Campaigns

Campaigning in your Union

We've got your back! Campaign with us & make real change!

We're excited about our four main campaigns this year: Irish Language, Woke Up Like This, Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls, and Money Talks. Think you can help us shake things up and make a real difference? Let's do this! Want to get involved? Email us to find out how you can help out with your favorite campaign! Let's make some real change together!

Running: Sept - July

Woke Up Like This

Student-led change, from climate justice to disability rights.

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Running: 16th - 27th March

Irish Language

Awarded AMLÉ Campaign of the Year, supporting Irish visibility on campus.

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Running: Sept - July

Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls

Tackling Violence Against Women & Girls

Turning solidarity into action for safer campuses and stronger protections.

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Running: Sept - July

Money Talks

Enough is Enough: The line's been crossed. Fair fees demanded, no matter the cost.

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Running: January - July

Mental Health

Student-led change, from climate justice to disability rights.

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Running: 9th - 14th Feb

Sexual Health

Student-led change, from climate justice to disability rights.

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As well as our local campaigns we have a partnership with three UK / Irish based unions. These three unions run national campaigns throughout the year. These campaigns are aimed at core issues which effect the general student membership body

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Period Poverty

Veganuary

Wellbeing Garden

We know that isolation and loneliness is one of the biggest factors in negatively impacting student mental health.

#UBelong

With this series of events, we will create communities and offer spaces for students to come together. We will also encourage students to find their social groups in societies and sports teams. Want to join in or have an idea for a project to bring students together? Get in touch!

#UBelong here at Ulster University, and we will ensure that the support and opportunities are in place for you to thrive.

Briefing pack Application Form Bursary Examples

Led by:

Chris Murray

Rebekah Robinson

Caoimhin Heaney

Let’s talk about sex, baby! Our Sexual Health And Guidance (SHAG) campaign is all about sex education, sexual health, and sexuality. From Sex Toy Bingo to Consent, anti-spiking to cliteracy, we’re covering it all!

SHAG

Our Sexual Health And Guidance (SHAG) campaign is all things sex and relationships. As well as our SHAG week in February we’ll be working hard all year round on improving on-campus provision for STI testing, talking about safe and healthy relationships, and tackling consent and gender-based violence.

Check out our information station on sex and relationships for resources on all things sex, sexuality, consent, and relationships.

We also have a special teaser event coming your way this freshers week, just so’s you have an idea of what’s in store!

Big sexy talk

A podcast hosted by Informing Choices NI. Each collection of episodes focusing on a different area of sexual and reproductive health.

Check it out

Tea is Consent

In this video it’s explained that consent must be mutual, on-going, and freely given. Whether it’s tea or sex, consent is everything.

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Lovehoney Uni Sex

By Florence and Reed, hosts of the F*cks Given podcast, this ebook talks all things sex while at university. From safe sex, to consent, to pleasure, to common problems – there’s something in here for everyone to learn from!

Check it out

Sex and Disability

In this video from The Brook, Enhance The UK, and IPPF, two disabled women talk about their experiences, and what they want people to know about sex with a disability.

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Asexuality

Asexual people, who might use the term Ace for short, are people who experience low to no sexual attraction. This video explains what it’s all about!

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Sex and Pleasure

If you had sex ed in school (big if,) we’ll bet this crucial part of sex got left out. In this video from The Brook, Enhance The UK and IPPF, a group of young people discuss what pleasure means to them and their sex lives.

Check it out

How to use a Dental Dam

Dental Dams are often associated with lesbian sex but are for everyone regardless of gender and sexuality. This video from Pink News explains how to use one.

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Sex and Social Media

Didn’t you hear you’re not supposed to believe everything you see online? In this video from The Brook, Enhance The UK, and IPPF, young people talk about sex and social media.

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How does Emergency Contraception work?

A podcast hosted by Informing Choices NI. Each collection of episodes focusing on a different area of sexual and reproductive health.

