Bristol Students' Union

Bristol Students' Union
Name	Bristol Students' Union
Formation	1909
Type	Students' union
Headquarters	Richmond Building, Queen's Road, Bristol
Affiliation	National Union of Students
Website	https://www.bristolsu.org.uk/

Bristol Students' Union. It is the representative body for students at the University of Bristol, founded in 1909 as the University of Bristol Students' Union. The union provides a wide range of services, supports over 350 student groups, and campaigns on local and national issues affecting the student population. It is based in the Richmond Building on Queen's Road and is a member of the National Union of Students.

History

The origins of the union trace back to 1909, following the granting of a royal charter to the University of Bristol. Early activities were housed in a former church on Park Row, with the union formally constituting itself in the years leading up to the First World War. A significant milestone was reached in 1925 with the opening of the Wills Memorial Building, which provided a dedicated union space including a library and debating hall. Post-Second World War expansion of the University of Bristol led to increased membership, culminating in the move to its current purpose-built home, the Richmond Building, in 1965. This building, named after the Richmond estate which helped fund it, has been redeveloped several times, including a major refurbishment completed in 2018.

Organisation and governance

The union is a registered charity and is led by a team of annually elected full-time sabbatical officers, including a President and officers for areas like Education and Welfare. Ultimate governance rests with a Trustee Board which includes these officers, external trustees, and student representatives. Democratic oversight is provided by the Student Council, a body comprising representatives from academic schools and student groups, which sets policy and holds officers to account. The union operates under a constitution and is affiliated with the National Union of Students, participating in its national conferences and campaigns.

Services and facilities

The Richmond Building serves as the central hub, housing the Balloon Bar, Loft nightclub, and multiple catering outlets. It provides comprehensive support services including an Advice and Representation Centre for academic and housing issues, and a Jobshop for part-time employment. The building also contains study spaces, a print shop, and commercial venues like Gallimaufry which host live music. Other key facilities include the Anson Rooms for large-scale events and gigs, and the Bristol SU Living Room which offers a relaxed social space. The union manages student housing through its Bristol Student Villages and operates a commercial trading arm.

Student activities and groups

The union supports one of the largest and most diverse student group networks in the UK, with over 350 affiliated societies covering interests from drama and radio to politics, academia, and culture. Athletic provision is managed in partnership with the University of Bristol through Bristol Sport, offering over 50 sports clubs that compete in the British Universities and Colleges Sport leagues. Notable performing groups include the long-standing Bristol University Dramatic Society and the award-winning Bristol Revunions comedy troupe. The union also facilitates student media, including Epigram newspaper and Burst Radio.

Representation and campaigns

The union represents student interests directly to the University of Bristol leadership, including University Council and Senate, on issues such as tuition fees, assessment, and campus facilities. It runs annual institutional campaigns like Bristol SU Elections and Welcome Week, alongside issue-based campaigns focusing on mental health, cost of living, and decolonisation. Nationally, it mobilises students for NUS initiatives and protests, such as those concerning the Teaching Excellence Framework and student funding. The union also supports liberation campaigns for groups including LGBT students, women, and disabled students.

Notable alumni

Many former student leaders and active members have achieved prominence in diverse fields. In politics and public service, notable figures include Paul Boateng, Yvette Cooper, and William Waldegrave. The arts and media are represented by individuals such as David Walliams, Simon Pegg, and Emily Maitlis. In science and academia, alumni include Sir Michael Berry and Dame Julia Higgins. Other distinguished former members encompass Derren Brown, Marcus Brigstocke, and John Lloyd, highlighting the union's role in fostering talent across numerous professions.

Category:Students' unions in the United Kingdom Category:University of Bristol Category:Organisations based in Bristol Category:1909 establishments in the United Kingdom