In June 2021 we ran Committee Fest - our annual training and development festival for incoming student leaders. This year we: Ran 29 virtual training events, covering everything from finance...
FIND OUT HOW BRISTOL SU REPRESENTS YOU AT UNIVERSITY
WHO REPRESENTS YOU?
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Academic reps
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All representing 26,000 students
In your lectures, during exams and in your free time it’s a huge job making sure you’re represented. Luckily we’ve got just the people to do the job. Twice a year Bristol students elect the people they trust to represent them on issues from course costs to mental health and wellbeing.
Bristol SU supports a team of around 600 reps, all led by our seven full time officers and the networks that they oversee.
OFFICERS AND NETWORKS
The full time officer team are students elected every March to help shape the direction of the Union for the next year.
They work full time to represent you on a range of issues and are responsible for your academic interests both on your course and when working to influence University policy at a higher level.
Meet your new Officer Team for 2021-22
You can click on each officer to find out more about them, and read about their priorities for the year ahead.
what have we been doing?
academic year 2020/21
Bristol SU Lettings secures 500 student tenancies
Bristol SU Lettings are our in-house student tenant agency. This year they have arranged close to 500 new student tenancies and carried out over 5000 virtual and in-person viewings. Bristol...
Bristol’s Students love Volunteering!
Bristol's students have stepped up and volunteered for numerous local volunteering projects this year. Despite the ongoing pandemic, students have shown their committment to supporting our local community through a...
Covid Test Funding for International Students
Roy (International) successfully secured funding from the university for testing and quarantine for international students in certain circumstances. This funding removes a massive financial burden on International students who were...
Preventing Sexual Violence and Harassment
We launced our No Means No research into sexual harassment and consent culture on Bristol's campus this year. Jason (Equality, Liberation, and Access) has led this campaign and has used...
The Bristol SU Loft is now open!
The Bristol SU Loft is now open in Senate House! This space was campaigned for by several SU Officer teams and we're really pleased to see students enjoying the new...
Sanctuary Scholars Legal Fund
This year we have supported two applications to the Sanctuary Scholar Legal Fund - designed to support asylum-seeking students by covering the costs of their legal fees. STAR (Student Action...
Sustainability in Education
David (UG Education) has successfully designed a new interdisciplinary programme for undergraduates which would allow them to complete their degree ‘With Sustainability’. This programme is a major vehicle for the...
Decolonising the Curriculum
David (UG Education) and Khadija (BAME Network Chair) set up several 'Decolonising Working Groups' in schools and departments across the university. These groups will ensure that students are driving changes...
Inclusive Sport
Rushab (Sport and Student Development) worked with BEAT to deliver training around fatphobic language and diet culture for sports clubs. Rushab also secured women-only gym and swim sessions, and LGBT+-only...
Fee Justice Now campaign
In March we launched our campaign for Fee Justice Now. This campaign called for fee compensation for the 'class of covid' in recognition that the experience students had received this year...
2000 trees planted with Ecosia
Bristol students Hannah Rose and Elspeth Taylor led a campaign for the university to make a switch to Ecosia as the default search engine on all university computers. They were...
Climate Emergency Day of Action
In February we held our first ever Climate Emergency Day of Action. This day was filled with events, panels, campaigns, and talks from high profile speakers which educated and empowered...
My Rent, My Rights
We ran the My Rent My Rights campaign to empower students to know their rights as renters, introduce them to external housing organisations (e.g. Acorn Tenants' Union), and support them...
Affordable Beds in Halls
We have lobbied the university to increase the affordable bed provision in halls for next year from 5% to 7%, with the majority of room rents being frozen.
Peer Support Networks
We have supported the creation of several peer support networks this year, notably through Bristol SU Wellbeing Network and PROJECT:TALK. We have supported these students to get these programmes up...
Support for Trans Students
Jason (Equality, Liberation, and Access) and Ruth (Student Living) have been working with Marten (Trans Network Chair) to influence the University's new name change guidance, and have also worked with...
Personal Tutoring
David (UG Education), Leah (PG Education), Ruth (Student Living), and Jason (Equality, Liberation, and Access) have played an integral role in the University's review of personal tutoring. They have worked...
