Student Life Information

The NUS... What Does For You by David Mills

Going to university can be a daunting task - even without essay deadlines and a shoestring budget to live on. But, that's where the National Union of Students (NUS) comes in. NUS campaigns on behalf of its 5.2million members for a better funding deal, fights for better health, welfare and advice services and puts money back in your pocket through the discounts on the NUS card.

For example, in October this year, NUS organised a demonstration where over 31,000 people marched through central London to demand a fairer system of funding. Students from all over the UK joined in, many with their families, putting pressure on the government to scrap a policy which will leave thousands saddled with massive debts of over £30,000 on graduation. The massive groundswell of public opinion against top-up fees now has the government on the back foot and they face potential defeat early next year when top-up fees will be voted on by MPs.

The strength of this campaign came from the enormous commitment of students across the country who have taken part - either by coming along to the mass events or by writing letters and emails to MPs, making the arguments alongside NUS. It is vital that we build on this momentum and stop the government forcing students to pay top-up fees of up to £3,000 a year.

NUS is also working hard on a campaign called 'Safe as Houses' highlighting the perils of student housing. We all have the right to live in safe, secure, affordable accommodation. Amazingly though, the government seems to disagree. Students are being actively excluded from the upcoming Housing Bill <thebill.php> and are being treated like second class citizens. So we are working hard for you and lobbying the government to recognise your rights and make positive changes to the Housing Bill that will helps millions of people living in dodgy private rented houses.

In fact, the NUS website is the source of everything you need to know about student life. There are sections on money, health, jobs, music, film, study skills, campaigning and much more. We also offer a free email news service and hold an annual student journalism competition, where prizes include a work placement at the Daily Mirror newspaper in London.

And don't forget the NUS Card, recognised as the student card with discounts in shops, restaurants and cinemas wherever you are in the UK. NUS negotiates special deals for members which can be accessed via the website - the list is growing all the time. You can now get discounts on clothes, films, music, travel and car and home insurance, all from the leading high street retailers.

So remember to log on to www.nusonline.co.uk to take advantage of those extra special deals and keep up to date with the hard work that NUS is doing for you.