National Union of Students



While you are considering what to do when you finish school, you may come across the organisation ‘National Union of Students’ (NUS).  So what is it that they do exactly.

The NUS is the representative body of 95% of the students within the UK.  They are currently made up of 600 student unions throughout the country, which collectively totals over 7 million students. Student unions can choose whether or not that they want to be members of the NUS, and those that are become part of the biggest student organisation in the world.

The body has a voluntary membership, which means that you have the choice whether or not to be part of them. The NUS protects the interests of students, and stands up for their rights and entitlements. They will fight the corner of students within areas such as finance, welfare and teaching standards. They provide funds for training and development for students, as well as giving advice and mediation within various matters.  An NUS membership card can be obtained from your student union, and holders of the card can enjoy discounts from various high street retailers.

The leadership of the body is organised in a democratic manner, and elections are held to choose who should lead the organisation. The NUS also assist in helping the local student unions carry out fair elections for their leadership, and making sure that those chosen are who the students want, and that they will provide you with exactly what you want. 

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