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Oxford University Student Union
The Oxford University Students' Union is the official students' union of the University of Oxford. It is better known in Oxford under the branding Oxford SU or by its previous name of OUSU. It exists to represent Oxford University students in the university's decision-making, to act as the voice for students in the national higher education policy debate, and to provide direct services to the student body.
In 1961, the University of Oxford Proctors banned the student magazine Isis from publishing reviews of lectures. Students resisted, and legally incorporated the Oxford University Student Representative Council (OUSRC) for the first time. They then agitated for formal university recognition of the OUSRC, and petitioned the United Kingdom's Privy Council, asking the government to amend the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge Act 1859. Rather than risk having its hand forced by legislation, the university relented, and formally recognised the OUSRC in 1970.[citation needed]
The OUSRC adopted its contemporary constitution in 1974, changing its name to the Oxford University Student Union, or OUSU.[citation needed] OUSU rebranded itself as Oxford SU in 2017 to improve its image among students at Oxford.
Membership at the Oxford University Student Union (Oxford SU) reflects the university's collegiate structure, operating on two interconnected levels: individual student membership and a federal body of common rooms.
All students are automatically enrolled as full members of Oxford SU, granting them the right to participate in all SU democratic processes, including elections and the Conference of Common Rooms. Any student may choose to opt out of their SU membership at any time.
The SU's federal nature is embodied by the Conference of Common Rooms (CCR), which serves as the primary democratic forum for the university's Junior Common Rooms (JCRs) and Middle Common Rooms (MCRs). Each common room holds membership in the Conference and sends a nominated representative to vote on its behalf. A common room can democratically decide to disaffiliate from the CCR. Such a decision does not affect the individual SU membership of that college's students, who retain their personal membership rights unless they opt out individually.
Oxford SU manages several commercial activities. Its most prominent event is the annual Freshers' Fair, a multi-day event held at the start of the academic year in the Examination Schools, which introduces new students to the university's many clubs and societies. The SU also engages in publishing, such as student handbooks.
Historically, the SU published The Oxford Student newspaper. However, as of Michaelmas 2025, the newspaper will transition to become an independent publication, with the SU providing financial support during its first year of independence. The SU also supports Oxide Radio, an editorially independent student radio station that broadcasts online.
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Oxford University Student Union
The Oxford University Students' Union is the official students' union of the University of Oxford. It is better known in Oxford under the branding Oxford SU or by its previous name of OUSU. It exists to represent Oxford University students in the university's decision-making, to act as the voice for students in the national higher education policy debate, and to provide direct services to the student body.
In 1961, the University of Oxford Proctors banned the student magazine Isis from publishing reviews of lectures. Students resisted, and legally incorporated the Oxford University Student Representative Council (OUSRC) for the first time. They then agitated for formal university recognition of the OUSRC, and petitioned the United Kingdom's Privy Council, asking the government to amend the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge Act 1859. Rather than risk having its hand forced by legislation, the university relented, and formally recognised the OUSRC in 1970.[citation needed]
The OUSRC adopted its contemporary constitution in 1974, changing its name to the Oxford University Student Union, or OUSU.[citation needed] OUSU rebranded itself as Oxford SU in 2017 to improve its image among students at Oxford.
Membership at the Oxford University Student Union (Oxford SU) reflects the university's collegiate structure, operating on two interconnected levels: individual student membership and a federal body of common rooms.
All students are automatically enrolled as full members of Oxford SU, granting them the right to participate in all SU democratic processes, including elections and the Conference of Common Rooms. Any student may choose to opt out of their SU membership at any time.
The SU's federal nature is embodied by the Conference of Common Rooms (CCR), which serves as the primary democratic forum for the university's Junior Common Rooms (JCRs) and Middle Common Rooms (MCRs). Each common room holds membership in the Conference and sends a nominated representative to vote on its behalf. A common room can democratically decide to disaffiliate from the CCR. Such a decision does not affect the individual SU membership of that college's students, who retain their personal membership rights unless they opt out individually.
Oxford SU manages several commercial activities. Its most prominent event is the annual Freshers' Fair, a multi-day event held at the start of the academic year in the Examination Schools, which introduces new students to the university's many clubs and societies. The SU also engages in publishing, such as student handbooks.
Historically, the SU published The Oxford Student newspaper. However, as of Michaelmas 2025, the newspaper will transition to become an independent publication, with the SU providing financial support during its first year of independence. The SU also supports Oxide Radio, an editorially independent student radio station that broadcasts online.
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