Debt Collection Policy
Ruth and Jason successfully persuaded the university to U-turn on their policy of using students' bursaries to cover rent arrears. Jason and Ruth sat on the University's Debt Collection Review...
Rent Strike 2020/21
We supported the Bristol student rent strike, reported to be the largest in UK history with over 1000 student signups. Led by Bristol, Cut the Rent and supported by the...
Assessment Mitigations
Following three days of talks with the University in January, and months of campaigning, an agreement on assessment mitigations was reached.
Support for International Students
Roy Kiruri, your International Students’ Officer, has been meeting with counterparts from other Student Unions to plan a campaign on tuition fee reductions for International Students. Many International students have...
Rent Rebates
Your Student Living Officer Ruth Day successfully lobbied the University to agree to a rent rebate scheme. Students who are not currently in residence in university halls, and who are...
Student Group award winners 2020
Our student groups saw national award success throughout 2020. At the National Societies and Volunteering Awards Bristol students and groups took home awards from four out of ten categories.
Financial Hardship
Ruth and Jason have been working with the university to ensure that proper procedures are put in place to support students in debt. Ruth and David have also been working...
Refreshers
In January we celebrated all our fantastic student groups with Refreshers. With online mingles, streams, giveaways and more, we wanted to keep our student community connected and meeting new people...
Foodbank drives
We led two foodbank collection drives for the new Emergency Foodbank in Redcliffe and opened collection points in student halls of residence. Students donated over 50kg of food, cleaning products...
Open Letter to Landlords
In early January we sent a public letter to landlords and accommodation providers, to ask them to reduce financial pressure on their student tenants during the coronavirus outbreak. The University...
Securing more spaces in Senate House
Bristol SU is pleased to be opening two new spaces within Senate House in January 2021, expanding the Student Union presence on campus further, to better support out students.
Creating a Black Students’ Network
The Black Students’ Network aims to provide a home and safe space for Black students at the University, and to support existing networks and societies to ensure the diverse experience...
Study Spaces
Leah (Postgraduate Education Officer) and David (Undergraduate Education Officer) have successfully proposed and lobbied for the University to increase staffing provision in the libraries. All study spaces will stay open...
Harm Reduction Approach to Alcohol and Other Drugs
The first of its kind at the University of Bristol, the Harm Reduction campaign aims to remove barriers from students accessing support, and to reduce the risk of harm associated...
what have we been doing?
academic year 2019/20
LaunchPad shortlisted for regional award
LaunchPad opened in September 2019 and is a mixed community housing scheme set up for University of Bristol students, young people at risk of homelessness and Key Workers. This is...
Learning to Lead – a new course for our Student Leaders
The course is highly personalised and intensive, taking students through their year as a group leader. We train key skills in fortnightly workshops and work on their personal development in...
Smashing more records for elections and student council
Smashing more records for elections and student council 4340 students voted in the first term elections, smashing all previous term 1 records! 280 student leaders attended Student Council and passed...
Revamped our Student Group of the Month celebrations
Revamped our Student Group of the Month celebrations We launched our revamped ‘Student group of the month’ competition, with an amazing 31 nominations in the first month alone. The first...
Welcoming new reps for International Students, Care Leavers & Estranged Students and more
We welcomed our first International Students Full Time Officer this year, who has represented and strengthened our community of international students. Three new Networks came into action this year: the...
Relaunched Intramural sport
Our student opportunities team devised a new model for our fun, social, Intramural sports competition which introduced a range of new sports and new ways to play. We now have...
Supported the launch of the Global Lounge
Supported the launch of the Global Lounge We supported the University in launching the Global Lounge, a new welcoming space aimed at our students from around the world. We co-ran...
The Bristol SU Living Room’s 1st birthday
December kicked off with the celebration of the Bristol SU Living Room’s first birthday. Now a second home for 700 students every day, the SU Living Room has hosted almost...
We’ve opened new Living Rooms in residencies!
We’ve opened new Living Rooms in residencies! Following the success of the Bristol SU Living Room in Senate House, we secured four new Living Rooms in halls of residence for...
Meat Free Mondays in Catered Halls and the Balloon Bar
Meat Free Mondays in Catered Halls and the Balloon Bar After working with the catering and sustainability departments at the university, Meat Free Mondays has been launched in all 5...
