Starting at UCA this year? Welcome!
Here's what you've got to look forward to as part of your FREE Students' Union membership...
Welcome to your new life at UCA!
You made it and you're in the right place.
And you're already one of us...
Every UCA student is automatically a member of the Students' Union (or SU for short) - that makes you our newest member - welcome!
Your membership is FREE, and it's yours from day one.
Helping you settle and love your new life at UCA
The SU is one of the best things about student life at UCA!
Your SU is here to help you:
- Find your place: Settle in, feel at home, and like you belong here.
- Find your people: Through clubs, societies and events run by students like you.
- Find your voice: Having a real say on your course, your campus and your SU.
As an SU we're run by students, so you get an equal say in everything we do.
Your first week: SU Freshers
When you arrive, we'll be running SU Freshers - a week of events built to help you settle in, and start your life at UCA in the right way.
We'll help you meet other students (without it feeling awkward) and explore everything that's on offer as part of your SU membership.
At the centre of the week is SU Freshers Fair, your chance to meet all of the student run clubs and societies (more on those below) and pick up freebies, lots of freebies...
The full list of events and activities for SU Freshers Week will be revealed very soon, so watch our social media for details.
Make sure you don't miss out on what's happening - follow us now on Instagram and TikTok.
Find your people: SU Clubs and Societies
SU clubs and societies are where you'll find other students who love the same things that you love.
Every SU club and society is run by students, and there's something for everyone:
- Musical theatre
- D&D
- Netball
- Film
- Anime
- LGBTQ+
- K-Pop
And loads, loads more...
You can join as many as you like. And if the one you want doesn't exist yet, we'll help you start it.
Start exploring the clubs and societies available on your campus here
Helping your creativity shine
You're joining an incredible creative community at UCA, one of the best in the country.
As your SU we're here to celebrate your creativity and whatever you choose to make.
Starting from SU Freshers Week we'll be putting on creative and craft events where you can make things and meet people.
Across the year we also run SU Student Markets, where you can showcase and sell your work.
All the way up to your final Grad Show, we're here to champion your work, and help you share it with the world.
How your SU works
We told you the SU is run by students - here's how that actually works...
Every year, all UCA students get an equal vote to choose the students that will lead the SU.
The three students with the most votes become your Presidents. One for each campus, working full-time for a year to represent you.
Any student can put themselves forward to be part of the elections and become a President if they win. Maybe one day that's you?
Got a question for any of the Presidents or just want to reach out and say hi? Email them at presidents.su@uca.ac.uk
Meet this year's Presidents...
Now you know how things work, let's meet the three students leading your SU this year.
Lily Ashford, Canterbury President
"Hi, I'm Lily, your Canterbury President - if you’re starting on this campus I can’t wait to meet you!
I’ve just finished my course in Interior Design and am looking forward to now serving as your President this year.
Some of my aims for this year are to help develop more events, a wider range of food options and extra social spaces for students”
Fun fact: I’ve read 13 books this year so far
Shayaike Hassan, Epsom President
"Hey, I'm Shayaike, your SU President for the Espom campus - it’s good to meet you.
This is my second year as President and last year I worked hard to represent the voices of UCA students locally and nationally.
This year, I’m looking forward to working on initiatives that make student life more supportive, inclusive and connected"
Fun fact: I used to play handball competitively and won ‘Best Goalkeeper’ at the CUET Handball Premier League.
Alyson Aylott, Farnham President
"Hi, I'm Alyson, your Farnham President and I’m really looking forward to welcoming you to this great campus.
For the last three years I’ve been studying Virtual and Augmented Reality and am excited to now be your SU President.
My focus this year is on creating an SU at Farnham that is run by students, for students and I can’t wait to work with you on this”
Fun fact: I enjoy riding motorbikes!
Got a question for any of the Presidents or just want to reach out and say hi? Email them at presidents.su@uca.ac.uk
Support whenever you need it
Whether you're facing a challenge, confused about something, or just need someone to talk things through with, we've got your back.
Your SU offers free Advice, Knowledge and Support (ASK) on the things that matter. Big or small.
It's fully confidential, impartial, judgement-free, and here for you whenever you need it.
Whatever’s going on, you don’t have to figure it out alone - let’s tackle it together.
Find out more and access ASK support here
Don't miss a thing - stay in the know
Life moves fast at UCA so it's good to be aware of what's happening each week...
To make sure you never miss out, follow the SU right now on your social media of choice:
Got a question for us at any point? Simply email us at union@uca.ac.uk