Did you know that...the University gives a block grant of around £960,000 to the Students' Union every year?

You are entitled to free and automatic membership of the Students' Union when you enrol. We are represented on each campus and have a range of responsibilities at each. You will probably be most aware of the social aspect of the Union's work - we organise entertainment through the teaching periods.

We are active in all matters of student welfare and will represent you in internal matters or make representations on your behalf if you have difficulties with outside bodies. The Education and Welfare Office deals with all kinds of financial, academic and social needs, and liaises with Student Affairs to promote student health and provide facilities and access for less-able students. We will also advise and represent you in examination appeals.

The Students' Union has a Student Financial Advisor who is available to advise students on any aspect of funding their course or managing their finances generally. The Student Financial Advisor visits the Students' Union on each campus every week during term and can be contacted by e-mail on financialadvisor@uusu.org

On a national level, the National Union of Students (NUS) and the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) act as pressure groups and campaign for students' interests on issues such as education funding and students' rights. The Union is represented on the major legislative bodies of the University, ensuring that the student body has a voice at the highest level.

We have strong links with the community at local and national levels. The public face of our community activity is the high profile RAG Week which raises thousands of pounds for charity. We also do voluntary work and generally make sure that students make a real difference in the community.

There are many opportunities to get involved in the Union. Whether it's becoming involved in your Site Executive Committee (part-time student officers working on site issues), Club Committees of Management (they run the SU Bars), taking part in RAG Week, writing for the Union magazine Ufouria, or becoming a Class or Faculty Rep, there is an option to suit everyone and will allow you to develop skills that will help you when you leave University.

Ufouria is the student magazine distributed over the four campuses. We're looking for students to cover student and mainstream issues. You can write feature articles, interview local celebs, report on the latest scoop or try your hand at some investigative journalism.

Joining one of the numerous societies is a great way to get involved with the Union. There is a very good chance you'll find something you enjoy, and you can join as many as you like. Joining a society also helps break the ice when you arrive by introducing like-minded people to each other. Whatever you choose you can be sure that there will be plenty of opportunities for socialising.

The Sports Union was set up in 2003 to promote sporting activities among members of the Students' Union. The Sports Union co-ordinates and administers all sporting activities for the Union and any financial matters relating to them. Membership of the Sports' Union and of its affiliated clubs is open to all students. There are numerous clubs to join across the campuses from the Soccer Club at Jordanstown to the Hurling club at Magee.

The serious side of clubs is demonstrated by the success of the University's teams and athletes in recent years in regional, national and international arenas. Outstanding achievements or contributions are rewarded at the Sports Union Annual Colours Awards.

The Students' Union employs students as casual staff in a number of areas. The Club Bars on each campus employ bar staff and entertainment staff that work on the door or as stewards. The Union catering outlets and shops across the four campuses also employ students during term-time.

Coleraine campus
Most of the Union facilities are found in the South Building, by the Sports Centre. There is a general shop, photocopying facilities, a sandwich bar, a hairdressing salon, the Student Housing Association Cooperative (SHAC) office, a second hand bookshop, a photo-booth and a general recreation area. The Uni-Bar is the main venue for on-campus entertainment. There is usually something on every weeknight during semesters. The Union administration and offices include the general office, welfare office and Sports Union office.

Jordanstown campus
The Union is situated in Block 11 above the Sports Centre. The Foyer at the Mall entrance opens into an exhibition area which incorporates a sandwich bar and the Sports Union office, along with a bank service-till and colour photo booth. The function hall incorporates a cafeteria and the main club bar - Arthur's. In the evenings the hall opens to become a major venue. The Lounge Bar is open every evening, and offers satellite television, video games, pool and snooker. The Union shop is located opposite Deanos sandwich bar in the commercial block directly off the mall.

Belfast campus
At the time of writing this prospectus, the redevelopment of the Belfast campus is well advanced.  The redevelopment will be completed for the beginning of the 2006/7 academic year. Societies are very active on the Belfast campus and transport can be provided if you want to take advantage of the sports facilities at Jordanstown. The Students' Site Executive at Belfast co-ordinates student activities across the campus.

Magee campus
The Students' Union is based right in the heart of the Magee campus. It offers a range of services for its students including the Union shop, photocopying facilities, a bank service-till, public phones and much more. The Bunker Café provides first class food and refreshments, whilst the Terrapin Bar offers an unrivalled atmosphere for socialising for both students and staff. At night the Bunker provides entertainment from bands to comedy nights, with a late bar. There are a broad range of societies and Sports Union clubs at Magee including gaelic football, soccer, rugby, Christian Union, LGB and a law society to name but a few!

Weblink: for more information check out our website on http://www.uusu.org/