Clubs & societies

OUSU campaigns on issues from Higher Education funding and equal opportunities to the quality of student housing. It also provides services, including a free, confidential advice service, a student newspaper and a host of events including nights out, charity events and an International Students’ Festival.

OUSU works to widen access to Oxford with its Alternative Prospectus and its Target Schools scheme. The Student Union also produces more than 20 publications, including the Freshers’ Guide and Oxford Handbook, as well as organising the annual Freshers’ Fair where hundreds of the exciting student societies recruit new members.

Budding journalists and broadcasters have a wealth of opportunities at Oxford, whether they want a distraction from work or the first step in a career. Oxide is a student-run radio station combining a diverse playlist with talk shows and interviews. The Cherwell and Oxford Student newspapers publish everything from restaurant reviews and crosswords to investigative journalism and sports reports. Isis Magazine is Britain’s oldest student publication, but Oxford has dozens of others, in print and on the web, in the University and colleges.

The world’s most famous debating society has long had a reputation for bringing internationally known guests and speakers to Oxford. Established in 1823, it aims to promote debate and discussion not just in the University, but across the globe. The Union is also a social centre and there are frequent lectures by all kinds of figures, from Ronald Reagan, the Dalai Lama and Diego Maradona to Johnny Depp, Stephen Hawking and Shakira.

Oxford offers a wealth of opportunities for volunteering, many of which can be found through the Oxford Hub. OUSU also has a Vice-President for Charities and Communities who coordinates fundraising for a range of local and national charities through Raise and Give (RAG), campaigning and volunteering through the Environment and Ethics Committee, and is there to help you with any questions about volunteering in Oxford.