Welcome to the world of the National Union of Students Scotland. It is the national movement of student unions, working together across the country. And most students don’t even realise the movement they’re part of.
The Secret Life of Your Students’ Union
If you’ve ever thought of HWUnion as just one little Students’ Union, I’ve got news for you: we’re not just here. We’re part of something much bigger.
Welcome to the world of the National Union of Students Scotland. It is the national movement of student unions, working together across the country. And most students don’t even realise the movement they’re part of.
Wait, what even is NUS Scotland?
At its heart, NUS Scotland is the national voice of students. It brings together a majority of the Students’ Union and Association across the country, from huge universities to tiny island colleges, and represents us at the Scottish Parliament, with ministers, councils, and national agencies.
One union shouting is easy to ignore. All of us shouting together? That’s a movement and it's that movement that won for you on housing this year!
The winter conference
Though it sounds like something right out of Game of Thrones, it’s the complete opposite, each year in the winter all the Unions come together for our Conference. Here we debate and decide the priorities and direction of the National Union.
So, when you tell us something at Heriot-Watt, it doesn’t just stay here, it can travel all the way to Holyrood.
We are just back from the recent conference last week where we focused on the upcoming Scottish Parliament Elections, not to be confused with our Student Officer Elections (equally as important).
These national elections will shape Scotland’s next government, and with it, the policies affecting students across the country. Whoever forms the next government will make decisions on things like funding, support, housing, travel, and mental health provision in education.
A National Student Manifesto
Right now, we’re working with other Students’ Unions to shape a Student Manifesto for Scotland. This isn’t about political parties – it’s about student priorities.
The manifesto will outline:
It’s about making sure the student voice is loud, powerful, and impossible to ignore.
So… why does this matter for you?
Because it means that your voice doesn’t stop at the campus boundary.
When you answer a survey (like our BIG 6 one), talk to a Class Rep, join a society campaign, or simply tell us what’s not working, that travels. It can move from your experience right up to the people making decisions that shape student life across the whole country.
You’re not just part of Heriot-Watt. You’re part of a Scotland-wide student network with real influence.
And over the next year, as NUS Scotland builds the national Student Manifesto and prepares to speak up for learners across the country, your ideas and experiences matter more than ever.
So, keep talking to us. Getting to fill out that Big 6 survey! Keep sharing what needs to change. Keep being part of this movement, even if you didn’t realise you were part of it before.
Because we aren’t just here. We’re everywhere. And when students move together, Scotland moves with us.