Amy Smith has been elected as the next NUS-USI President, following a ballot of representatives across NI's student movement.
Amy, who is currently President at Queen's Students' Union, will take up their post from July 2026 for a two-year term.
Read about all of the results of the NUS officer elections here.
Economy Minister Conor Murphy MLA has today announced a 20% increase in maximum student maintenance loans for the 2025/26 academic year. This follows a 40% increase in the 2023/24 academic year, demonstrating a continued commitment to supporting students facing cost of living pressures.
Written by nus- usi
January 31, 2025
Rishi Sunak has made it illegal for universities to block register students on the electoral roll. And he introduced new ID laws – which he was warned would hit young people hardest. With a general election set to happen in the next year, we won’t let anything stop young people from having their say.
NUS-USI REPORT: “It's not about the cost of living, it's about the cost of survival”
NUS-USI is calling for urgent support for students in higher and further education across Northern Ireland following the launch of their “Cost of Survival” report.
The report found that students were left with just £29.30 per week after accommodation costs, which accounts for 81.7% of the maximum amount available for undergraduate student loans.
Whilst many students are juggling part time jobs, most will meet the definition of a low-income household, which is currently classified as less than 60% of the national average wage. Despite this, the majority are not eligible for benefits that other low-income households can access, including some of the recent cost of living payments.
The findings are supported by reports from universities and colleges of huge increases in food bank referrals, provision of heat banks and backpacks of hygiene products to students. Some institutions have also made payments to their student population in recognition of the extremely challenging financial circumstances the are facing.
Written by nus- usi
March 06, 2023
Students are struggling to survive in this cost of living crisis and being completely forgotten about by government. We are calling for: a student support payment, rent freeze and free transport. Sign up today!
Written by nus- usi
September 26, 2022
