News

“We Are Capable of Change”: Why UCLan Students Are Voting This May

Local elections rarely make headlines - and yet, on 1st May 2025, thousands of people across Preston, Burnley and beyond will cast votes that directly shape the communities we live, study, and grow in. From bus services and bin collections, to housing regulation and youth services, these ballots determine who gets to make the decisions that affect students every single day. Read what your VP Education, Charlotte has to say about the local elections.

Study & Wellbeing Resources

A few good reads to keep your mind focused, but rested throughout exam and assessment season

Top 5 Study Tips from a Third Year Student

Studying at university can be tough, especially when you’re balancing assignments, exams, and maybe even a part-time job. As a third-year student at UCLan, I’ve had my fair share of late-night study sessions, caffeine-fuelled essays, and last-minute cramming. Over time, I’ve figured out what actually helps me stay on top of my work, and I want to share my top five study tips to make uni life a bit easier for you!

Golden Roses Shortlist 2025

We are pleased to announce this year's shortlist for the 16th Annual Golden Roses!

Golden Roses Shortlist '25 - Burnley & Westlakes

We are pleased to announce this year's shortlist for the Burnley and Westlakes Golden Roses!

Your Voice Matters: Why UCLan Students Should Vote in the Upcoming Local Elections

Mitigating Circumstances - A Breakthrough

Varsity Winners 2025

Elections Results 2025

Budgeting with the Cost-of-Living Crisis

Finances got you down? Read how first year student, Lana, is tackling the rising cost of living through budgeting.

Get ready for Elections

ABCD Award: Semester One Winners

Our ABCD Award is for students who have gone ‘Above and Beyond the Call of Duty’ whilst volunteering with the Students’ Union. The award is nominated and chosen monthly by volunteer managers to recognise the great work that our student volunteers do.

Renters’ Rights Bill Moves Forward: Our Response

A statement from the Elected Officer Team: Luke – Students’ Union President, Charlotte – VP Education, Joe – VP Welfare and Sophie – VP Activities.

My First Week: How the Students’ Union Supported Me

Whether you've packed up every single thing you own and moved into student accommodation, or you’ve become part of the commuting community, starting university can be a huge shock to the system. Read how first year student Lana, coped with starting university and the impact we, the Students’ Union had on their experience.

Golden Roses 2025: Celebrating Excellence at University of Central Lancashire

Golden Roses Season has crept up on us again! Last year, we had a record-breaking year and received over 1,000 amazing nominations, we would love this year to be even bigger and better as it is the 16th Golden Roses!

By-Elections November 2024 Results

This year’s By-Elections are now over! Thank you to all our candidates and to all the students who voted. Find the results for each of the elections here!

By Elections November 24

Cast your vote for this years By-Elections - view the full candidate list here

Islamophobia Awareness Month '24

A month to recognise and celebrate the positive contributions of Muslims and raise awareness of how prevalent Islamophobia has become in our society. The goal of this year's campaign, #SeedsOfChange is to emphasise the importance of how small actions contribute to big change

Stay the Course

"My story isn’t about finding the perfect path; it’s about the messy, difficult, and ultimately rewarding process of carving out a place in the world. It’s a reminder that even when the path to success is unconventional, it’s still a path worth taking"

Our Response to the Proposed Tuition Fee Increase Next Autumn

"We firmly believe that sweeping reform of tuition fees is necessary for the lasting benefit of both students and universities."

Speak Week: 10 Vibe-Boosting Tips to Look After Your Wellbeing at Uni

Student life? It’s a total rollercoaster, but keeping your vibe up is key to thriving at uni! Here’s how to do it with a smile

Why I Became the Black Students' Representative

I knew immediately that I wanted to nominate myself, represent my community and see where the role would take me. I couldn’t believe that I was elected as the Black Students’ Representative, and now had the chance to enact change for my community.

Share your feedback on future teaching

Earn £10 - Help shape our university’s future! Join us for discussions and debate sessions to feedback and co-create with fellow students and staff

Hate Crime Awareness Week

A week to encourage those who are victims of hate crimes to report the discrimination they face, a week to educate and campaign to stop all forms of hate crimes going forward, a week to empower communities affected by hate crimes and a week to improve operational responses to hate crime.

