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 ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 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.
Being a Student Rep in the Arts
Being a Student Rep is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, gain different perspectives, and develop valuable skills. To support you in your role, the Faculty of Arts offers a series of development sessions throughout the year, as well as opportunities for rewards and recognition. We celebrate the achievements of our Student Reps through initiatives such as our annual Arts Rep Awards ceremony.
Make a positive impact
‘If you want to improve your own university experience, and if you have the ideas, confidence and courage, you should be out there and become a rep’
Build friendships and connections
‘It's a really good way of making friends...I got to talk to loads of different people on my course’
Gain new perspectives
‘It's been really worthwhile to get other people's perspectives’
Develop skills
‘I've definitely gained communication skills... a newfound confidence when speaking to people...teamwork skills’
Find out more about being a course rep
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.
Societies that are popular with students from the School of English, include:
The Creative Writing Society
The Creative Writing Society welcomes anyone with a passion for writing, whether for personal expression, study, or fun. With regular events such as weekly Lit Circles, critique sessions, and opportunities to contribute to the society’s magazine, it offers a supportive space to develop your skills, share your work, and connect with fellow writers
Poetry and Spoken Word Society
The Poetry & Spoken Word Society is a welcoming community for anyone interested in poetry and performance. Offering workshops, performance opportunities, publishing, and competitions, the society supports members of all experience levels to explore their creativity and find their voice
Impact Magazine
Impact is the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½’s official student magazine, published by the Students’ Union since 1939. Run entirely by volunteers, it produces a free, full-colour magazine four times each academic year, alongside an online platform featuring regularly updated exclusive content.
Book Club
Whether you’re someone who reads all the time or just occasionally picks up a book, the UoN Book Club is a friendly and laid‑back society open to everyone. The group meets regularly to discuss a chosen book, alongside conversations about literature more broadly, with members able to suggest and vote on future reads. With a wide range of genres covered and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a great way to discover new books, share recommendations, and meet like‑minded people
English Society
The English Society is a welcoming, student‑run community open to anyone interested in English as a subject, language, or culture. Offering a mix of socials, trips, networking events, and careers talks, it provides opportunities to meet like‑minded people, build skills, and gain new experiences. With everything from coffee mornings and theatre trips to guest speakers and formal events, it’s a great way to connect with others, expand your interests, and make the most of university life
Travel Society
If you’re looking to explore beyond ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, the Travel Society offers exciting opportunities to see the UK and beyond with fellow students. Dedicated to organising fun and affordable trips, the society runs everything from day trips and weekend getaways to week‑long holidays across the UK and Europe. With destinations ranging from cities like York and Edinburgh to international trips, it’s a great way to travel, meet new people, and make unforgettable memories while studying
Networks
Your networks offer support in a friendly, safe space helping you find where you belong!.