Wednesday 20-05-2026 - 16:15

It doesn’t feel that long ago we were welcoming new students to campus. Now, the year is finishing for undergrads, and we’re getting ready to say goodbye to five of your elected officers and hello to the 2026–27 team. Before that happens, we wanted to pause and share some of the ways Bristol SU has worked to make student life better this year.

Increased access to affordable food 🍲

Money worries are a reality for lots of students. We’ve focused on making sure everyone can access warm food, whatever their situation. 

1. We brought back £2 hot meals and £1 soup at the Bristol SU Hatch in the Hawthorns

2. We increased the number of microwaves available in our spaces 

3. We opened a new Community Larder at Langford 

More space for student activity 💃

Space is so important, whether it’s for studying, student groups, or to relax!

4. We opened the Bristol SU Basement in November. It’s already hosted over 500 hours of bookable student group activity. 

5. We secured more study space for students to make use of during assessment times – hello Ivy Gate building 👋 

6. We’ve secured additional activity and kitchen spaces in the Richmond Building and been preparing for a brand new SU Living Room opening in Temple Quarter (plus two new sensory rooms and more activity space!). All coming in 2026/27… 

Improved Support 🏠

We are literally a union for students, so supporting you is key to what we do. 

7. We launched our free, independent, and confidential housing advice service

8. We increased staff support for Wellbeing Champions and introduced more training for student groups on things like being an active bystander, safeguarding and inclusivity. 

Brought people together 🫂

University isn’t just about lectures. Feeling connected can shape your whole experience. 

9. Student Group memberships reached a record high this year. More students are finding community, building skills, and making friends. 

10. Whether it was Derby Day, PG Pints, International Students Week or something else, we’ve created a huge number of opportunities for you to meet, celebrate and belong. 

And a few more things worth shouting about...

There’s always more happening than fits into one list. Some honourable mentions from this year: 

• Over £15,000 back in students’ pockets for laundry 

• Accessibility information for all of our event venues 

• Access to free condoms, lube and pregnancy kits 

We can't wait for next year to be even better!