As part of this year's Spring Elections, we are also running a referendum on joining the National Union of Students (NUS).

Right now, the world feels pretty scary and overwhelming and it can be easy to lose hope, but the most powerful tool we have is each other. Collective organising is now more important than ever, as only together can we fight for the causes we believe in, like climate justice, liberation and fair housing for all students. That is why this year as Student President I will be launching the campaign to say ‘Yes to NUS’ because I believe that together we are stronger, and right now we really need each other.

What does the National Union of Students do?  

NUS is your national union representing university and college students across the UK. NUS exists to make education and our world better through the power of collective organising and campaigning.

Over the last two years, with students’ unions and students working together, NUS have achieved some BIG WINS for students:

• Put £800m back into students’ pockets via rent wins and student support funds.
• U-turn on A-Level and BTEC grades. 
• Made the government and authorities concede on what refunds/redos students not receiving adequate education are eligible for. 
• Had idespread, no-detriment policies during the pandemic. 
• 50 unions supported the Student Strike which mobilised 2000 students in London and six regional events. 
• Had a pledge to end NDAs signed by 54 institutions. 
• Helped freeze the student loan threshold.
• 800 supporters/40 SUs signed a divest to decolonise open letter. 

Why is joining NUS important for the GSASA?

NUS also offers crucial support to Sabbatical Officers and can help in times of crisis. During my time as Student President, I have had to function as both CEO and Sabbatical Officer without the correct training or support. If the GSASA had been part of a wider union of students then we could have reached out to experienced members of staff for help during these times of pressure.

So, by joining NUS we can make sure that our future sabbs (that could be you) are protected and supported, because you should always feel supported during your time at the GSASA.

We are already a part of the NUS charity which gives us access to some really valuable resources like training for students and affiliating to NUS would help us develop the GSASA even more!

NUS also are running a campaign right now around student housing and working hard to make sure that your rights as renters are protected. If you want to learn more about current NUS campaigns you can check them out here: https://www.nus-scotland.org.uk/campaigns

That all sounds great, so how can I make sure we join NUS?

All you need to do is remember to vote in the 2025 Spring Elections from 31st March (9am) to the 2nd April (5pm). In the question box to select your preferred candidate there will also be a question about joining NUS and you just need to select yes if you want to join.

How to find out more

If you have any questions you can contact me at a.bickerstaff@gsa.ac.uk or come and drop by my office located on the ground floor of the assembly building.

You can find out more about all the great work that NUS do for students on their website and social media:

Website

NUS UK Instagram

NUS Scotland Instagram

By Alicia Bickerstaff, Student President