WE WANT TO BE THE WORLD’S MOST STUDENT-CENTRED ORGANISATION.
That’s not a slogan. It’s how we work.
At Essex Students’ Union, everything starts with students. Your voices. Your experiences. Your ideas.
We exist to make your student experience better - not just on paper, but in real, practical, human ways.
Being student-centred means listening properly, acting boldly, and standing shoulder to shoulder with our members.
why we're here
University can be exciting, overwhelming, empowering, exhausting - sometimes all at once.
Too often, students are talked about rather than listened to.
We believe students deserve more than tick-box support or surface-level engagement.
They deserve an organisation that is run by them, shaped with them, and brave enough to challenge things that don’t work.
That’s why we’re here.
OUR VALUES (WE CALL THEM TATTOOS)
If the SU was a person, these are the things we’d believe in so much that we’d have tattooed on our body.
They guide how we show up, how we make decisions, and how we treat each other - students and staff.
They’re not marketing statements. They’re promises.
Powered by students - everything we do comes from our members
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Shoulder to shoulder - 15,000 students and 300 staff, standing together
No bullshit - we promise to tell it like it is, no spin and no red tape
Work hard, play hard - because life's about both, right?
Always challenge - the Essex spirit is in our DNA and we'll fight
YOUR SU MEMBERSHIP
Your Students’ Union.
This is your place - shaped, used & run by you.
Your SU membership comes with some serious perks.
No forms. No fees. No drama.
Just support, community, opportunities, and a team whose job is to make your university experience better.
We’re here to help you:
GET A GREAT DEGREE + DREAM JOB
Support for your academic and career journey
You’re here to get a degree; we’re here to help you get the most out of it. From study skills to career advice, we’ve got your back with academic support and everything you need to plan for future-you.
From revision tips to career workshops, we’ve got support for now and whatever comes next.
We’ve got your back.
UNLOCK THE INFO
GROW YOUR OWN WAY. NO PRESSURE.
Uni is your time to try new things and figure out who you are. Whether you want to get stuck in or just explore at your own pace, we’re here for it.
We’re here for your personal growth - whatever that looks like.
TAKE ME THERE
FIND YOUR PEOPLE. FEEL AT HOME.
Uni’s better when you don’t feel like you’re doing it alone.
Whether you're into loud nights or chill chats, we help you meet people, build friendships, and feel part of something.
From quiet meetups to chaotic nights out - there’s a space for everyone.
SHOW ME THE EVENTS HELP ME MEET PEOPLE
USE YOUR VOICE. MAKE CHANGE HAPPEN.
You’ve got ideas. You’ve got opinions. You care about stuff.
Good, we do too!
Whether you want to run a campaign or just rant about the kettle in your kitchen, we’ll help your voice be heard.
Your SU exists to fight your corner. We make it easy for you to speak up, get involved, and lead change.
Make the uni experience better - for you and everyone else.
I'M CURIOUS 👀
GET SUPPORT WHEN YOU NEED IT
Uni’s tough sometimes, and that’s okay. Whether you’re stressed, stuck or just need a sounding board, we’re here and not just in emergencies.
Our Advice team offers free, confidential, no-judgement support. If something’s bothering you, we’ll help you sort it.
Mental health? Housing drama? Academic worries?
Whatever’s going on, we’re here for you.
We’ve got your back.
GIVE ME MORE INFO
SU SPACES THAT BELONG TO YOU
This is your place.
Look for the house icon on campus - that’s how you know it’s an SU venue. From the SU Bar to the SU Advice, The Greenhouse Cafés to study spaces - if there’s a house on the door, it’s yours.
Whether you’re looking to caffeinate, celebrate or concentrate... there’s an SU place with your name on it.
And here’s the best bit: every penny you spend in SU venues goes straight back into your Students’ Union - funding more support, more opportunities, and more of the things that make uni life better for you.
So yeah, your SU membership?
Kind of a big deal.
No sign-ups. No extra cost. Just loads of ways to get support, meet people, grow, and make the most of your time here.
Want to see the extra benefits you get as a student? Head to SU Membership Benefits.