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Affiliations to external bodies

CUSU works with a number of organisations to campaign for students on a local and national level. Find out more about how you can get involved in CUSU's work with these groups below.

National Union of Students (NUS)

NUS Logo

NUS is a confederation of 600 students' unions, amounting to more than 95% of all higher and further education unions in the UK. NUS currently represents the interests of over 7 million students at national level and supports their individual students' unions locally. It is regarded as "the national voice of students" within a wide range of circles, from government and educational organisations to businesses and media.

CUSU is affiliated to NUS, meaning Cambridge students are able to tap into the practical, political and financial benefits of NUS.

Find out more about NUS below:

  • NUS National Conference
  • NUS Extra Cards and student ID
  • Vote for Students Campaign

The Aldwych Group

Aldwych Group Logo

The Cambridge University Students' Union is a founding member of the Aldwych Group, the organisation of students' unions of the Russell Group Universities. The Group meets regularly and works collectively on many vital issues affecting research-led HE institutions in the UK.

CUSU tends to send the President and Education Officer as delegates to Aldwych Group meetings. However they are open to all interested students and CUSU/JCR/MCR Officers. If you would like to come along to meetings, please contact the President.

CUSU has a long history of involvement, with former President, Wes Streeting and Access Officer, Charlotte Richer, serving as Chair and Secretary respectively. The current Aldwych Group Secretary is Tom Chigbo, CUSU President 2009/10.

The Graduate Union

GU Logo

For graduate students, it may seem unusual that there are two bodies that represent their interests within the university. CUSU and the GU work together on many issues that affect graduate students. CUSU tends to focus on casework and political representation, as these are quite time- and labour-intensive activities, and CUSU is able to use its six sabbatical officers; the Graduate Union has only one sabbatical officer, its President. The Graduate Union has, in recent times, tended to focus more on the social and integrating needs of the
Graduate community, exploiting its central location and cafe space. While this relationship is fluid and the focus often shifts, CUSU andthe Graduate Union do not provide competing services, and we believe we complement each other well. Graduate students can only benefit from this dual representation, and are welcome to contact either union for advice or assistance at any time.