What Even Is a Student Election?
Think of it as a chance to choose the people who’ll be running your Student Union for the next year. They’ll be in charge of things like organising events, improving your campus experience, and making sure you don’t get completely rinsed by rent hikes or terrible Wi-Fi.
Basically, they fight the battles so you don’t have to (because let’s be honest, you’re already juggling enough).
Why Should You Care That Elections Happen?
Imagine this: no Student Union, no affordable food options on campus, no weekly pub quizzes, no one advocating for better study spaces or mental health support. Student unions exist to make your student experience better – socially, academically, and in all the weird in-between bits.
But they only work if people actually get involved. Elections ensure that your Union isn’t just run by some random person who got the job because nobody else showed up.
Why Should You Vote?
Because your experience at uni should be shaped by people who actually get it. The Student Union controls a lot more than you think – from funding student societies to lobbying for better support services.
The people in charge make decisions that impact your day-to-day life. If you don’t vote, you’re basically letting other people decide how things go. And we all know that one person who’d vote for something completely impractical just for the laugh (do you really want 'compulsory karaoke before lectures' or 'mandatory fancy dress Fridays' to become an official policy?).
When you choose to vote, you’re helping to pick the people who will represent you and make decisions about campus life. These elected Officers have the power to influence University policy, organise events, improve study spaces, and make sure that your concerns are heard. They’re the ones who can turn ideas into actions that directly affect your day-to-day life at university.
Even if politics isn’t your favourite topic, the decisions made by the Student Union Officers will shape the environment in which you live, study, and socialise. A few minutes of your time can help make sure that the Student Union works for you, making our campuses a better, more enjoyable place for everyone.
TL;DR: Get Involved, or Don't Complain
At the end of the day, voting in the Student elections takes approximately 2 minutes and might actually improve your uni experience. Plus, some candidates might even try to grab your attention with freebies, and who doesn’t love a freebie?!
So, next week when you see someone campaigning, at least listen, grab a free sweetie, and actually cast your vote. Why not take that small step? Your vote is your voice, and it’s worth using it to create a student community that truly reflects what we all need.
Future you will thank you!