Student Elections can feel performative and over-the-top, leaving you asking- ‘why should I even care?’
As a student in Leeds, there’s always so much going on, and it can be overwhelming.
With constant events, society meet-ups, and assignments due- it can feel like there’s no time to look at anything else, as it all happens too quickly and too often.
I always assumed that I was super engaged in everything to do with university life. I worked in a student bar, lived in a student area, and was part of loads of societies. I spent my life sat in Common Ground, and came onto campus every single day.
When I started seeing things about Lead LUU, I completely ignored it. If I’m honest, I had absolutely no idea what it was and didn’t care to learn. I’d seen and dismissed so many events of this nature at LUU, because what difference would it make? Why should I even care?
I thought Lead LUU was just another event that none of my friends would talk about, or even think about, so why should I? My assumption was that nothing would change: the election race would be over in a week and I’d never hear about it again.
But then, it was everywhere. Lead LUU took over campus like absolutely nothing else.
It became completely impossible to ignore. So, I decided to have a look online about what it was. Lead LUU allows us to elect our student leaders each year and ensures that our Union is as democratic as possible.
Lead LUU actively makes real change across uni and your Union.
Without Lead LUU, we wouldn’t have had free period products on campus.
Without Lead LUU, we wouldn’t have been given a 24-hour Library.
Without Lead LUU, there wouldn’t be a basic needs hub in the union for anyone in need (including free exam breakfasts!)
Looking into Lead LUU made me feel proud to be a part of such a vibrant, democratic community.
Campus is made to be a much more exciting and fun place because of Lead LUU, and the changes that our officers advocate for.
The fact we have the chance to vote for the people that we think reflect our student community the best is so exciting.
After researching, I am already looking forward to looking into the candidates and voting for my student leaders.
Especially since there are so many more roles this year! There are 16 brand-new roles for student leadership, and I, for one, am so excited to see who steps up to lead our Union this coming year.