Bristol SU Living Rooms to open in halls of residence!
Following the success of the Bristol SU Living Room in Senate House, we will be opening several new Living Rooms in the North and West village for September 2019.
Bristol su supports hundreds of students to get a dbs check so they can get started with volunteering
See how volunteering can improve your student experience:
how we supported you during the first covid-19 lockdown
ACCOMMODATION
you said:
I’ve left my student accommodation and have no intention of returning. It’s not fair that I have to keep paying rent.
we did:
- We pushed for students living in University allocated accommodation to not have to pay rent for the final term if they weren’t planning to return to that accommodation. Further information can found here.
we're going to keep doing:
We know that there are students in private rented accommodation who need support and are looking to see what we can do here. We also know that some International students are worried about being unable to return home after their tenancy ends – we’re pushing the university to come up with a solution to this which is favourable to students.
you said:
I don’t live in University halls but have also left my student accommodation and have no intention of returning. It’s not fair that I have to keep paying rent.
we did:
- Bristol SU Lettings wrote to all landlords explaining the situation their tenants were in. Some of our landlords through Bristol SU lettings have cut rent payments completely and 25 have waived up to 50% off rent payments for students in their final term.
- We issued an open letter to accommodation providers and Letting Agents across the city, as well as providing a template for students to contact their landlord with.
- We’ve written to Thangam Debbonaire MP to ask her to highlight additional support needed from the government so that landlords can put in rent reductions for students.
we're going to keep doing:
Lobbying relevant people to put something in place for students, and signpost students who are struggling to the financial support available.
assessments
isolation/ loneliness
you said:
Students asked for greater clarity around online assessments and requested a no-detriment policy similar to other universities.
we did:
Our education officers, Hillary Gyebi-Ababio and Chris Brasnett, worked closely with the University and academic reps and have ensured some good outcomes for students as the University’s guidance has developed:
- Automatic extensions for students who need them
- A new, streamlined Extenuating Circumstances process for students who need it
- Ensuring the needs of disabled students, parents and carers and international students are explicitly considered in the policy and design of assessments
- The ability to retake an assessment without penalty
- Bringing the date forward for when finalists will be told what their “safety net” is, by three weeks so more students get answers sooner
We made sure that the University were engaging with students in key conversations on online assessments and teaching, including securing SSLCs to discuss this with academic reps.
we're going to keep doing:
While these points are positive, we still don’t think it’s perfect, and will continue to push for a better deal for students. We’re continuing to gather feedback on students thought on assessments and online teaching which we are sharing with the university.
I’ve sent out a specific survey to PGR students to find out their concerns and needs so that I can effectively represent this to the University.
you said:
Being in social isolation is tough! Some students are apart from family, friends and loved ones and others are finding it difficult being back at home.
we did:
- We’ve set up an online Bristol SU Living Room to help you keep connected to different students whilst the university continues online.
- We’ve been working with SU staff to pull together a programme of different activity online to keep you busy and part of the university community. We’ve been working with student groups to involve them in this timetable, as well as introducing new events such as a quiz hosted by George and a FIFA tournament.
- We’ve also been supporting our student groups to take their activity online so that you can still get involved with your society or sports club. There is now new guidance available to student groups on how to host an AGM online and more.
- We’ve introduced new ways for students to connect and take part in activities by introducing Micro-Communities. These are pop-up virtual communities, bringing people together around a common interest, event or topic. Micro-Communities are free, casual, temporary and online.
we're going to keep doing:
Letting you know what’s happening and what you can get involved in, whether that’s volunteering your time, taking part in Give it a Go online or staying in touch with your student group.
finance
other initiatives
you said:
Students are struggling financially, particularly those of us who have lost jobs.
we did:
After successful lobbying from the Bristol SU Officers, the university have ‘topped up’ the Financial Assistance Fund and International Hardship Fund meaning there is more financial support available for students in need.
we're going to keep doing:
Making sure that the university is supporting students in need and signposting to the resources available to students.
Care Leavers and Estranged Students Network: Secured funding for, produced and distributed 45 Covid-19 Care Packages for the Care Leavers and Estranged Students Network.
Bristol SU: Gathered feedback from over 500 students to find out their concerns and what support they need. We have taken this to the University and used this research to inform the key things we are asking for.