Claim Your Space

An article written by your Vice President Activities, Sophie, on her journey to campaigning for the new inclusive gym space currently being offered at Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre! STFSC will be offering an inclusive gym space for women, those who identify as women and the non-binary community every Thursday in October from 10am – 2pm.

Hope Walk

The University and Students' Union have partnered with Papyrus and the Mary O’Gara Foundation to host a Hope Walk on Tuesday 8th October

Welcome to Welcome Week ‘24!

Your one stop hub for all the fun and excitement starting university brings!
From new beginnings, an incredible event line up and space to learn more about yourself, UCLan Students’ Union Welcome Week will bring you endless possibilities.

Officers Supporting the National Union of Students Statement

We stand united with our migrants, racialised, and Muslim communities who have been subjected to xenophobic, racist, and Islamophobic violence. These incidents reflect a disturbing trend that unfairly targets these groups and fuels division

Download the SafeZone App

Following the current rioting and civil unrest across the country, we understand that many of our student and staff community feel unsafe travelling. The University and Students' Union are recommending that all students and staff members download the SafeZone app if your phone or personal device allows you to.

A message of support and solidarity following the recent riots

This is a message of support and solidarity from your Students’ Union. We know this is an incredibly difficult time for students, staff and our wider community. We know that some of our members might be feeling scared and confused. We are here to help. Read on for key information and options for seeking support (both University-led and external).

How to Look After Yourself & Your Wellbeing

Looking after your wellbeing is an important part of university life. Your wellbeing consists of physical, mental, social, financial, academic and more. Here are some tips for looking after your wellbeing at University

Introducing Your 2024 Officer Team!

Introducing your 24/25 Officers! Say Hi to President Luke, VP Activities Sophie, VP Welfare Joe and VP Education Charlotte! Your officers are here to represent the views of YOU and ensure that you're getting the best academic and student experience whilst at studying here. The role of officers is to raise awareness of issues and campaign for change

Making Friends at University

Meeting new people - the thing we all want to do but simultaneously dread! Luckily that means you’re in the same boat as everybody else, wanting to mingle and meet new people but trying to overcome the nerves first. Your social life and the people you meet are a huge aspect of your University life and experience. Sounds overwhelming? - We know, but fret not freshers, we’ve got some top tips to help you meet your new group.

Black Students Experience Survey

Your Black Students Rep, Christal wants to hear your views!
Christal is conducting research on the Black Student Experience at UCLan and UCLan SU to gain insight into the lives of UCLan students in and around campus and to ensure that we are helping to create a better University experience for our students.

Extended Preston Campus Library Opening Times!

We are pleased to announce from Monday 6th May until Thursday 11th July the Preston Campus Library will now be open from 7:30am until 3:30am!
This change has arisen as Aman Sahoo, School President of Medicine and Dentistry raised the issue with several departments across the University

Sports Awards Winners '24

It was a night of celebration as we honoured our sports clubs, members and coaches at the annual UCLan SU Sports Awards. Congratulations to all the Winners and Nominees!

Update on the Starbucks Big Idea

An update following the latest Students' Council meeting.

Union Survey '24

We’re back with another survey and more prizes! Tell us what you think of us and our services and you could win a GOLD Merlin annual pass (just in time for summer), an SU merch/grad merch bundle or a weekly shop and food voucher!

All you need to do is fill out the survey, give us some feedback and you’ll be automatically entered into our prize draw!

The Great Donate '24

Every year when students leave, hundreds of perfectly good household items are thrown away and end up in landfill. Donate your goods to us and we can rehouse them!

ACES Winners '24

Last week we held our end of year ACES celebration to commemorate the hard work and achievements of our volunteers, student groups and student staff!
Huge congratulations to everyone who was nominated for an ACES award and of course congratulations to our winners.

Election Results 2024

This year’s elections are now over! Thank you to all our candidates and to all the students who voted. We can confirm the Students’ Union Elections have closed and we have delivered a free and fair election process.

You can find the results for each of the elections- from the next leaders of the Students’ Union, to who will be representing your schools and communities!

