# The Students’ Union

**Source**: https://student.sussex.ac.uk/new-students/help-and-support/students-union
**Parent**: https://student.sussex.ac.uk/new-students/help-and-support

Find out what the Students’ Union does and how to get involved.

## About the Students’ Union

You automatically become a member of the Students’ Union when you join Sussex.

The Students’ Union is independent from the University, represents your views and aims to improve life on campus and in the city.

As a member you can get involved in projects like [Buddy Scheme](https://www.buddyscheme.com/), [Language Cafe](https://sussexstudent.com/whats-on/language-cafe) or [campaigning for change](https://sussexstudent.com/campaigns).

## Events

The Students' Union runs the [Official Sussex Freshers' Programme](https://sussexstudent.com/FRESHERS), with events on campus and around the city helping you make new friends and feel at home.

The union also supports student groups and societies to plan and run a wide range of [events](https://sussexstudent.com/whats-on). Read our guidance about [how to plan your own successful event](https://sussexstudent.com/run-your-own-event) with the support of the team.

## Joining sports clubs and societies

Choose from hundreds of groups with interests ranging from art history to Zumba.

You can [find out more about sports clubs and societies](https://www.sussexstudent.com/sport-societies-media/discover/). You can also meet most of them in person during Welcome Week.

## Your Students’ Union officers

Every year students elect their peers as officers to run the Union, provide services for students and represent their views within the University, and campaign on issues affecting students at Sussex.

Learn about [who your Union officers are](https://sussexstudent.com/about-us/officers) for the year ahead, and [find out how to elect Students’ Union officers](https://www.sussexstudent.com/elections/).

## Become a Student Rep

You can represent the voice of thousands of Sussex students by [becoming a Student Rep](https://www.sussexstudent.com/student-reps/become-a-student-rep/). You then represent these views to your school department and the wider University and get to learn more about how the organisation works.

## Advice

The [Students’ Union advice team](https://sussexstudent.com/support) can provide advice on academic issues and complaints, University-related issues, and housing for every Sussex student.

[See more from Get help and support](https://student.sussex.ac.uk/new-students/help-and-support)