Who We Are...

Surrey Students' Union is the heart of student life at the University of Surrey. As a student-led organisation, we exist to support, represent, and inspire every student, ensuring they have the opportunities, guidance, and community they need to thrive throughout their university experience.

Established in 1966, coinciding with the founding of the University of Surrey, Surrey Students’ Union has grown alongside the University and now represents more than 16,000 students. Our work is driven by students, for students, with democratic leadership at the centre of everything we do.

The Union is governed by a team of elected student representatives, including five full-time Sabbatical Officers and eight Part-Time Officers (PTOs). Together, they champion the interests of students, influence University decisions, and help shape the student experience.

We are proud to be recognised for the impact of our work, ranking 7th in the National Student Survey (NSS) for student satisfaction. Alongside our representation work, we support a vibrant student community through more than 180 clubs and societies, providing opportunities for students to develop new skills, pursue their interests, and build lifelong friendships.

Whether students are looking for advice, opportunities to get involved, or a community where they belong, Surrey Students' Union is here to help them make the most of their time at university.

What We Do...

At Surrey Students' Union, everything we do is centred around improving the student experience. Our work is organised across five key areas, each with a distinct focus but united by the shared goal of supporting and empowering students.

Voice
The Voice Zone ensures that students are heard and represented across the University. Through elected officers, course representatives, and student-led campaigns, we gather student feedback, influence decision-making, and work to create positive change on the issues that matter most to students.

Support
Our Support services provide free, independent, and confidential advice to students throughout their university journey. Whether students need guidance on academic matters or help navigating personal challenges, our team is there to ensure they have access to the support they need.

Activity
Student life extends far beyond the classroom. Through our Activity team, we support over 180 clubs and societies, helping students explore new interests, develop leadership skills, and connect with others who share their passions.

Community
Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment is at the heart of our Community work. We organise volunteering opportunities, events, trips, and nightlife, all designed to help students build friendships, develop a sense of belonging, and enjoy a well-rounded university experience.

Central
The Central team provides the foundation that enables every area of the Union to succeed. They oversee communications, campaigns, and the day-to-day running of Surrey Students' Union while supporting each team to deliver the best possible outcomes for students.

What this means for you...

The entire time that you're a student at Surrey, you have access to all the fantastic opportunities on offer at your Union. You can get involved, try something new, and develop yourself in the process! And even more importantly, you have us on your side whenever you need it. If something goes wrong and you need advice, we've got expert advisors who can help you. Maybe you've spotted something at Surrey that you'd like to change, or you might have feedback about how your experience could be better. Your elected Officers can help you make change happen, by listening to your feedback and sharing it with key decision-makers in the University. Perhaps one day you might even become an elected Officer yourself!

We can't wait to get stuck into the new academic year. There'll be brand new events, new friends and faces, but the same Students' Union will always be here, supporting you, and at the heart of your Surrey life.