Students' Union FAQ's
How can I become a member of the Students’ Union?
How many members does the Students’ Union have?
Who runs the Students’ Union?
Who can stand for Election?
Who funds the Students’ Union?
Is the Union part of the University?
Is there a Union building in every campus?
How can I contact the Union?
How can I get involved with the Union?
What is Student Council?
What is AGM?
What are Student Representatives?
What's an NUS Extra card and how do I get one?
How can I become a member of the Students’ Union?
As a Birmingham City University student you are automatically a member of the Students’ Union so you can start using its services and facilities straight away!
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How many members does the Students’ Union have?
There are currently around 24,000 members.
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Who runs the Students’ Union?
In short…you! Students share their ideas/concerns with a group of elected representatives; the Student Council and Exec, who act on their behalf. Students can also participate & vote at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) where major decisions about the coming year are made.
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Who can stand for Election?
Any current Birmingham City University student can stand for election. For more details on procedures and deadlines please contact union.comms@bcu.ac.uk
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Who funds the Students’ Union?
It is partly funded by the University and partly self-funded from our bars, shops and various events and activities that we organise. As a not-for-profit organisation, the Union then feeds all profits back to students in various forms; from refurbishing Union facilities to employing more advisors for more efficient student service.
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Is the Union part of the University?
The Students’ Union is a separate organisation from the University, meaning that it can represent the students’ interests in an independent and impartial way. The Union is closely working with the University though, to make sure every student has the best possible student experience while studying.
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Is there a Union building in every campus?
There is a Union reception in most campuses. The Students’ Union’s main building is situated in City North Campus (Perry Barr), and there is a Union office in City South campus, TEE, Gosta Green, Conservatoire and Bournville. There are Union display boards in Vittoria Street and Margaret Street, however as we have no offices there, students wishing to get involved in a Union activity or service can do so using the website, contact by phone or email or by visiting another City Centre Campus.
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How can I contact the Union?
You can email union.website@bcu.ac.uk, ring 0121 331 6801 or pop in any Union office for a quick chat.
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How can I get involved with the Union?
There are various ways you can get involved with the Union. From joining sports teams and societies to running for Exec, there is something for everyone.
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What is Student Council?
It’s one of the highest decision making bodies at your Union. Being the official forum to voice your opinions, suggestions and concerns, the Student Council comprises of one member from each faculty that hold the Exec Officers to account through regular planning and reporting.
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What is AGM?
It’s an Annual General Meeting open to any student to turn up to and is where major decisions about the Union’s future are made.
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What are Student Representatives?
Students who attend University committees on behalf of course mates, in order to help improve the quality of student experience at Birmingham City University. Your Students’ Union works in partnership with the University to make sure the right systems are in place to allow representation of all students to be as effective as possible. Student Reps have the opportunity to develop transferable skills valuable not only in academic studies but also to future employers.
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What's an NUS card and how do I get one?
The NUS Extra Card is the ultimate Birmingham City Students' Union's loyalty card, and proof that you are a student locally and nationally. It rewards your loyalty to your Union by giving you purchasing and entry privilages, top discounts in Union Shops and Bars and entitles you to lots of lovely national discounts in clothing shops, cinemas, restaurants and much more.
An NUS Extra Card costs £11.00 and is available to all Birmingham City University students. To get one, you need to log on the Union website and purchase it through the E-Shop. Your NUS Extra Card will be posted out to you free of charge.
Your University ID card also acts as proof that you're a student but won't be recognised as widely for discount purposes. It also shows that you're a member of a Students' Union which is affiliated to the National Union of Students. The NUS is a representative body that lobbies for student interests. If you want to find out more about what the NUS does, you can check out their website or contact the Representation & Campaigns Officer for more details.
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