Students Association

Make the most of student life

University life isn’t just about lectures, studying and exams. The Students' Association offers plenty of opportunities for you to get involved in a wide range of activities, try new things and meet new people.

Many of the activities we offer look great on your CV and help make you more employable after you graduate. When you're having a break from the books, getting involved in the Students' Association is the ideal way to let off steam and lets you make the most out of your Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) experience.

Freshers' Week

On starting at GCU you will get to meet the Students' Association straight away and find out about all we do and how you can get involved.

At the beginning of Trimester 1 is Freshers' Week, where we organise and support entertainment on campus, give lots of welcome talks and run 'Give it a Go' sessions for students to sample some activities and make new friends.

Representation

The Students' Association is here to represent you are make sure you get the best student experience at GCU but also to make your time with us as enjoyable, memorable and as rewarding as possible. The Association is run by elected students for students and these officers work with the University to improve the GCU student experience.

You have a say in who you want to elect every year (normally in February or March) by voting in the Executive Committee elections. You could even run one day!

Caledonian Student Parliament

Caledonian Student Parliament is the main way that students tell the Students' Association what they want us to campaign about and how we should run. It's also the body that tells the elected student officers what they should be doing and hold them to account. The meetings happen six times across the academic year. The more diverse Student Parliament is the better we can represent all students across campus.

Student Reps

At GCU you could help to improve other students learning experience by becoming a student rep and representing their views on a variety of committees. No experience is required as full training and support is provided and it's a great way to pick up new skills and meet people outside of your course. Student Reps also get to participate in the Annual Student Summit and Caledonian Conference.

Societies

Societies are a great chance for you to meet like-minded folk. There are a number of societies covering a wide range of areas including faith, hobbies, music and course-based activities. At last count we had 34 societies ranging from the Christian Union and CUMSA (Muslim Students Association) to the Multinational Society and Paintball Society.

View a full list of all societies that are currently running at GCU and information on how to start a new society, here.

Sports

Our sports clubs cater for all levels from beginner to elite athletes, so you're bound to find something to suit your needs. If you are a sports club member, you'll have access to subsidised competition, coaching, first aid courses, equipment, training events and much much more. For a full list of all sports clubs that are currently running at GCU, visit: www.caledonianstudent.com/sport.

Our sporting clubs include:

• Athletics
• Badminton
• Basketball
• Cricket
• Football
• Golf
• Gymnastics
• Hockey
• Horse Riding
• Kayaking
• Mountaineering
• Muay Thai Boxing
• Netball
• Rowing
• Rugby
• Skiing
• Snowboarding
• Swimming
• Table Tennis
• Tae Kwon Do
• Tei Karate
• Trampolining
• Volleyball
  

Volunteering

Welfare Volunteering: Receive professional training and help the Students' Association to promote health and well-being to fellow students. Previous campaigns have included Sexual Health & Guidance, Alcohol Awareness, Stress Management and Personal Safety.

Become a Student Writer

Join the Re:Union Editorial Team to write and edit the monthly student magazine or become a Re:Union writer - a great way to hone your communication skills.

Become a Radio Volunteer

Join our new campus radio station, Radio Caley and gain new skills. There are many opportunities for you to get involved, including presenting, advertising, marketing, music and gig reviews, news & features and much more. Listen live at www.radiocaley.com.

Nightline

Nightline is a confidential student listening and information service which offers support to students throughout the night. It runs from Monday to Thursday, 7pm to 7am during term time. The number is on the back of your matriculation card. Nightline recruits at the beginning of each Trimester for new volunteers.

Student Leaders Programme

The Students' Association runs in conjunction with GCU the Student Leaders Programme and all student leaders on campus are eligible to join the programme. This Programme will teach and develop leadership and communication skills such as Public Speaking, Leadership, Assertiveness, Time Management and Employability. 

Developing these skills will stand students out from their peers and can be applied while at University and beyond.  In addition, improving these skills will increase students' attractiveness to employers upon Graduation.  There are three levels to complete, Bronze, Silver and Gold.  On completion of each level, students receive a certificate presented by the Principal at the annual Awards Ball.  More information about the Programme can be found here.

Independent Welfare Support

The Welfare Department provides a free non-judgemental and confidential service to all GCU students. Welfare exists to help students obtain accurate information on all the services and rights to which they are entitled and to provide support, mediation, advocacy and representation where appropriate. We provide advice, guidance and support on: Academic Regulations including appeals, special factors and student disciplinaries.

You can also gain information on accommodation, employment rights, financial worries and exam stress. For more information on the independent support the Welfare Department provides visit www.caledonianstudent.com/welfare or phone one of our Welfare Advisers on: 0141 273 1650 or email welfare@gcu.ac.uk.

Café, Games Room, Student Social Space and 24 hour Computer Labs

Within the Students' Association building is also a café, Games Room, Student Social Space with plasmas screens and a 24 hour Computer Lab. So whether you want to get involved in the Students' Association, chill out or study late into the evening the Students' Association Building offers something for everyone.