When I first arrived at Exeter, I mainly thought the Students’ Guild was where societies were managed, and where I somehow ended up committing myself to Just Dance, a Dartmoor expedition and a theatre rehearsal on day one, all before unpacking.

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But there’s a lot more happening around campus and behind the scenes than you might realise straight away. From helping students find their community to offering independent support and making sure student voices are heard, the Guild plays a major role in university life here.

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So, whether you’re in your first year or approaching graduation, here are a few things worth knowing that might come in handy.

Societies- of course!

Firstly, of course, I have to mention the societies! The Guild supports over 200 societies by providing operational, financial and governance support, allowing committees to run effectively.

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Through the Guild, you can find hundreds of student-led groups covering everything from film and dance to fundraising, volunteering and subject-based interests. With so many to choose from, there’s bound to be something you like! You can stick with something you already love or try something completely new. Either way, societies are a great way to meet people outside your accommodation or course.

There’s support when you need it

Something that took me a while to realise was that the Guild has its own independent advice service, separate from the University. Advisors can help with issues involving academics, housing, money and the cost of living, as well as help you understand University processes. The Student Life Hub also has practical information on areas such as finance, support and housing. I personally found the housing guides particularly useful - things like jargon busters, housing rights and paperwork made reading a tenancy agreement for the first time slightly less daunting when I had no clue what on earth was going on.

Your voice can make a difference

One of the most important parts of the Guild is its role in representing students. Because it is independent from the University, the Guild can take student feedback into the places where decisions are made.

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A recent example was the University consultation, where the Officer team gathered concerns around proposed staffing changes and raisedi ssues including module choice, dissertation support and communication with the University.

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There are plenty of ways to get involved, too. Academic Reps, Department and Faculty Officers, and the new Part-Time Officers all help make sure different student voices are represented. If there’s something you think could be better, there are many channels to help turn your ideas into action.

What matters most to you?

That brings me to the Guild’s What Matters Most survey, which is open right now. The Guild is asking students what they should prioritise and where its Officers should focus their time. Last year, more than4,000 students responded, helping shape priorities around student living needs and the academic experience. If there’s something you think needs changing, this is a simple way to get involved- make sure you complete it by Sunday 18 October!

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Don’t just take it from me - here’s what one of Exeter’s Student Living Officers has to say:

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Can you give an example of how listening to students has led to change, and why should students get involved if there’s something they want to improve?

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“After receiving lots of opinions about the lack of affordable lunch spots on campus, the Guild Officers lobbied the uni to introduce the Super Savour Kitchen! By getting involved in the survey, we can continue making changes that you actually want to see.”

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- Kerry, Student living officer

Hopefully, this has shown that the Guild isn’t something you only need during Welcome Week. Whether you want to meet like-minded people, need independent advice, want support with housing or academics, or simply have an idea for improving university life, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

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Even if you’re in your final year, it’s definitely not too late to make the most of what the Guild offers. So, while societies might have been my introduction to the Guild, hopefully you can see there’s a lot more to explore throughout the year!

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