University of Northampton Students' Union

Who we are

We are a registered charity, completely independent from the University. Led by students, backed by volunteers and staff, we seek to ensure that our member’s time at the University is the best it can possibly be – that it is rewarding, fulfilling and memorable.

All students automatically become members of the Students' Union – a vibrant community of around 13,000 – as soon as they enrol and it's absolutely free! Our members are entitled to all of our services and opportunities, including sports, societies, volunteering, advice and representation, our retail and catering outlets and our nightclub.

Whatever their passion or interest, time commitment or background, it couldn't be easier for our members to get involved in an activity at the Students' Union – we have something for everyone. There are more than 35 sports clubs to choose from, ranging from Cheerleading to Rugby League, plus diverse societies including the History Society, Chinese Cultural Society and Disney Society! Even if you they can't find the one they're looking for, they can start their own!

We also provide academic representation. Through our five democratically-elected Sabbatical Officers and hundreds of Student Representatives, we offer support when our members need their voice to be heard, have queries about their course or just feel a bit homesick. The Students' Union is always here for them.

The new Waterside Campus boasts our grade II-listed venue, the Engine Shed. It offers everything, such as coffees and paninis, space to unwind and a home on campus for our numerous services. Waterside also houses the SU –run Art Shop, located within the Create Hub. We have also invested in a new nightclub in the town centre, The Platform. Spread across three distinct spaces, The Platform offers a multitude of music styles with luxe, comfortable furnishings offset against contemporary fixtures, alongside premium spirits and beverages. With Milk It Mondays and LOCO every Wednesday, in addition to our regular Friday and Saturday club nights. The space also boasts a spacious café, and two state of the art conferencing suites. The Platform really has something for everyone!

For those in halls on the old Park Campus, we have our UniExpress store, which provides affordable products at your convenience.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Organisation purpose

Our Vision

The University of Northampton Students’ Union is recognised by all our student members as an integral part of their student life.

Our long –term aims are to ensure all Northampton students:

• Receive the best possible education during their time at the University of Northampton.
• Live and work within a campus community and physical environment in which they can prosper, underpinned by a network of support services they can turn to when they need it most.
• Feel supported in their personal and professional development outside of the classroom

Our Mission

To represent, inspire and support our members to proactively shape an outstanding student journey.

We will do this by:

• Developing a new system of academic representation that advocates and inspires students to create meaningful change.
• Creating new opportunities for students to take on meaningful leadership roles, with clear pathways for progression, supported by a comprehensive programme of training.
• Developing and embedding a new network of support services and initiatives.

Our Values

Our values underpin everything we do. As a students’ union we are:

• Caring- We put our students first, supporting them at every stage of their journey.
• Inspiring- We use our unique relationship with our student members to inspire them to achieve their goals.
• United- We unify our student members around their common causes to produce shared benefits.
• Student Owned- The organisation is led by our student members, driven by student decisions and is accountable to them for everything it does.
• Respectful- We celebrate our differences; by respecting the diversity of our student membership, staff and other stakeholders we cultivate an inclusive community.
• Bold- We will be clear and decisive in our decisions, confident in our views and courageous in our actions.
• Relevant- We will always strive to understand the needs of the broader student membership, revising our approach to improve our offer.