AberSU is Students’ Union of the Year

The Students’ Union of the Year award recognises the achievements of AberSU in the past twelve months in shaping education and empowering individuals.

The Students’ Union of the Year award recognises the achievements of AberSU in the past twelve months in shaping education and empowering individuals.

17 March 2017

Aberystwyth Students’ Union (AberSU) has been named the best Higher Education Students’ Union in Wales.

At the annual National Union of Students (NUS) Wales awards in Llandudno on Tuesday evening, 14 March 2017, officers from AberSU were presented with the coveted Higher Education Students’ Union of the Year award.

The accolade recognises the achievements of AberSU in the past twelve months in shaping education and empowering individuals.

AberSU was also jointly awarded the Student Opportunities Award with Bangor University Students’ Union.

The Student Opportunities Award recognises inclusive student opportunities that have had a transformative impact on the people involved as well as the world around them.

AberSU President Lauren Marks said: AberSU President Lauren Marks said: “AberSU is led by students for students, and by providing opportunities, helping to create change and offering support, we aim to enhance students’ experience of University and help them achieve their full potential.  We are delighted that our efforts have been recognised by NUS Wales in awarding AberSU the title of HE Students’ Union of the Year 2017, in what has been a year full of major change, challenge and development for AberSU.”

Aberystwyth University Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor John Grattan commented: “On behalf of the University, I would like to congratulate AberSU on this significant achievement. The student voice is extremely important at Aberystwyth and the team of hard-working officers at the Students’ Union do an outstanding job of representing and supporting our students. This award is a reflection of the contribution they make to delivering an exceptional experience for all our students.”

As well as winning two awards, AberSU was also shortlisted for the Officer Team of the Year Award, and AberSU Finance Officer, Rebecca Thompson, was nominated in the Staff Member of the Year category.

The NUS Awards have been celebrating the work of Students’ Unions for the past nine years. 

The awards are an opportunity for Students’ Unions to gain national recognition for their efforts, with awards across all activities from campaigning and diversity to education and student opportunities.

AberSU has over 100 sports clubs and societies, ranging from debating to conservation volunteers, and paintballing to mountaineering, and a host of volunteering initiatives.

The Union also runs an Advice Service, providing independent support and representation, whether academic, welfare or financial, for students who may find themselves needing extra support while at University.