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We're led by students in everything we do, and you can make sure that remains true by voting in the National Union of Students (NUS) Affiliation referendum.
Voting has now opened in the 2026 referendum on the Union’s affiliation to the National Union of Students UK (NUS UK). Students are being asked to vote on the question: “Should Students’ Union UCL disaffiliate from National Union of Students (NUS UK)?”
Students can vote Leave NUS UK, Remain Affiliated to NUS UK, or Abstain.
Voting opens at 09:00 on Monday, 4 May and closes at 12:00 midday on Friday, 8 May.
What is the NUS?
The National Union of Students (NUS), founded in 1922, represents university and college students across the UK. It is affiliated with about 400 students' unions, representing over seven million students. Around 95% of UK student unions, including UCL's Students' Union, are members of the NUS.
As a registered company, NUS UK advocates for students' interests through national campaigns and lobbying. This part of the NUS, often called the 'campaigning', 'political', and 'democratic' branch, is led by Full-Time Officers and guided by events like the NUS England Conference.
NUS have a website where you can read more about who they are and their work.
Why is the Union holding a referendum?
According to the Education Act, when a students' union is connected to an external organisation, there should be a clear process for members to review and approve that affiliation. As a student, your voice is crucial in guiding the direction of our Union.
Based on student feedback, on February 2 2026, the Union Executive voted to hold a referendum to decide whether: ‘Should Students' Union UCL disaffiliate from National Union of Students (NUS UK)?’
The last review of the Union's affiliation to NUS was held in May 2023, where 59.4% of students voted for Students' Union UCL to REMAIN a member of NUS UK. You can view a summary of the 2023 referendum here.
How does the referendum work?
Like the Leadership Race, you will be able to use our online voting platform to cast your vote. It's a blind vote, so no one can see how you have voted.
Unlike the Leadership Race, the referendum result will be decided using a “first past the post” system, meaning the option with the most votes wins.
You’ll be able to cast your vote online during the voting period by choosing one of three options: Remain affiliated to NUS UK, Leave NUS UK, or Abstain.
It is important to make your voice heard. For the referendum to be binding, 5% of students need to vote.
As a Union, we're here to facilitate this vote and will remain impartial until an outcome is reached. After the vote, whichever outcome has a majority will set our position as a Students’ Union.
If you want to learn more, check out our referendum landing page here, or reach out to us at [email protected].
And most importantly... don't forget to vote!