The University of York Students' Union (YUSU) is the voice of all students at York. YUSU exists to make sure you love your time at York. They support a diverse range of student-run activities including societies, sports, and volunteering opportunities, as well as representing your views to the University and beyond.

What is YUSU?

YUSU is a not-for-profit charitable organisation which is separate to the University. Run for, with and by students, YUSU (yusu.org) is led by a team of elected full-time sabbatical officers, all of whom are York students or recent graduates.

They run university-wide campaigns to pioneer positive change, and represent different groups. YUSU has over 400 academic representatives, who campaign to improve your academic experience, helping you to share ideas, create change, gain new skills and access support.

Every student that studies here automatically becomes a member of the union – totally free of charge.

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Societies are one of the greatest things York has to offer! They allow you to connect with new and interesting people. I have even been involved in setting up a new society, Yordevs, which has taught me new ways of thinking and improved my academic and professional skills.

Adam, Treasurer of York Web and App Development Society (YorDevs)

Campaigning and representation

YUSU works with academic departments to elect student reps at course, department and faculty level. Reps take students' feedback and ideas to the right places.

YUSU also have a number of specialist officers who help to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard. They’re here to protect the interests of Black, Asian and minority ethnic students, disabled students, working-class students, mature students, female and non-binary students, international students and LGBTQ+ students. They also campaign for environmental and ethical issues, and support fundraising and volunteering activities. They are here to help you to campaign for what you believe in.

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Events and socials

YUSU organises regular events and socials, including performances, charity fundraisers, sporting events and festivals that cater for a variety of tastes. The highlights of YUSU’s social calendar include Roses, the largest inter-university sports tournament in Europe (against Lancaster), and the annual Freshers’ Festival, which often includes food stalls, rides and live music.

YUSU puts on something for everyone during Freshers' Week, including our Freshers' Fair, allowing you to sign up for societies and sports teams.

Top tip: If you're planning to attend an Undergraduate Open Day, make sure to catch YUSU's popular Student Life talk.

Find YUSU on Facebook

Volunteering and fundraising

With YUSU, you can help to make a difference, whether you've got an hour or a whole week to spare. You can take part in fun Raising and Giving (RAG) activities on and off campus in aid of good causes.

You might even like to run your own fundraising event, get involved with a volunteering project, or take part in charity challenges. YUSU can help to support you in doing just that!

Search volunteering opportunities

Advice and welfare

If you need help or support relating to your course or personal matters, YUSU's Advice and Support Centre offer impartial, friendly advice on topics such as academic issues, exceptional circumstances for assessments, and your health and wellbeing.

Our Student Advisers can also give you general guidance and support on a range of practical matters.

Societies and sports 

YUSU has over 200 student-run societies and more than 65 sports clubs for you to get involved in. Societies are run by students who plan activities around shared interests, hobbies, religions, nationalities and cultures. At York, this could be anything from baking to cheerleading, and debating to gardening – there’s plenty to choose from.

Joining a society is a fantastic way to meet new people, to indulge your existing passions, or to try something completely new. You don’t have to be an expert to join – it’s all about new experiences, making friends and having fun.

Search societies and sports clubs

Playing sport, joining a society or working in a YUSU venue are some of the best ways to spend time enjoying what you love most at York. Uni life is so much more than just a degree, so make the most of every opportunity and get involved!

The YUSU Sabbatical Team

Explore life on campus

Societies

Your Students' Union provides over 200 societies and 65 sports clubs. Find your interests, find your people!

Sport and fitness

Choose from over 65 sports clubs, play for your college team, or sign up with the fitness centre.

Volunteering

Give something back to the community and boost your experience and skill set through volunteering.

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