Campus Connect: Insights on Leadership, Engagement, and Advocacy

Recently, I had the exciting opportunity to visit the Coleraine campus at Ulster University, and I couldn't wait to share my experience with you all! As a student at the Magee campus, I was curious to explore the unique offerings of another campus within our university and see how they compare.  First Impressions Coleraine is very different from Magee. I was immediately struck by the beautiful surroundings. The campus itself is nestled just outside of Coleraine city centre, so you're kind of out of the way from everything, but the facilities on campus definitely make up for that. With a picture perfect view of the Bann river and a modern architecture, Coleraine has a unique setting that directly contrasts Magee. The atmosphere was vibrant, with students bustling between the bridge and enjoying the social spaces available to them. It felt like a welcoming environment, perfect for fostering academic and social connections. Campus Highlights One of the highlights of my visit was e...

University life is a juggling act, and as a student, it can feel like you're wearing many hats. For me, balancing my responsibilities as a Student Councillor , a Department Representative , and a full-time Marketing student has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences. I have learnt so much about myself and my own passions and hobbies, I was able to face adversity and adapt myself in order to overcome any obstacles that came my way. The Student Councillor Role: Advocating for My Peers Being a Student Councillor is all about representing the student body and ensuring that their voices are heard. I regularly attend meetings, work with university staff, and make sure that important issues affecting students are brought to the table. It’s a role that requires diplomacy, effective communication, and time management, especially when big events or decisions come up. The weight of representing so many diverse opinions and needs is something I take seriously, and it has ...

One of the key benefits of getting involved with the Ulster University Students' Union (UUSU) is the extensive range of training sessions offered to students. Whether you’re a course representative, society leader, or student councillor, UUSU equips you with the skills needed to thrive in your role, ensuring you not only succeed in your university journey but also in your future career.  What are UUSU Training Sessions? UUSU offers various training programs tailored to different leadership and representative roles within the student community. These sessions cover everything from public speaking, leadership development, conflict resolution, event management, and effective communication. The goal is to empower students to confidently lead and represent their peers while also building essential soft skills that are highly sought after in the workplace. My Experience with UUSU Training As a student involved in UUSU, I’ve had the privilege of attending several training sessions that ha...

 University is a time for growth, not just academically, but personally and socially. In this post, I delve into the importance of getting involved in activities beyond your course , whether it's joining a society, volunteering, or participating in campus events. These experiences help you build a well-rounded university experience, expand your network, and develop skills that can benefit your future career. Drawing from my own experience with the Students' Union, I share how taking part in extracurricular activities can boost your confidence, provide leadership opportunities, and allow you to connect with like-minded students. Whether you're looking to meet new people, try something new, or make a difference on campus, getting involved outside of your studies is one of the best ways to make the most of your university journey. I’ll also include tips on where to start and how to balance these activities with your academic responsibilities. The Benefits of Getting Involved G...

Being a part of the Ulster University Students’ Union (UUSU) has provided me with invaluable experiences that have shaped both my leadership abilities and teamwork skills. As a representative, I’ve gained first-hand knowledge of the complex dynamics required to work with diverse groups and navigate the challenges that come with decision-making in a fast-paced, student-driven environment. Developing Leadership Skills One of the most important lessons I have learnt from my time in the UUSU is the value of leading by example. As a student leader, it is essential to remain approachable, listen to others, and create a collaborative environment. During my involvement, I’ve had to step up in situations where clear direction was needed, from organising student events to addressing pressing student concerns. It was here that I discovered the importance of adaptability as a student representative. University life is ever-changing, and as a student representative, you must be flexible in your app...

Every year, the University of Ulster Students' Union (UUSU) elections offer an invaluable opportunity for students to step up and make their voices heard. The current elections for Course Representatives and Student Councillors are no different, providing students with a chance to represent their peers and influence change across the university. These roles are vital in shaping the overall student experience, ensuring that the concerns and ideas of students are addressed, and helping to improve both academic and campus life. Why These Elections Are Important The UUSU elections play a key role in connecting students with university decision-making processes. Course Representatives act as the main link between students and academic staff, relaying feedback, suggestions, and concerns. Their efforts are instrumental in enhancing the quality of education, addressing any issues that may arise, and maintaining a healthy and collaborative relationship between students and staff. On a br...

Student engagement is one of the cornerstones of a thriving university community. It’s about creating meaningful connections, fostering a sense of belonging, and ensuring that students are actively involved in shaping their university experience. As part of the Ulster University Students' Union (UUSU), I’ve seen first hand how strategic engagement efforts can transform campus life. Through various initiatives, the Students' Union not only increases participation but also creates an environment where students feel heard, valued, and empowered. In this post, I’ll explore the importance of student engagement, how the Students' Union works to boost participation, and offer some insights into how organisations—whether on a university campus or beyond—can better connect with their target audience. Why Student Engagement Matters Engagement goes beyond attending lectures or participating in campus events. It’s about creating an active, connected, and involved student body. Engaged ...

One of the most powerful aspects of the Ulster University Students' Union (UUSU) is its commitment to advocacy. The UUSU doesn’t just focus on organising events or creating social opportunities; it plays a critical role in ensuring students' voices are heard and that their needs are represented at all levels of university decision-making. Being involved in student advocacy has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my university experience, and I’ve learned that influencing policy is key to creating lasting, positive change on campus. Why Student Advocacy Matters At its core, student advocacy is about ensuring that the policies and practices within the university serve the best interests of students. Universities are large institutions with many moving parts, and it’s easy for student concerns to get lost among other priorities. The Students' Union exists to bridge that gap, giving students a platform to voice their concerns and actively participate in shaping their educ...