Check it out

Trans Safer Sex Guide

When it comes to sex, there is a serious lack of resources for and by Trans people that talk about their bodies, sexuality, and needs in a respectful and relatable way. This guide seeks to rectify that.

Check it out

Big sexy talk

How is it possible that we landed on the moon before we figured out the anatomy of the clitoris? This is one of many questions artist Sophia Wallace poses in this TED-talk about the complexity and misrepresentation of the female body and sexuality.

Sophia Wallace a case for Cliteracy

Led by:

Emily Roberts

Lee Doran

UOK? We’re here for You

Our student mental health plan features an ongoing mental health and wellbeing campaign for our students. This includes wellbeing events & digital campaigns, mindfulness areas on campus, provision of wellbeing packs for students and a suite of ‘in conversation’ mental health student videos.

#BlackHistoryMonth

As part of our #BlackHistoryMonth campaign we researched several topics that are key to #antiracisteducation and combating racism. These social media posts were brief overviews which you should use to do your own, further research and learning. The African-Caribbean Society and several of our Black members helped us shape these posts and shape the ways in which we celebrate #blackhistorymonth2020.

Climate Emergency

In 2019, UUSU Student Council passed the 'Climate Emergency' policy which mandated the officer team to:

Become an ambassador of the UN “Sustainable Development Goals” and link our successes to the KPS' used in the SDG’s to measure improvement and success in these areas.
To provide a platform for students to engage with the UN Sustainable Development goals” through societies, campaigns, projects and events in order to create a lasting interest in environmental sustainability.
To work in partnership with the University to ensure the UN Sustainable Development Goals are embedded into the curriculum and that the University also adapts the UN Sustainable Development goals within any of their sustainability-related practices.
To promote and increase awareness the UN Sustainable Development Goals through relevant UUSU campaigns & events (including but not limited to the annual NUS Global Goals Teach-In campaign.

Through this, in February-March 2021, UUSU launched our Sustainability Fortnight which celebrated the work our students in progressing towards a number of the goals with a 'Sustainability Story Callout', coordinated themed society events, and collaborated with UU in the running of the SDG Teach In.

Net Zero Challenge

Off the back of COP26, in partnership with Ulster University, we were pleased to launch the Net Zero Challenge, an initiative that incentives taking action to reduce your carbon footprint, as well as encourage wider sectorial reductions in emissions. To find out more and take part, just follow the link: do.thenetzerochallenge.org

Period Poverty

In collaboration with @nus_usi and @insidequbsu are our Period Poverty Action Group; a student-led group dedicated to the elimination of period poverty across HE/FE colleges in Northern Ireland. The aim was to address #periodpoverty through lobbying, a stigma-breaking awareness campaign and supporting our members to achieve Period Care initiatives on all HE/FE campuses in the North.

Veganuary

Campaign involved sharing information (and recipes) on the history of Veganuary, veganism, the movement, how you can go vegan and how you can make a personal difference to #climatechange if #veganism isn't right for you. We also promoted our #vegansociety @uusuvegangeneration with our stories (and highlights) for resources & information to support you on your personal journey to #veganism, becoming #crueltyfree and, taking #climateaction.

Wellbeing Garden

Woke Up Like This

This is your invitation to take action. Woke Up Like This is about building real power, on campus and beyond, through bold student-led organising. From fighting for climate justice and Palestinian liberation, to uplifting Black voices, celebrating Pride, defending disability rights, and mobilising communities, this is where your values become action. Whether you’re new to activism or ready to lead, there’s a place for you here. Explore each project, get involved, and let’s shape a more just, inclusive future; together.

The Gaza 40

UUSU has been working with Students’ Unions across the UK to demand urgent government action for Palestinian students who have secured places at UK universities, but are trapped in Gaza.

Three students with places at Ulster University are impacted by the closure of the Visa Application Centre in Gaza. This bureaucratic barrier is putting their lives at risk and denying them their right to education.

