UUSU unveils bilingual campus signage following eight-year student campaign

The new signage, now installed at Ulster University’s Belfast, Magee, and Colerainecampuses, reflect sustained campaigning from students for over eight years. This move by the Union was driven by multiple cohorts of students who consistently made the case thatbilingual signage would strengthen inclusion, promote belonging, and reflect the diversity of Ulster University’s student body.

Speaking on the launch, Emily Roberts, Ulster University Students’ Union President, said:

“After an eight-year student campaign for language rights, I’m incredibly proud that this year’s Officer Team has secured bilingual signage across our Students' Union Spaces. It has taken years of work from dedicated students to reach this point. I was very happy as President to lead this project alongside my team, and work with the University to finally deliver on something students have campaigned on for nearly a decade.

I believe this decision sends a strong message about the kind of university community we want to build. One that values diversity, celebrates culture and recognises the importance of language rights. Seeing bilingual signage become a reality across our spaces is a landmark moment for our Students’ Union, our university, and the wider direction of Northern Ireland.”

During the 2025 Freshers period, the Union ran a survey to gather current student views on the subject. Of those surveyed, 94% were in favour of bilingual signage on campus. One survey respondent said;

"I think the visibility of the Irish language is vital in the shared space we live in. I strongly believe it's everyone's language who lives here, it doesn't belong to a certain demographic at all. Seeing the language in the likes of our universities cements the point that it belongs to everyone."

Ulster University Students’ Union stated that the bilingual signage reflects its commitment to inclusion, equality, and the amplification of the student voice across Ulster University.