Your time at university is about more than just earning a degree—it’s about discovering yourself, making lifelong friendships, and creating memories you’ll cherish forever. The Queen’s Students’ Union is here to help make that happen. 

The Queen’s Students’ Union is the official students’ union for students at Queen’s University Belfast. It serves as a central hub for student life as it represents the interests of our students, acting as a bridge between the student body and the university administration. 

Why the Students’ Union is essential for student life

As a Queen’s student, you’re automatically part of the Queen’s Students’ Union, representing and supporting over 25,000 students. 

Each year, six Student Officers are elected to advocate for your interests, ensuring your voice is heard and your needs are met—no matter your background, faculty, or circumstances. These leaders are dedicated to improving student life by driving positive change, supporting wellbeing, and creating opportunities for growth and connection.

University isn’t just about academics—it’s about discovering who you are, building friendships, and having experiences that shape your future. The Students’ Union plays a central role in this journey, offering a supportive network and vibrant hub for student life.

Whether you’re enjoying social events like pizza and quiz nights, grabbing coffee between classes, or participating in one of over 200 clubs and societies, the SU fosters a true sense of belonging. It’s a space where friendships form, ideas flourish, and memories are made.

From Freshers’ Week to cultural festivals, live gigs, and comedy nights, the SU hosts events that celebrate the diversity and creativity of the Queen’s community. By offering something for everyone, the Students’ Union ensures your university experience is fulfilling and unforgettable.

What services and opportunities are offered through the Students’ Union?

Clubs and Societies:

The Students’ Union is proud to be home to over 200 student-run clubs and societies, offering something for everyone—from academic and cultural groups to sports teams and hobby-based societies. Whatever your interests, there’s a place for you to connect and thrive.

Explore our full list of student clubs and societies here!

Joining a society is a fantastic way to meet new people, discover hidden talents, and take a well-deserved break from your studies. Most importantly, it’s an opportunity to have fun while building lasting friendships. Along the way, you’ll develop valuable teamwork and leadership skills, and your contributions can even earn you recognition through the Future-Ready Award.

And if you don’t see the perfect society for you? Don’t worry—you can start up your own and bring your unique passions to life on campus!

Campaigning and Representation:

Our Student Leaders have accomplished remarkable milestones over the years, driving meaningful change and making a lasting impact. From launching influential drug and alcohol safety campaigns to conducting vital research trips, opening initiatives like the Swap Shop, and representing students in high-level university meetings, they work tirelessly to amplify your voice. 

Their efforts ensure that your interests are heard, your needs are prioritised, and the student experience continues to evolve for the better.

SU Voice

Events and Entertainment:

The Students’ Union is a vibrant hub brimming with an exciting events and entertainment schedule, offering something for everyone throughout the year. From the buzz of Freshers’ Week—filled with activities designed to help you settle into university life, make new friends, and grab plenty of freebies—to live gigs featuring local and international talent, there’s always something happening.

The Union also celebrates the rich diversity of the Queen’s University community through vibrant cultural festivals, creating opportunities to connect, learn, and share experiences from around the world.

Whether you’re looking to relax, socialise, or try something completely new, the SU calendar is packed with events to make your university experience unforgettable.

What’s On in Queen’s Students’ Union

SU Advice:

At SU Advice, our dedicated team of experienced advisors is here to support you with any academic, accommodation, or personal challenges you may face during your time at university. They’re here to listen, offering confidential and impartial guidance to help you make informed decisions and navigate university life. 

• Free, Confidential Support: Specialist advice on a wide range of academic and non-academic issues, all completely impartial and independent of the University.
• Resolving Challenges: Whether it’s academic appeals, progression issues, supervision concerns, exceptional circumstances, complaints, or disciplinary and fitness-to-practice hearings, the team will guide you every step of the way.
• Preparation for Meetings: Help you prepare for important meetings or hearings and, where possible, accompany you for added support.
• Clear Guidance: Our team will explain your rights and responsibilities, helping you navigate University procedures and regulations with ease.
• Referrals to Other Services: If additional support is needed, they’ll direct you to the appropriate services to ensure you get the help you need.

For more details on drop-in sessions and SU Advice services, click here.

Volunteering Opportunities:

SU Volunteer supports you in every stage of your volunteering journey, whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or looking for your first role and is a great way to help build your CV. 

While SU Volunteer has their own programmes such as Handy Helpers and Homework Clubs, there’s an opportunity to explore volunteering options with external organisations too. 

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, a range of events such as fairs, taster sessions and workshops are run throughout the year allowing you to explore the various opportunities with external organisations. 

SU Enterprise:

Throughout the year, SU Enterprise run programmes, events and competitions including programmes such as What’s the Big Idea? InnovateHer and QUB Dragons’ Den to give students the chance to gain the entrepreneurial skills they need to start up or grow their own business. 

How SU Enterprise helped me start my business

The SU Enterprise team can also offer business one-to-ones and funding to help those with essential start-up costs. 

How can you get involved?

Whether you want to join a club or society, volunteer, or run for a student representative position, the Students’ Union offers countless ways to get involved and make your mark. Check out our Students’ Union website for a full list of societies, upcoming events, and advice on how to participate.

Zoe Brankin Staff Writer | Queen's Global Hi, I'm Zoe, and I'm proud to be part of the Queen's Global team.     Over the past six years, I've held roles that let me create content for a variety of audiences, from start-ups to larger organisations. At Queen's, I'm always exploring new and creative ways to bring fresh content ideas to our main website.   Outside of work, I love reading (I even run a local book club), spending time with my dogs, and never missing an opportunity for a coffee or brunch outing.