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What is a student union and what does it do?

The University of Melbourne is a big place — with countless buildings, faculties, schools and departments, it can be hard to know how to make friends or where to turn to get help. That’s where the University of Melbourne Student Union comes in.

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The University of Melbourne is a big place — with countless buildings, faculties, schools and departments, it can be hard to know how to make friends or where to turn to get help. 

That’s where the University of Melbourne Student Union comes in. We’re the peak representative body for all University of Melbourne students, representing and providing services for domestic, international, undergraduate, graduate coursework, and graduate research students alike. 

As an independent organisation governed by a democratically elected Students’ Council, we’re part of a 140-year-long living history of UniMelb students coming together to support each other and advance our common interests 

Formed in 1884 to promote the common interests of students, the Student Union exists to provide resources for pursuing public life and provide a sense of community among its members. Today, we’re committed to providing quality experiences on campus, campaigning and lobbying the University on issues that affect us, and representing and providing services for all students (domestic, international, undergraduate, graduate coursework, and graduate research students alike). 

We’re governed by your democratically elected representatives on Students’ Council, and our members are students just like you. We’re run by students, for students, and are here to help you make the most of your time at uni. 

No matter who you are or what you study, the University of Melbourne Student Union is here for you. 

Representing and providing services for all students (domestic, international, undergraduate, graduate coursework, and graduate research students alike).

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UMSU acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we work and pay our respects to Indigenous Elders past, present and emerging. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

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