News / University of Bristol
Centenary legacy of Bristol Uni’s student union
Bristol SU marks the centenary legacy in October. Those hundred years of representing academic interests, empowering generations of students to fight for their rights, and bringing students together weave a rich tapestry.
Bristol SU was formed in 1924 and was a founding member of the National Union of Students (NUS).
Currently, it is the port of call for some 30,000 students and is home to around 350 student societies, making life at the university both dynamic and engaging, fostering lifelong learning and camaraderie.
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But it has not always been ‘fun and games’. When the Bristol Bus Boycott unfolded in 1963, as a result of the ‘colour bar’ at Bristol Omnibus Company which refused to employ Black and Asian crew, Bristol students took to the streets alongside their lecturers, carrying banners and placards to make their voices heard.
Bristol SU Living Room on the fourth floor of Senate House is a space for you to relax, unwind and connect with others – photo: Bristol SU
It was no performative action either, as Bristol SU paid homage to the Bristol Bus Boycott by naming one of the suites in its Richmond Building after a pioneer of the boycott, Paul Stephenson.
When Bristol Bus Boycott unfolded, University of Bristol students took to the streets alongside their lecturers, carrying banners and placards to express solidarity with the campaigners – photo: Madge Dresser
Although Bristol SU’s history predates the last century, the milestone commemorates the 1924 merger of the University Guild and the University Club, forming the Students’ Union. At the time, the student newspaper noted that the new constitution would simplify matters for freshers, unifying the previously separate functions of the Guild and the Club.
Stephenson Room in Richmond Building is named after the bus boycott pioneer Paul Stephenson – photo: University of Bristol
Since its establishment in October 1924, Bristol SU has consistently campaigned for student needs and rights. Reflecting on the past century, recurring themes such as tuition fees, financial support, and campus space have been persistent issues for students.
Despite these ongoing challenges and numerous changes over the years, Bristol SU has united diverse student groups, supported various student events, and maintained communal spaces like the Bristol SU Living Room.
Before moving to Senate House in spring 2024, Richmond Building was the home to Bristol SU – photo: Milan Perera
The home of Bristol SU has changed several times over the years, from Victoria Room to Richmond Building to Senate House. The move to Senate House in the spring of 2024 was seen by many as self-explanatory, as the university’s many lecture theatres, administrative buildings and the Arts and Social Sciences Library (ASSL) are within a short walk.
However, Richmond Building’s theatre and performance arts spaces will remain in their usual home. The Winston Theatre and the Pegg Studio Theatre host a kaleidoscope of shows and plays throughout the academic year, put together by groups such as Drama Society (Dram Soc), Spotlights, Operatic Society (BOpS), and Pantomime Society (Panto Soc).
Winston Theatre in Richmond Building has been an important space for several performance arts societies – photo: Milan Perera
“We’re proud to support over 900 student reps and 350+ societies, all working to make your Bristol experience the best it can be. None of it would have been possible without the dedication of our students, staff, and other supporters. I’m sure for everyone who’s been at Bristol over the last 100 years, some of their best memories were from societies in the Students’ Union!” said Katie Poyner, union affairs officer.
“Over the past hundred years, the Students’ Union has made a significant impact on the lives of countless students, and I’m incredibly proud to be part of that legacy. As a recent history graduate and now your union affairs officer, it’s an honour to continue that tradition.”
Drag Society is one of 350 student societies who function under the umbrella of Bristol SU – photo: Milan Perera
Recently, the university has come under scrutiny for issues surrounding student mental health and wellbeing. However, the SU has reiterated that it has learned valuable lessons and adopted a far-reaching strategy to meet student needs in a holistic and safe environment.
Some of the pivotal moments in Bristol SU’s history include George Odlum becoming the first Black president of the SU in 1958, the appointment of Sam Budd as chief executive in 2009, making her the first Black female CEO in 2019, and the introduction of the International Students’ Officer role as part of the elected officer team since 2019.
Blurring the lines of fantasy and reality : Bristol Quidditch Club, a SU accredited society, training on the Downs – photo: Milan Perera
In 2009, Bristol SU was officially granted charitable status, enabling it to maintain impartiality and make its support and advice highly accessible. The students elect their representatives who lead Bristol SU and advocate on their behalf to the university.
Bristol SU protested against the ending of free education in 1998 under the Blair government – photo: University of Bristol – Special Collections (DM2165/24/3/2)
According to the SU, this democratic process allows students to directly influence or even lead the changes they wish to see during their time at university. Additionally, this organisational structure ensures that Bristol SU remains fully independent, providing impartial advice and support to all students.
Bristol SU also takes a stance of not ‘no-platforming’ speakers, ensuring free speech on campus.
The rebellious spirit of Bristol may have rubbed onto Bristol SU itself when it protested against the ending of free education in 1998 under the Blair government, where students staged a funeral procession for the ‘death of higher education’, which was joined by students from universities across the South West.
Freshers Fair on the Downs features some 350+ student societies showcasing their contributions to student life in Bristol – photo: Milan Perera
Throughout the SU calendar, a significant portion is dedicated to the organisation of Freshers Fair on the Downs, which features all 350+ student societies showcasing their contributions to student life in Bristol.
The Societies vary from the standard sports and academic varieties to quirky and eclectic ones such as Taylor Swift Society, Drag Society, Quidditch Club, and Historical Reenactment Society.
For some, it is more than the passage of time, but a life choice. Such was the case for Rob Griffiths, former student rep and trustee. He said: “I first met my wife at the 2011 Freshers’ Fair when we were both volunteering for Burst Radio. We married 10 years later, and now have a little baby girl called Daphne Josephine – or ‘DJ’ for short.”
Bristol SU moved to its new home in Senate House in spring 2024 – photo: Milan Perera
A special 100th Birthday celebration is organised in the Bristol SU Living Room on Tuesday, October 29 from 14:00-16:00. For details, visit www.bristolsu.org.uk/events/bristol-su-100-years-birthday-party
Main photo: University of Bristol Special Collections (DM1926/21/4/1)
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