The Students’ Union is run by students for students – that means we’re completely dedicated to representing students at Staffs and helping provide what they want from their student experience. That covers everything from advice and support, great venues and events to representation, sports clubs, activities and even a dedicated student media service.
We’re constantly striving to ensure the best possible experience for all students at Staffs and free membership of the Students’ Union is automatic on enrolling at Staffordshire University. That means our students get to have their say in what we do and how we do it.
Staffordshire University Students’ Union is a democratic organisation, working entirely for the benefit of students.
The Students' Union sponsors and supports a diverse range of student-run groups. These include both competitive and recreational sports groups, special interest groups, academic societies and some that we are unable to categorise! You can find out contact details and any info the groups have posted by following the links below.
The Student Advice Centre (SAC) offers confidential and impartial advice on a variety of issues, such as: student finance, academic affairs, student housing, debt management etc. In addition, there are a number of online self help materials which you can access from the Advice Guide.Find out more...
Academic Reps can raise issues when something is wrong or tell the University what works for you and your student experience. If you need advice regarding your course then contact your Academic Rep.Find out more...
Money Doctors is part of the Students’ Union Student Advice Centre. It is free, independent, impartial and confidential. Click on the logo to see how we can help you keep your finances healthy and make your money achieve what you want it to.Find out more...
You can feel safe in the knowledge that the University has a Cop Shop with a friendly campus police officer who is around to answer any questions. You can speak to him about anything from the security of your property, your personal safety or to report a crime.Find out more...
LRV is the Stoke Campus nightclub and holds our regular clubnights such as the ever popular Gobble on a Wednesday night and Super Friday. LRV is the Union’s largest venue with 1300 capacity.Find out more...
Legends and The Lounge are the Union's Beaconside campus venues. The Lounge is a recently refurbished, stylish bar serving great food and coffee as well as the traditional bar refreshments seven days a week. Legends is the Stafford Campus's nightclub and holds our weekly clubnight Mukky Duck as well as regular live music performances. Find out more...
The Ember Lounge is Staffordshire University Students' Union second Stoke Venue. Winner of Best Late Night Venue Midlands and Wales and a Best Bar None award, the Ember Lounge offers something for everybody. Whether it's an early morning espresso to get you ready for the day, a great value lunch or a night of cocktails and entertainment, we aim to deliver. Find out more...
The Squeeze Box has a delicious menu for both breakfast and lunch. For those wanting something healthy, yet tasty, Squeeze Box caters for all with options big and small. There is also a wide variety of hot drinks, with Fairtrade products being used where possible. Find out more...
Verve is Stoke’s newest venue offering students a funky place to relax and enjoy a tasty burger and the creamiest milkshakes. Open all day, students can pop in for food and drink, listen to some music, catch up on the latest magazines and just take a break from the world outside. Find out more...
The Students’ Union is a student-led organisation, and in that spirit endeavours to hire students and harness their skills where possible.
The latest video updates from the officer team about their work on behalf of the students at staffordshire University
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Few people go through Higher Education without owing the University money at one time or another. This can be Library fines, money owed to a University Faculty or Service or:
Tuition fees:
These are payable in full at or before enrolment unless your Local Education Authority (LEA) or another third party acceptable to the University has agreed to pay these on your behalf. Your student support notification from your LEA should state whether or not you are responsible for paying your tuition fees. A copy of this should be given to the University Finance Department so that they know whom to invoice for your tuition fees. If you are still in the process of being assessed by your LEA once you have enrolled, it is important that you inform the University Finance department of this.
If you are responsible for paying your own fees these can be paid in three equal instalments (at enrolment, 21st January and 15 April) or by monthly direct debits (normally between November and May). Where no instalment arrangement has been agreed, accounts will become due 28 calendar days after the date on which the invoice is raised.
If your employer is paying your tuition fees, these become payable in full at or before enrolment. Where students have provided a letter from their employer accepting responsibility for tuition fees, invoices will be raised payable by the employer sponsor. Accounts will become due 28 calendar days after the date on which the invoice is raised.
Accommodation fees:
You will be invoiced for these as soon as it is possible after you have registered in University managed residential accommodation. The University will also provide an opportunity for students or their parents to pay accommodation invoices at the University Intake Weekend. If payment is made within 28 days of the date on which the invoice was raised, then you will receive a 2.5% discount on the total rent payable. If you are unable to pay immediately, payment may be made by 3 equal instalments at the beginning of each term or by 7 monthly direct debits between November and May.
WHAT ACTION WILL THE UNIVERSITY TAKE IF I HAVE ANY OF THESE DEBTS?
If your account remains outstanding at the date payment becomes due, action will be taken to gain payment. This will include letters to your local and (if appropriate) home address. The University may also refer an outstanding account onto its Solicitors for appropriate legal action to recover the debt.
If you have made an agreement to pay either tuition fees or accommodation fees by instalments, then the above procedures will only commence after a payment has been missed.
WHAT IF I DON’T AGREE WITH THE BILL THE UNIVERSITY HAS SENT ME?
Inform the University Finance Department of the problem as soon as possible and ask them to suspend recovery action until any queries are resolved.
WHAT IF I CAN’T PAY AS QUICKLY AS THE UNIVERSITY WANTS?
If you are concerned that you may get into, or are in, debt to the University and/or have other outstanding debts, contact the University Finance Department. They may be able to agree a repayment schedule with you. Also, seek advice from the Student Advice Centre (SAC). We offer a comprehensive debt counselling service and budgeting advice and we can assist with applications to the University Access to Learning Fund (although please note that help from the Fund is discretionary and they cannot pay any tuition fees owed) as well as advise you of any trusts or charities that you can apply to for help. We can also check that you are receiving everything that you are entitled to financially and can assist in negotiations with the University Finance Department and Solicitors. We can be contacted at Stoke on (01782) 294469 or at Stafford on (01785) 353425.
WHAT IF I INTERMIT OR WITHDRAW FROM THE UNIVERSITY?
Contact the University Finance Department regarding any outstanding fees. The amount of tuition fees you will be liable for is dependent upon the time of year that you leave. Please note that if you have applied for a tuition fee loan from the Student Loans Company and you intermit or withdraw before the end the 01 December, you will not be eligible to receive your tuition fee loan to pay your tuition fees. This means that you will be responsible for paying any tuition fees owed yourself. Please contact the University Finance Department or the Student Advice Centre for further information.
You will also be liable for any accommodation fees up until the day that you are released from your contract and will therefore need to contact Residential Services in writing to ask them to be released as well as to explain why. If they are satisfied that you are withdrawing from your course, they will normally release you.
WHAT IF THE UNIVERSITY SAYS I WON’T BE ALLOWED TO STAY ON THE COURSE AS A RESULT OF DEBT?
Consult the SAC as soon as this is mentioned – this means things have become really rather serious.
TOP TIPS:
• Don’t ignore invoices. They won’t go away! • If you are not in debt now but think you may run into difficulties, try to plan in advance. Talk to the University Finance Department or the Student Advice Centre. Communication is the key to preventing problems.