The start of a new academic year always brings fresh energy across our campuses, a mix of excitement, curiosity, and those first steps into new communities. This year, our SU Representatives have noticed something a little different in how students are connecting, engaging, and shaping campus life. Here’s what they had to say.

Avery has observed a real shift in the way students are approaching their university experience:

“As I’ve settled into my new role, I’ve noticed that this year more than in previous years, students are much more engaged with the deeper issues affecting their communities and are eager to work together toward solutions. I believe this shift is largely influenced by the rise of student activism globally, especially as seen across social media over the past year. This is an excellent opportunity for our union. I enjoyed being in Burnley for this reason, after years of having a lesser experience compared to students in Preston, our Burnley students seem especially open to the idea of community organising.”

For Avery, this enthusiasm signals a turning point, one where activism and collaboration can sit at the heart of student life, particularly in communities that have sometimes felt overlooked. It is a moment for the Union to channel that motivation into meaningful change.

In Preston, Molly has been struck by how quickly students have found their rhythm:

“Over the last few weeks, it’s been brilliant to see how students have settled in. Lampworks has been buzzing, especially during Welcome Week with all the mixers, the vet school one was a particular hit. It’s been really heartening to see new students throwing themselves into things, making friends, and finding their place. One small moment that stood out to me was in the Harrington cafeteria. I saw a student stop to help someone who looked lost. They admitted they were new too, but said, ‘let’s find it together,’ and off they went. It was such a simple, kind moment that really captured the spirit of the first few weeks. In early conversations with students, the cost of living has come up again and again. Many are finding food, nights out, and social events increasingly expensive, which means some are having to miss out. It’s a reminder of how important it is that we keep making things as accessible and inclusive as possible.”

Molly’s reflection captures both the energy and the challenges of the new term, the joy of connection, but also the reality that financial pressures continue to limit what some students can take part in.

For Chak, it was a small, almost throwaway moment that stood out, but one that says a lot about what student life is really built on:

“A very trivial moment from Welcome Week still lingers in my mind. The two students somehow struck up a conversation when waiting for free burgers. They ended up sitting down for their burgers together. This left me thinking about the beauty of human interactions and how we can turn those fleeting moments of sharing the same physical space into something deeper, some meaningful connections between two (or more) human beings.”

It is a simple observation, but one that reminds us how community grows, not only through organised events or campaigns, but through small acts of friendliness and shared experience.

Across all three reflections, there is a clear theme. Students are stepping into the year with openness and purpose. Whether that is through activism, friendship, or the everyday kindnesses that define campus life, these first few weeks are setting a hopeful tone for the year ahead.