LAST YEAR OVER 1,200 PEOPLE USED OUR JUST ASK SERVICE
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Including 443 academic appeals
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and around 390 questions about assessments
See how our Just Ask Service improves your student experience:
what else have we been doing?
academic year 2018/19
Global Carnival
Bristol SU’s International Students’ Network, Postgraduate Education Officer Shubham and a multitude of cultural societies teamed up to bring you a celebration of the things that make Bristol SU such...
Sports Night
Our regular Sports Nights at Gravity, and SCORE, have channeled over £11,000 of ticket sales back into our sports clubs. For the second year running Men's Rugby have earned the...
Blocked Saturday exams
UG Education Officer Nasra stopped the University from putting exams on a Saturday or squeezing 3 exams into a day, instead getting them to agree to extend the exam period...
Graduation Bursary
Undergraduate Education Officer Nasra and Equalities Officer Sally have been working hard to reduce the hidden costs that arise from studying, securing a graduation bursary from the University to cover...
Oversaw the launch of Report and Support
Equalities Officer Sally has overseen the launch of the report and support tool to make to easier for survivors to report incidences of assault and harrassment. She has also been...
Engaging with external speakers
Supported students to bring in over 250 speakers to the inform, educate and inspire their peers to continue learning outside of the curriculum
DBS Superstars
We supported over 300 students to obtain their DBS checks in the UK helping them start their volunteering journey
Awarded 44 Gold Balloons
This year a record 44 student groups were awarded a coveted gold balloon for their outstanding work delivering extracurricular activities for students at the University of Bristol
Biggest ever JCR Forum turnout
Had half of JCR committee members engage with their forum to feedback issues to the University.
Fit and Fabulous
The Fit and Fab programme delivers cheap accessible exercise for all who identify as female. It's a vibrant community of exercise stompers, shakers and movers Over 700 members took part...
Created a sponsorship catalogue for Sports Clubs and Societies
Worked with the Union Affairs Officer Stanford and Sport and Student Development Officer Ginny to create a catalogue of clubs and societies that helps them connect with potential sponsors
800 Bristol students and staff competing in the Bristol 10k
As part of the 2018/19 Varsity Series we partnered with the Great Bristol 10k to offer a huge discount on entries to the 10k. This resulted in 800 students and...
NUS Simpson King Award
Bristol SU's CEO, Sam Budd, received the Simpson King Staff Achievement Award at the 2018 NUS awards. This award recognises those who have dedicated their careers to making an incredible...
arts tutors to take mid-term feedback
Students in the Arts Faculty can now give formal feedback about their units midway through the term, giving time for tutors to make amendments that current students will actually see.
su research team shortlisted for a bristol teaching award
Britsol SU's research and policy staff (who work on getting student opinions, hearing about your experiences and making sure they are properly represented) were shortlisted for the Enhancing the Student...
moving arts reading week to the middle of term
TB2 reading week is to be moved to the middle of term, breaking up eight solid weeks of teaching. Arts students had raised concerns about having a reading week directly...
Inclusive companies awards
Bristol SU's CEO, Sam Budd, won the Diversity Champion: Education award at the 2018 Inclusive Companies Awards. The SU was also shortlised for the Diversity Marketing Campaign Award, particularly for...
Record turnout for the first student council of 2018/19
Our first Student Council of the academic year saw a record 234 student leaders come together to vote on motions proposed by the student body.
Making recordings of lectures available
Bristol SU successfully lobbied the University to implement a policy requiring all lectures to be recorded and made available online. This means that students who miss lectures due to health...
Launched the SU Living Room on campus
Bringing your SU onto campus! You asked for a space on campus which is specifically for relaxing and socialising (not learning and studying), and a space where you can bring...
lecture re/play
Many students who experience hardship during their studies inevitably miss classes, particularly those with an ongoing health condition or disability.
From 2015 lecture capture was rolled out across the university, however the availability of recordings was inconsistent across schools and within courses. SU officers continued to lobby the University to implement policy making audiovisual recordings of lectures obligatory.
Because of this lobbying the university invested in extending and improving Re/Play in response to staff and student demand. This ensures that students across all courses have equal access to recordings.