Women's History Month

Read through a collection of literature, art, films, shows and musicians that showcase the heritage, talent and diversity of Women to celebrate Women's History Month

National Student Money Week

The cost of living crisis is affecting lots of people in lots of different ways, and there has been a lot of news about the continued rise in energy bills, inflation, and the cost of living. Here are a few top tips and resources to help you get by

The University want to change their name, do you agree? Have your say here

As students, you have the right to voice your opinions on the proposed name change, the OfS are hosting an online survey that you can take part in to determine whether the proposed name is, or has the potential to be, confusing or misleading

Elections 2024 - Candidate Announcement

Find out who'll be campaigning for your votes in the upcoming Election!

January Welcome

We're so excited to welcome you to campus - check out what we've got planned for you during January Welcome, along with some helpful tips to get you started with life as a university student!

A Day in the Life of A Medical Student

A blog written by third year medical student, Aman Sahoo, describing their typical day, along with notes about their current campaigns involving campaigning for a between campus shuttle bus and campaigning for extended library hours

Volunteering Projects for the New Year

Looking for something new in your new year? We have several volunteering projects for you to get in involved in! Our projects are a great way to develop new skills and meet other students

Race Equality Charter

We're working with the University and encouraging all students to share their experiences and take part in the Race Equality Charter Survey. We want to know where you feel things are working and where improvements need to be made around UCLan

Broadening Horizons - Disability History Month

As part of our continued journey to become a more liberated, welcoming and empowering SU for all, our staff have put together a collection of literature, art, films and shows that showcase the talent and diversity of our Disabled Community to celebrate and recognise Disability History Month

Disability History Month

Information about Disability History Month along with events, resources and services available to you!

Interfaith Week

Interfaith Week takes place from 12 - 19 November every year and aims to unite communities of religious and non-religious beliefs and raise awareness of the rich diversity of faith communities across the UK. Read more about support and services available to you whilst at UCLan

Towards an enriched campus: the power of language - A blog on Islamophobia

A blog Written by Third Year, English Language Student, Nurunnahar Sultana on her experiences and achievements as a Muslim university student.

The Great Donate Freshers’ Week Success

The Students’ Union has had a lot of demand for the Great Donate to return, and we can confirm that we will be continuing to collect donations throughout Semester 1, with the intention of re-opening the Great Donate in January as part of our Refreshers’ plans for new and returning students.

Being Care Experienced at University

A blog written by your Care Experience Rep, Jodie Roberts, expanding on her current Big Idea submission “UCLAN to support Care Leavers and Care Experienced Students by expressing an interest in signing the NNECL Quality Mark”

Islamophobia Awareness Month

November marks Islamophobia Awareness month. A month to recognise and celebrate the positive contributions of Muslims and raise awareness of how prevalent Islamophobia has become in society. Read more about Islamophobia and how you can take part in the conversation and be part of the solution of challenging the narrative

Broadening Horizons - Black History Month

As part of our continued journey to become a more liberated, welcoming and empowering SU for all, our staff have put together a collection of literature, art, films, shows and musicians that showcase the heritage, talent and diversity of the Black Community to celebrate and recognise Black History Month

Safe Protesting Guidelines and Tips according to UK Law

We understand that given the current humanitarian crisis in Palestine and Israel, some of our students will be involved in numerous forms of activism, from physical protests, sharing information online and writing to party leaders.
When taking to the streets to protest or sharing information online, it’s important to be aware of UK Law and guidelines.
We’ve put together some helpful tips to activism and guidelines for protesting.

Broadening Horizons - East Asian Heritage Month

As part of our continued journey to become a more liberated, welcoming and empowering SU for all, our staff have put together a collection of literature, art, films, shows and musicians that showcase the heritage, talent and diversity of East and South East Asia to celebrate East and South East Asian Heritage Month

Support for Our Community - A Joint Statement

Our thoughts are with the entire student and wider community who continue to be affected by the violence and loss of life in Israel and Gaza over the last week.