UUSU has been lobbying local MPs and MLAs, urging them to raise this issue with the Home Office and Foreign Office. Alongside our national partners, we are calling on the UK Government to:

Excuse the biometric requirement and allow students safe passage to the UK, where biometric data can be taken securely.
Or, predetermine visa applications with a biometric deferral and facilitate evacuation to a neighbouring country to complete the process, with a guaranteed visa and onward travel to the UK.

We have also created a letter template for Ulster students to send directly to government ministers, amplifying our call for urgent action.

Education should not be a casualty of conflict. By joining this campaign, you can help us ensure that our fellow students are granted the safe passage and opportunity they deserve.

Led by:

Catherine Mailey

Pride

UUSU is proud to stand with and support Pride across Northern Ireland. Each year, we support Belfast Pride, Foyle Pride, Causeway Pride, and Trans Pride NI, celebrating our LGBTQ+ community and advocating for equality and inclusion. Our commitment to LGBTQ+ rights has a strong history, including our involvement in the AMLÉ Make Grá the Law campaign, which called for marriage equality across the island of Ireland.

Led by:

Catherine Mailey

Black History Month

Each October, UUSU marks Black History Month by celebrating the achievements, culture, and contributions of Black communities across the UK and Ireland. The campaign provides opportunities to reflect on the past, learn from lived experiences, and challenge racism and inequality in all its forms. Through events, campaigns, and student-led initiatives, we work to amplify Black voices on campus and ensure that diversity, inclusion, and racial justice remain at the heart of our union.

Led by:

Amensinor Favour Okpohs

The Climate Crisis

UUSU recognises the urgent need for action on the climate crisis. Our campaign focuses on raising awareness, promoting sustainable practices on campus, and pushing for systemic change to protect our planet. We work with students, staff, and partner organisations to advocate for policies that reduce carbon emissions, support climate justice, and ensure a sustainable future for all. Together, we aim to empower students to take action - both locally and globally - in the fight against climate breakdown.

Led by:

Amensinor Favour Okpohs

Disability Rights

UUSU is committed to breaking down barriers and championing the rights of disabled students. Our Disability Rights campaign focuses on equality, accessibility, and ensuring that every student can thrive here at Ulster. Central to this work is the Disabled Students Empowerment Network, a student-led space that amplifies disabled voices and builds community across our three campuses, Together, we strive to create a more inclusive university experience where disabled students are empowered, represented, and supported.

Led by:

Rebekah Robinson

Irish Language

Awarded AMLÉ (Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn/The Union of Students in Ireland) Irish Language Campaign of the year, two years running, we’re back again! Whether you’re a gaeilgeoir, have a culpa focal, or no Irish at all, this campaign is here to help you develop your understanding of the language.

Research

We want to know your thoughts on Irish at UU, and how we as your Union can support the visibility and development of the language. Do you want to see bilingual signage in Union spaces? Is there more we could do? Let us know!

Survey runs from Monday Sept 22nd to Friday Oct 24th.
Seachtain na Gaeilge
Coming March 2026!

Led by:

Emily Roberts"

Catherine Mailey

Caoimhin Heaney

Tackling Violence Against Women & Girls

Our Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls campaign is about turning solidarity into action. We're fighting for safer campuses, stronger protections, and real change - led by students, for students. From confronting spiking and demanding better safety measures, to leading a groundbreaking charter across post-secondary education in Northern Ireland, we’re pushing institutions to take a stand, support survivors, and amplify women’s voices. This is about policy, culture, and power - and it starts with us. Get involved, get trained, and help build a campus and wider society where women are heard, supported, and safe.

Strut Safe

Strut Safe is a volunteer-run support line. They will stay on the phone with you until you arrive safely at your destination, no matter where you are going or where you have come from. If you’re walking home alone and would feel safer talking to someone while you make your journey, Strut Safe is here to help.

When you call Strut Safe, their automated system will transfer you to an available volunteer. They will ask your name and location, then chat to you about whatever you want until you are safely through the door.

You can find out more about Strut Safe at StrutSafe and call them on 0333 335 0026. They operate Fridays & Saturdays from 19:00 - 03:00, and Sundays from 19:00 - 01:00.

