A campaign is an organized attempt to achieve a positive change. Campaigns can take any form and size, from letter writing to lobbying politicians to struggling for causes.

At UCSU, we campaign for student interests in the University, the city, and beyond. We also want to empower students to conduct their own campaigns when they feel strongly about something.

How You Can Be Involved in a Campaign

There are several ways to participate in a campaign at UCSU:

• Lead a Campaign: If you have an idea for change you'd like to see, you can take the lead! UCSU offers resources and team support to help you initiate and manage your campaign.
• Get Involved in an Existing Campaign: Perhaps you have an idea but do not wish to do it alone, or you would like to get behind something a UCSU Officer is already developing. We can connect you with a Sabbatical Officer or one of our committees who will facilitate you getting involved.
• Make a Suggestion: If you have an idea or are aware of an issue that needs to be fixed but lack the time or desire to campaign yourself, you can submit it through our suggestions website. Students will determine if these suggestions are put to a vote, or a Sabbatical Officer can fast-track them. We'll keep everyone updated on what's going on with the campaign on the suggestions web page.
• Register Your Interest: If you don't have a specific campaign or issue in mind but would nevertheless wish to participate in future campaigns, you can let us know by filling in our campaigner form.

If you need any assistance with the above options, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us at students.union@cumbria.ac.uk.

What your Students' Union is doing to help

You've told us that the cost of living is an issue that is affecting you at the moment. We've been working closely with the university on a range of changes, including free breakfast (served on each campus, Monday to Friday).

We have also introduced some of our own initiatives:

Microwaves and kettles

We provide microwaves and kettles in key locations, to help you cut food costs. You’ll find them in these places:

• Fusehill Street: in the Learning Gateway, On the 1st and 2nd floors of the building.
• Brampton Road: outside the SU office, main building at the end of the Long Corridor.
• Lancaster: SU office, Gateway building, Alexandra Building in the Gallery, Sentamu Building in the students' chill our room on the top floor.
• Rigg Cottage.
• London: the Chalet.

If you are campus-based, this has now replaced with our electronic gift card scheme.

Keep Me Going Voucher

This scheme is designed for all students, this is to replace the pantry system previously installed on campus.

Free period products - Red Spots Campaign

These are available in one set of bathrooms on each campus, at each main reception, and SU offices - just ask for a package for Grace! If you are in need, and are not campus-based, please get in touch.

Subsidised events

Whenever possible, we provide low or no cost events that are UCSU ran.

Things we continue to work on

• obbying for free, or reduced cost, car parking.
• Lobbying for reduced laundry costs in halls, especially for courses that require a lot of muddy kit!

Is there something else that you would like us to look into/change? Tell us your idea and leave the rest to us!

Are you in long term financial difficulty? Remember that you can self-refer to the University's Money Advice. You can do so by going to your Student Hub and clicking on the Student Enquiry Point tab.