Middlesex University Students’ Union has commissioned a sector-leading piece of research into what stops students from accessing the resources and sense of community that SUs offer.

Feedback suggests that Middlesex students want to be more involved in their SU, and in order for that to happen, the MDXSU team need to know how to make participating as easy as possible.

To identify the obstacles to Union involvement at Middlesex, MDXSU is working with the NUS to pilot a research scheme that will give students a chance to shape their union for the better.

Students who participate in the research will win prizes, help improve quality of life at MDX, and influence how other student unions do their work. This pilot scheme is yet more evidence of MDXSU’s ongoing commitment to helping students get the most out of their time at university, whether they attend Middlesex or other institutions across the country.

MDXSU President Sayed Alkadiri said; “This research will lay the foundations for the years to come. I know from my own experience that it isn’t necessarily a lack of interest that stops people from using the resources available to them at university.

“It could be the need to have a part-time job, the distance between campus and their homes, or any number of previously unsuspected factors. This research will identify the barriers Middlesex University students face one by one, and then we will work with them to address their needs.

“We know that making SU services and experiences accessible to everyone is a big part of our journey towards full representation of the Middlesex student community, and this research is the first step on that journey.”

He added; “In the past, our union only engaged 5% of students each year. This report will lay the foundations for engaging with the other 95% of Middlesex students. I have campaigned all year round for our union to engage with a wider section of Middlesex students, not the 5% that were already engaged, hence I am very proud to be launching this research today.”

Watch this space for more details about how you can contribute to this valuable research and win prizes by doing so!