Ahead of the KCLSU Elections, (nominations open on 29 January), we thought we’d give you a quick rundown of what a Students’ Union is, and what KCLSU does.
A Students' Union is a student-led organisation that exists to represent the students at a University or College. Nearly every University or College has a Student Union (although they are sometimes called Students Association or Guild). As a student at King’s, you are automatically a member of King's College London Students' Union (that's us!). King's College London Students' Union (KCLSU) exists to help every King’s student have the best experience possible. As the oldest Students’ Union in the UK (founded in 1873), we are run by students at every level, with the Student Officer team leading the whole organisation. Here are a few of the things we do to help you have the best time as a student.
Running venues and events
KCLSU runs bars and cafes across King’s campuses, which are perfect spaces to relax with friends. The two cafes, The Shack and The Shed, offer food and drinks and are perfectly located to drop in to between or after lectures. There are also two bars, Guy’s Bar and The Vault, where you can?get food as well as reasonably priced drinks! All the money you spend in our bars and cafes is reinvested back into the students' union. The bars also run club nights throughout the year, including the infamous sports nights. Finally, don’t forget The Union Shop, where you can stock up on all of the King’s merch!?Find out more about our venues?here.
Offering advice and support
KCLSU is always here to advise and support you! KCLSU Advice Team offers free, confidential and impartial advice on a myriad of issues, ranging from Mitigating Circumstances and Academic Appeals to Housing, Finance and general well-being.?Learn more about the support we offer.
Student activity groups
With nearly 500 Student Activity Groups and 80 Sports Clubs on offer, there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you're passionate about Formula 1 or you’re an aspiring Hedge Fund manager with an interest in Muay Thai at the weekends, we have something that'll pique your interest.
If by chance, you don't find a society that aligns with your passion, we'll support you in setting one up. In fact, two of our officers, Steven Suresh and Janvi Jagasia co-founded the Formula 1 Society just last year.?Discover all our societies here! Nominations for committee roles open on the 29 January, so now is the perfect time to get involved to see if you would like to stand!
Representing your interests
KCLSU is run by students, for students - our decisions, policies and what we do are decided by our 40,000 student members, including you! Make sure to participate in the elections to elect the?Student Officers, Union Development members, Trustees, Networks, Academic Association Committee Members and?Student Reps?you want representing you. As a democratic charity and membership organisation, students lead the students' union?at every level to achieve our priorities.?
Now that you have a better idea of what a students' union is,?we hope you can come to see it for yourself. Make sure to visit our website and follow us on our social media?to be aware of everything that is happening. You can?find out more about KCLSU on this page.