The University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU) represents all students, from undergraduate through to research, both domestic and international. In 2025, there are a few key things UMSU wishes to highlight.

Firstly, the Ida Bar is officially back up and running. It is open each weekday from 9am through to 9pm. We have worked hard to offer a broad range of genuinely affordable meals, aimed at ensuring that all students can afford a decent meal on campus. Aside from this, it is an incredible asset for the Union and provides a social hub for students as well as a place to run our club and departmental events.

Secondly, following the release of our cost-of-living report, A Campus in Crisis, alongside consistent advocacy from UMSU and UMSU International, the University has developed a new university-owned Campus Canteen. Your student representatives are proud to announce that all meals will be priced at $5 for students. The Campus Canteen will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the semester and in some non-teaching periods.

Lastly, I wanted to share that the National Student Ombudsman has begun taking complaints. Our Advocacy Service is in the process of supporting students to raise complaints with the Ombudsman to ensure that the best outcomes possible are reached for our students. All of our Advocacy services are free, so if you have had an issue with the University, reach out and seek advice.

I hope that all of you are settling into this new semester. It is my hope that this will prove a good year for UMSU and by extension for the student body. We are here to support you in all capacities, if you need anything, your Union is here for you.