leeds University Union aims to help every student enjoy their time in Leeds. The union supports students through events, societies, advice and academic representation. Students at Leeds have shared how social their experience has been thanks to weekly club nights, free wellbeing events and the annual Leeds Ball.

Students' Union UCL aims to help students do more with their time at university. With over 360 clubs and societies, weekly events and volunteering opportunities, students have more than enough to choose from. There are 22 different sabbatical officer positions at this union, ensuring everyone is represented in key student decisions and campaigns.

Since the opening of its new building One Elmwood, Queen's Students' Union has been thriving. The union building is home to the Mandela Hall, a new 1000-capacity venue which hosts live music and comedy shows. Over 25,000 students at Queen's also make use of the union's volunteering, enterprise and university support throughout the year.

As a students' union for over 36,000 students, Birmingham Guild of Students provides support, employment and societies on campus. The Guild works closely with the University of Birmingham to ensure the student voice is heard in academic and institutional matters. In the day-to-day, the Guild hosts weekly events e.g. the ‘De-stresstival’ wellbeing sessions in yoga and other exercise classes.

Strath Union has been supporting students in Glasgow since 1964. Recently opening up a new students' union building, Strath Union boasts non-profit cafes and a bar for students to enjoy. The Advice Hub at the union provides students with support on housing, finance and academic studies. There are also over 200 societies including sports teams, run by the union.

Glasgow University Union is known for its successful debating teams and historical union building. The union hosts weekly debate training, open mic nights and nightclub events. In the union building, students enjoy Beer Bar and the Billiards Hall, which has the cheapest snooker table hire in Glasgow!

Loughborough Students’ Union is well known for its excellent athletics union, societies and social events on campus. Students can choose from over 90 different groups relating to academics, faith, arts and sports. The union is home to the biggest clubbing venue in Loughborough, making it a hub for socialising and local nightlife.

Nottingham Trent SU supports students across the City, Brackenhurst and Clifton campuses. From weekly night clubbing events to hiking and summer celebrations, there is an activity for every type of student at Nottingham Trent. The union also offers ‘give it a go’ events, where students can try new things and discover a society or club they may not have thought of joining!

SUSU is run by students for students. The Students' Union is over 100 years old, starting as a small group of student representatives and now is an innovative, bustling hub on campus for over 12,000 students. The union has various places students can eat and drink on campus, including a vegan cafe and outdoor courtyard bar.

The Liverpool Guild of Students is a democratically-run union with over 27,000 student members. Students have a choice of over 200 clubs and societies, from sports to general interest groups. The guild also provides advice for students on housing, finance and mental wellbeing, ensuring everyone is enjoying their time in Liverpool.

Ulster University Students' Union currently represents over 25,000 students in Northern Ireland. They aim to be an inclusive and supportive community where students can have their views heard and campaigned for. UUSU annually recognises student successes in it's Student Excellence Awards and monthly Society Spotlight.

Based on the Whiteknights campus, Reading Students’ Union is a student-led organisation that aims to make student life at Reading University the best it can be. Within each school at Reading, Wellbeing Champions are linked to the union, making sure students have access to mental health services when they need it. The union is also home to over 150 societies including sports, campaigning groups and careers-focused clubs.

Bristol SU aims to support academic achievement, provide somewhere for students to socialise, and represent all students on important issues. There are around 400 clubs and societies at Bristol SU, making it one of the most diverse in the country. Students can find the best groups for their interests by filling in a quiz on the SU website. This then recommends which club or society is perfect for them!

The Union at Manchester Metropolitan University is a hub of opportunities, spaces to socialise and activities for students. There’s The Cafe, The Shop and even an on-campus pub—The Salutation. Students can start new societies or join one of the many existing options, as a way of meeting new people and enjoying their time at uni.

Northumbria Students' Union represents students across every campus at Northumbria University. The union is run by a team of students who are there to listen to any concerns or issues people have while at uni. Students can benefit from employability opportunities such as volunteering events or through the women in leadership scheme.

St Andrews Students’ Association has ranked in the top 20 again, according to student reviews! Representing students in all areas, the union has subcommittees to advocate for the diverse community at St Andrews. Across both semesters, the union hosts themed weeks such as careers, disability and community relations, providing a range of events to entertain and educate students.

As a student-led organisation, Exeter Students' Guild exists to represent students in their time at university. Students have access to the Advice Service, where they can seek help with finance, housing, wellbeing and academic concerns. Hundreds of societies host weekly events at the union including intramural sports, discussion groups and day trips.