What we do
What is a student union?
All registered Imperial students are automatically members of the union unless they decide to opt-out. We're a separate legal entity from Imperial, which protects our independence. However, we are partially funded by the university and share several central resources.
Legally, we are a democratic charity and must follow the laws and regulations which govern UK charity organisations. You can read our public information held by the Charity Commission here.
What does ICU do?
We do this by:
- Promoting the educational interests and welfare of students at Imperial during their studies and representing, supporting and advising students.
- Being the recognised representative channel between students and Imperial and any other external bodies.
- Providing social, cultural, and recreational activities and forums for discussions and debate for the personal development of Imperial students.
These aims translate into five main categories in which all our activities fall:
Representation: We amplify the student voice and enable change through Representation structures, elections, and campaigns.
Support: We provide guidance and advice on College regulations and academic issues, help with life challenges like debt and housing, and represent student support issues to College.
Activities: We help students engage outside the classroom through provision of extra curricular activities.
Development: We provide programmes that help students develop leadership skills outside the classroom.
Social life: We provide the means for students to have fun and make great memories through restaurants, entertainment venues, retail outlets, and events.
Values and mission
We're committed to enhancing the student experience for all of our members.We strive to create an inclusive and supportive community that empowers our students to pursue their academic, personal, and professional goals.
Our mission is simple: to be a high-performing students’ union run by and for students, with exceptional services and people which positively transforms the lives of all Imperial students.
Our values are integrity, inclusivity, and innovation.
Our strategy
The core of our 5-year strategy champions mental wellbeing, fosters inclusive communities, and empowers students to influence university life.
Developed through extensive student and staff consultation, the strategy identifies key areas we believe are crucial for a fulfilling student experience, our updated mission and vision with strategic goals and key enablers that will support the delivery of our strategy.
Our partnership is crucial to create an even more diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment at Imperial where our students can thrive. I’m pleased to endorse the Union’s three goals in this strategy. Our entire Imperial community is justifiably proud of all that we have achieved together over recent decades in education, research and innovation. We are not resting on our laurels, however, and will continue to explore new ways to support our wonderful students so that they can reach their full potential.
- Professor Hugh Brady, President of Imperial College London
Imperial Award
The Imperial Award is a programme encouraging personal development through self-reflection on your experiences, recognising this on your College transcript. The Imperial Award is open to all students at Imperial, including UG, PGT, PGR and intercalating students.
The Imperial Award can help you:
- discover more about yourself and your potential
- develop practical self-reflection skills
- develop your ability to ‘pitch yourself’ to various audiences
- gain a formal recognition from the College
Here’s what our students have to say about the benefits of the Award.
Click here to find out more about the Imperial Award.