Feeling included and heard is an integral part of higher education. For international students especially, it can be a little overwhelming to settle in with the new culture and environment. At the University of Liverpool (UoL), a student's voice matters, and therefore we encourage you to be a part of the students’ union, namely the Liverpool Guild of Students or the ‘Guild’.
The Guild was founded in 1889 with the mission of providing the best opportunities, services and facilities to the students of UoL. Your opinion regarding your study programme as well as things outside academics that affect your student life, matter to the Guild. Therefore, it is a democratically run body serving over 27000 students! Elections are held every year, and students can participate by voting or standing for one of the 4 posts (President, Deputy President and 2 Vice Presidents).
Once you become a student at UoL, you automatically become a member of the student union. Learn about how you can get involved below, and we would also like to invite you to attend an exclusive webinar to introduce you to the opportunities and prospects available at the University of Liverpool on 9th June 2023. Register today for free entry.
Liverpool Guild of Students Guide
Societies
The university has more than 200 societies catering to multiple interests. From coding and robotics to baking and dance music, at the Guild, there is something for everyone. If you are passionate about something and there is no society for it, you can even apply to start a society. Members can also run for society elections for posts such as President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice President, among others. Societies can organise events, trips, competitions, parties, and industry talks and are an excellent platform for like-minded individuals to meet, make friends and network.
Course Reps
Another way the university takes into consideration a student's voice is through student representation. Course reps work with staff and fellow students to improve the teaching and learning experience of students. Their work and support can help in making fairer exam policies, quicker decision time for assessment results, etc. Recruitment for this role happens in October, and the successful candidates are provided training to deliver their duties.
Volunteering
The Guild works with a lot of charities and organisations spread across the Merseyside area as well as online projects. You can volunteer your time to a cause you are passionate about. The projects are in the domain of social care, wildlife conservation, teaching and mentoring, art and culture, and human rights, among others.
Halls’ Student Committees (HSC)
The Guild also works closely with the residence halls of the university. If you live in a university accommodation, you can be a part of its HSC. They work for the benefit of the residents and are there to ensure that students have a wonderful experience staying at the halls. They also, at times, organise events, trips or purchase items to promote a sense of community and wellbeing among hall residents.
Give it a Go
As the name suggests, this programme allows you to try something that you have never done before. Give it a Go events allow you to see new places, explore new activities and pick up new skills without joining any particular society. Some of these events are CV workshops, herb growing, Anfield Stadium tour, Learn Mandarin, First Aid sessions and so on.
In addition to these, the Guild also provides free, confidential and independent advice pertaining to academic issues to all university students. They also organise big events and parties for university students. This year, the Eurovision Screening Party is being organised by the Guild. Participating in union activities is an excellent way to meet new people, explore interests and opportunities as well as gain vital skills such as project planning, communication, negotiation, and fundraising. Participation in the Guild roles can add to your Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) when leaving the university.
Thus, by blending the social and academic aspects of university life, the Guild can help students to explore, have clarity on their priorities and provide them with a platform to create an impact within their university and community.
Meet the University of Liverpool
You are invited to attend an exclusive webinar to introduce you to the opportunities and prospects available at the University of Liverpool on 9th June, 2023. Register today for free entry.
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