Hate Crime Awareness Week

This week is national Hate Crime Awareness Week,  a week to encourage those who are victims of hate crimes to report the discrimination they face, a week to educate and campaign to stop all forms of hate crimes going forward, a week to empower communities affected by hate crimes and a week to improve operational responses to hate crime.

Preferred Name Campaign

This year, your Trans* rep, Avery is campaigning to the University on their “preferred name policy”. Avery is campaigning for the University to make a change and allow students to have their chosen identity and name fully recognised across the board.
She has written a piece on her campaign, detailing her aims and providing context behind her campaign as to why using a persons preferred name matters

International Students Fee Updated Deadline

International Students enrolling for the new academic year will receive email communication from the University clarifying outstanding tuition fee payments and the updated process.

Over the last week, the Elected Officers of the Students’ Union received  feedback from international students who were struggling to meet the original deadline set to pay the remaining 50% of their tuition. The Officers took this feedback directly to the Vice Chancellor's Group of the University.

Banning Trans Conversion Therapy in the UK: A Call to Action for University Students

Avery is the Trans Students' Rep on the Students' Council and has written a blog about why we need to ban conversion therapy.

Additional Strike Info - Sep 2023

What does the strike mean for me and why is it relevant?

Officer Statement - September Strike Action

We understand that there have been recent announcements regarding potential strike action by UCU during Freshers' Week. While strike action can be disruptive, we believe that it is essential to respect the rights and concerns of both our academic staff and students. Rest assured that we are actively engaged in discussions with the University to minimise any adverse and long-term effects on your education

A New Year at UCLan Students' Union!

September is upon us again, meaning that the countdown to Freshers is on! 
Our new Social Media Assistant, Lily, gives you her 5 top tips on how to make the most out of your time with us!

The only way is UP – for Student Voice in NSS

The Students’ Union is celebrating a particularly astounding year in terms of the response from final-year students in the National Students Survey (NSS) when it comes to how well students believe the Students’ Union represents students’ academic interests

Student Spotlight - Aamina Desai

This year, Textiles Graduate Aamina, won three awards for her final year project! She worked tirelessly across the year to produce pieces that connected her passion for textiles to her ancestral roots. Aamina created beautiful pieces of work that resulted in her collection “Homeland Reverie” and was featured in Graduate Fashion Week in London! - Such an amazing accomplishment! Have a look through her collection and some words written by Aamina herself

Broadening Horizons - South Asian Heritage Month

As part of our continued journey to become a more liberated, welcoming and empowering SU for all, our staff have put together a collection of literature, art, films, shows and musicians that showcase the heritage, talent and diversity of South Asia to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month

Advice Service Statement

Due to the high volume of enquiries, we will not be responding to any new enquiries until Monday 24th of July except the most urgent & time sensitive of cases

UCLan Win Varsity!

UCLan win their last two games against Edge Hill to reclaim the Varsity Trophy!

My experience of being a part of sports at UCLan

Masters student, Sam, who currently plays for 5 of our sports teams writes about her experiences. "Putting on my UCLan kit and being on court knowing that I am representing my uni gives me a sense of pride and honour"

Student Money Week Tips & Resources

The cost of living crisis is affecting lots of people in lots of different ways, and there has been a lot of news about the continued rise in energy bills, inflation, and the cost of living. Here are a few top tips and resources to help you get by

How I'm Coping With The Rising Cost of Living

Read how one of our students is coping with the current cost of living criss

How the Students' Union Benefits Me as a Student

"I’m in my second year of studying at UCLan and I feel that I didn’t fully reap all of the benefits that I could have in my first year, so here’s a few things I have benefitted from in my second year and some of the other services available through the Students’ Union that may come in handy for the rest of my studies!"

Top Tips For Surviving Winter At Uni

Well it’s hit December, meaning the weather is getting colder, and the temptation to stay snuggled up in bed gets more and more appealing. Here are some top tips to make sure you are prepared to study, have fun and enjoy the winter season here at UCLan!

Black History Month, Time for Change: Action not Words

A piece written by Victoria Ibezim, PhD student.

A space to eat, drink and socialise

Opening Wednesday 14th September, 3pm!

Find Your New Study Buddy!

Essay Mills Campaign Success

5 min read