All of their volunteers go through a thorough interview and training process and they all hold valid Disclosure and Barring Service certificates.

Led by:

Emily Roberts

A Student Movement Response

UUSU has led on a first-of-its-kind charter, uniting Students’ Unions across Northern Ireland to take real action on violence against women and girls.

The Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Charter is an active commitment by those involved with a Student Union in Northern Ireland, to: (1) take steps to address the ongoing violence against women and girls in NI; (2) reduce any barriers to women and girls in a range of career fields; and (3) enhance the voices of women and girls.

Led by:

Emily Roberts

Stop Spiking

UUSU’s Stop Spiking campaign is about protecting students and tackling spiking head-on. Alongside providing resources, support, and awareness to help keep students safe, we are campaigning for stronger legal protections. We are calling for spiking to be made a stand-alone criminal offence, and have already secured a commitment from the Justice Minister to bring a Legislative Consent Motion to Stormont once a Bill passes at Westminster extending this law to Northern Ireland. This campaign is both about student safety today and lasting legal change for the future.

Poster Campaigns

Have I Been Spiked?
No victim blaming, we’re perpetrator shaming!
Spiking is No joke!
Spiking someone to get laid is rape!

Led by:

Emily Roberts

Lee Doran

Campus Safety

UUSU’s Campus Safety campaign is dedicated to ensuring that every student feels safe, supported, and protected across all campuses. We work to raise awareness of safety issues, provide practical advice and resources, and lobby the university for improvements in areas such as lighting, transport, and security. Our campaign also highlights the importance of respect, consent, and community responsibility, empowering students to look out for one another and create a safe, welcoming environment for all.

Led by:

Lee Doran

Money Talks

The fight for fair fees and funding is about more than education, it’s about dignity, equality, and the right to thrive as a student. This campaign tackles the real cost of university, from soaring rent and hidden course fees to food insecurity and period poverty. We're organising for renters’ rights, demanding action on the cost of living crisis, and standing up to fee hikes that lock students out of education. Join us to take on a broken system and build one where every student can afford to live, learn, and lead.

Freeze our Fees

UUSU’s Freeze Our Fees campaign is fighting to protect students from rising tuition costs and unfair financial pressures. We are campaigning to prevent any increase in university fees while also exposing the hidden costs of student life, from course materials and field trips to accommodation and transport. By challenging these barriers, we aim to make education genuinely affordable and accessible for all, ensuring that no student is priced out of opportunity.

Led by:

Chris Murray

Amensinor Favour Okpohs

Lee Doran

Money, money, money

UUSU’s Cost of Living campaign supports students through the financial challenges of rising prices and economic pressures. We are working to highlight the real impact the crisis has on student life, while pushing for greater support from government and the university. Alongside lobbying for measures such as affordable housing, fair funding, and accessible transport, we also provide practical resources to help students manage costs day-to-day. Our goal is to ensure no student is left behind because of financial hardship.

Led by:

Chris Murray

Amensinor Favour Okpohs

Lee Doran

Support your Sports

Your VP Sport and Wellbeing, Caoimhín Heaney, is working hard to secure more funding for our sports teams. Team UU deserves a better deal, and we know students should be supported to compete at the highest levels. Currently, many of our teams out-perform their current funding arrangements, making getting to matches and competitions a struggle.

If we want our teams to reach their full potential, they must be financially supported to get there. UUSU backs our teams; and we’re asking UU to do the same.

Led by:

Caoimhin Heaney

Renters Rights

If you are new to the private rental market, it can be difficult to navigate what you are entitled to. This year we’ll be running workshops and publishing a renters rights guide, to make sure when you go to rent a house you know what to ask, what the red flags are, and where to get help if things go wrong.

Our Advice Bureau is well placed to help you get the assistance you need in your housing matter or refer your query to the appropriate authority. If you need help, check out the housing section in our Advice dropdown, or make an appointment to speak to an advisor.

Led by:

Chris Murray

Amensinor Favour Okpohs

Lee Doran