Student-Led Change in Action
On Tuesday 26 August 2025, your Student Voice Leaders (SVLs) joined the NUS East
Midlands Campaign Day, hosted at the University of Derby. The event brought together
Student Leaders from across the region including the University of Nottingham,
Nottingham Trent University, Lincoln Bishop University, University of Derby, and DMU for
a full day of collaboration, campaign planning, and regional advocacy.
Designed to empower student representatives and strengthen cross-campus
connections, the day gave us a platform to share local issues, brainstorm solutions, and
align with the NUS’ national priorities. We were joined by Amira Campbell, President of
NUS UK, and Qasim Hussain, Vice President for Further Education, who led interactive
discussions, shared updates, and encouraged us to take ownership of campaigns in our
local contexts.
What You Need to Know: NUS Campaigns 2025–26
These are the top 4 campaign areas the National Union of Students (NUS) is focusing on
this year, all shaped by what matters to students like you.
Trans Rights
Students of all gender identities should feel safe and supported on campus.
NUS is:
• Pushing for trans-inclusive policies in universities and sports
• Planning a national Trans Day of Action in early November
• Supporting students to challenge anti-trans narratives in politics and media
International Student Experience
This campaign was particularly important for Aamira as your SVL for International
Experience. We discussed some of the key policies and upcoming issues facing
international students.
• The proposed 6% International Student Levy
• The Graduate Route Visa
• Students with uncertain immigration status (e.g. BNO, NRPF, refugee minors)
NUS is actively lobbying for fairer visa, fee, and residency policies.
Fair Deal for Our Future
The cost of living is hitting students hard. NUS is calling for:
• Return of maintenance grants for low-income students
• Ending age-based pay rates for students and apprentices
• National campaign to boycott overpriced laundry services ("Kill Circuit Laundry"
launches January 2026)
Fair Deal Week: 20-26 October 2025 student action across the UK!
Affordable Transport
Getting to university or work placements shouldn’t be a struggle.
NUS is working towards:
• Free public transport for under-22s
• Improved access across cities, we are focused on Leicester transport!
How Your SVLs Are Involved
This wasn’t just a sit-and-listen day here’s what we did:
✔ Shared real issues faced by DMU students
✔ Contributed to planning local + national actions
✔ Worked with Officers from across the East Midlands
✔ Explored how we can take on regional leadership roles with NUS
We're committed to feeding your voice into these campaigns and making sure your
concerns shape the work we do locally and nationally.
What’s Coming Up
Date What’s Happening
20 Oct 2025 Fair Deal Week (National campaign)
Early Nov 2025 Trans Day of Action
Jan 2026 Kill Circuit Laundry Launch
Ongoing Immigration + transport advocacy
Want to Get Involved?
There’s a role for every student in this movement. Whether you're passionate about fair
pay, LGBTQ+ rights, international experience, or transport access, we want you involved!Reach out to your SVLs via De Montfort Students’ Union or email us at
studentvoiceleaders@dmu.ac.uk
Learn more and follow campaigns on nus.org.uk
Let’s build a fairer, more inclusive university experience together.