University of London Union
| 240px | |
| Institution | University of London |
|---|---|
| Location |  ULU, Malet Street, London |
| Established | 1921 |
| Abolished | 2014 |
| Members | 120,000+ |
| Affiliations | All University of London College Unions |
| Colors | Blue White |
| Website | ULU homepage |
The University of London Union (commonly referred to as ULU, pron. 'yoo-loo') was the university-wide students' union for the University of London. It was the largest students' union in Europe, with over 120,000 students as the focus of its activities, with its students also all members of individual University of London colleges' student unions of which ULU is the umbrella organisation.[1]
The University of London Union provided a range of services on an intercollegiate basis, including cultural, recreational and sporting activities. Its seven-floor building in Malet Street, Central London included bars, restaurants, shops, banks, swimming pool and a live music venue.[2]
In July 2014 the University of London Union was abolished by its parent institution, the University of London.[3]
History
ULU was founded in 1921, originally as the University of London Union Society, and moved into its main building on Malet Street, near Senate House, in 1957.[4] It represented students to the University and beyond, whilst also providing support and resources to the students' unions of individual colleges.
On 3 May 2013, the University of London announced that the union would cease to exist.[5] This move was condemned by some students and campaign groups, who are now running a campaign to keep the building in student hands.[6] Other students however have welcomed the move, this is in part due to fears that the Union is undemocratic as it received a very low election turnout of just 2%. This is against the backdrop of other Unions which receive in excess of 50% turnout.[7][8]
Upon the University of London Union's abolition, its former building and website was rebranded as the 'Student Central', and is now operated by the former staff of ULU employed by the University of London.[9]
Activities
ULU aimed to represent the diverse students and students’ unions of the University of London.
The ULU building and venue was widely known as one for gigs that launch major artists such as the Kaiser Chiefs and Goldfrapp.
The Union funded and publishes a student newspaper, London Student, although the editorial content was not controlled by the Union as a whole but solely by the elected Editor.
Sports
One of ULU's main activities was the provision of Sport Leagues and Sport Clubs. The leagues originally only included teams within the University of London. Now they include University teams from the London area that are not in UoL. The governance of these is carried out by Sports Officers from the Universities and Colleges Students' Unions that have at least one sports team in the league. The sports leagues are also supported by the Friends of University of London Sport, whose members were former Sports Officers from within the University of London.
The union was home to Central London's largest swimming pool.[10][11]
In 2015, the UL Athletics and XC club established the London Colleges Athletics Series (LCAS) along with King's College London, University College London and Imperial College London. LCAS has since merged with the long standing London Colleges League to form the London Universities and Colleges Athletics.
References
- ↑ ULU Students Union Governance
- ↑ Queen Mary, University of London Students' Union
- ↑ http://apps.charitycommission.gov.uk/SIR/ENDS15/0001139315_SIR_20130731_E.PDF
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ University of London Union Press Release (dead link)
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ http://www.thecommentator.com/article/3451/the_harsh_reality_of_the_university_london_union
- ↑ https://www.imperialcollegeunion.org/big-elections-2014/national-league-table
- ↑ http://www.student-central.co.uk/news/article/6013/Welcome-to-your-new-Student-Central/
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