See how lecture replay supports your studies:
what else have we been doing?
Pre 2017
bristol su lettings highest rated agency in bristol
In 2015, 93% of customers were satisfied with Bristol SU lettings. It was ranked the highest rated lettings agency in Bristol according to the Bristol SU housing survey which compiled...
funding secured for the bristol su postgraduate network
In order to help develop the postgraduate community at Bristol, we secured £20,000 of funding from the university to develop the postgraduate network. We held several events for postgraduates in...
Women in STEM report
Following research into women's experience in STEM at the University of Bristol, a report was released which was presented to the University of Bristol's Student Experience Committee and Careers Equalities...
National centre for diversity award winners
The National Centre for Diversity awards celebrate the achievements of grass-root communities that tackle issues surrounding equality, diversity and inclusion, giving them recognition for their dedication and hard work. As...
Launched the Richmond Lectures
The Richmond Lectures are the University's flagship public lecture series, launched in 2015 by Undergraduate Education Officer Max Austin. Now in their third year, they aim to promote cross-disciplinary discussion...
Balloon bikes scheme
In order to give students access to a cheap and sustainable transport, Balloon Bikes was launched allowing students to loan a bike for the academic year.
Bristol SU Lettings awarded new ‘Rent with Confidence’ Accreditation
Bristol SU Lettings is one of the first organisations to have been awarded with the ‘Rent with Confidence’ accreditation. The standard will help tenants rent with confidence, knowing that their...
Guardian University Awards names Bristol SU runner-up for Sustainability Project
The Guardian University Awards honour universities for projects that transform the lives of students and communities. The brilliant achievements of Bristol SU were recognised and the ‘Go Green’ project was...
Bristol su recognised with queen’s award for volunteering
39% of students gave their time to voluntary projects in 2016, which amounted to a staggering 100,000 hours. They volunteered on projects ranging from sustainability initiatives to working with children...
Biggest ever Varsity series
2017 was a good year for sport, as we made it into the top 10 of the BUCS league table and saw the biggest and best-selling Varsity series, raising a...
winners of diversity awards at the nus awards
Bristol SU wins a Diversity Award at the NUS Awards 2017 for the commitment of its students and staff to creating a culture that celebrates diversity in the University.
Bristol futures consultation
Bristol SU led a student consultation to feed into the University's development of the Bristol Futures initiative, ensuring that the open online courses offered were designed with the academic and...
launched equality and diversity careers week
Bristol SU teamed up with the Bright Network to organise a week of workshops, panels and networking events with a focus on building up the skills, opportunities and connections to...
university accommodation bursaries available to students in halls
Bristol SU lobbied the University for more affordable accommodation for all students resulting in accommodation bursaries of £1,000 per annum available to students if they are living in University allocated...
new pricing structure released for more affordable sport at bristol
Bristol SU and the Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health worked together to create a new pricing model for sport. This offers students a reduced price and the opportunity to...
Bristol SU Lettings
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in letting fees saved
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Rated student lettings agency in Bristol
Thousands
of students housed each year
See how better student housing can help your studies
why did we choose to work on those things?
student democracy
Bristol SU is a democracy. This means that you elect the people who lead the SU and stand up for you and you get a vote on active SU policy.
There are loads of opportunities for you to have your say throughout the year, whether that’s by voting in an election, telling your reps about your time at uni or even suggesting, and voting on policy at democratic events.
Research
Bristol SU regularly conducts research into the student experience. This is undertaken by our Research and Evaluation Coordinator, and teams of Student Researchers. The research conducted by Bristol SU includes surveys, interviews and focus groups. Some research projects are focused on a specific topic, such as the BME attainment gap, and other research projects are more explorative and cover the whole student experience.
We use research to find out more about students’ experiences at Bristol. The results are used to both improve our own services and to lobby the University to improve the student experience.
have your say
student council
Tell your reps what changes you’d like to see and have them suggest and vote on policy
elections
Run to be a rep, and have your say on who will represent you in the upcoming academic year
message your officers
David
Undergraduate Education Officer
Leah
Postgraduate Education Officer
Jason
Equality, Liberation & Access Officer
Rushab
Sport & Student Development Officer
Roy
International Students Officer
Ruth
Student living officer
