Being a part of a student union or association is one of the ways you can make your studies at Umeå University more rewarding and fun! Student unions work towards improving the quality of your education and creating a fun leisure time, while student associations connects people with a common interest.
The student unions at Umeå University work to make sure that the students have an influence over their studies and their study situation.
At Umeå University, there are three student unions:
There are two different types of student associations:
For some of the student associations, you need to be a student union member to join and for others, you may need to be a member of the specific student association. Membership with a student association costs around SEK 100–300 per year.
Student associations at Umeå University
Other associations in Umeå
If you have not found what you are looking for, the city of Umeå (in Swedish) has its own directory with over 600 different associations to participate in.
What is a student union?
Student unions represent the students at the University in different boards and groups, for instance. Their goal is to enhance the quality of education for the students, to create a better study environment and to make student's leisure time more fun.
How many student unions are there at Umeå University?
There are three student unions at Umeå University:
Which student union should I choose?
We recommend that you become a member of the student union associated with your programme/course:
If you are unsure which student union to choose, please contact one of the student unions and they will help you.
Who decides which student unions exist at Umeå University?
The University Board makes a decision every third year regarding what student organisations can obtain status as a student union.
Is membership in a student union mandatory?
No, it is voluntary to be a member of a student union, but there are many benefits of being a member.
How do I become a member of a student union?
Registration takes place at the start of the academic semester. In Swedish, this is referred to as inskrivning. You can register online or you can register by visiting the student unions' offices. More information about how to register can be found on the student unions' websites.
Do I need a Swedish personal identity number to become a member of a student union?
No, you do not need a Swedish identity number to become a member. If you struggle to register, please visit your student union’s office in person.
Can I be a member of more than one student union?
Yes, you can be a member of more than one student union.
How much does it cost to be a member of a student union?
The cost varies depending on the student union, but is around SEK 200–300 per semester.
What are the benefits of being a member of a student union?
A membership in a student union benefits you in several ways. You can get certain discounts by having a student union membership card, for example these benefits:
Being engaged in a student union can also be a valuable qualification when applying for a job in the future.
Is there a deadline for becoming a member of a student union?
You can register whenever you want throughout your studies, but we recommend that you register as soon as possible to be able to take part in the student union's activities and get the most out of your membership.
Do I need a membership in the student union to enter the student pubs?
Yes. You need a student union membership card to enter all the student pubs except Origo.
What types of social activities do the student unions offer?
Examples of social activities:
Are there many international students active in the student unions?
Members of the student unions are represented by both national and international students, and these participate in activities and visit the pubs. Some are also active to a greater extent in student representation.
What is the difference between the student union and the Buddy Programme?
The Buddy Programme is organised by the university together with volunteering students. The goal is to make our new international students feel welcome in Umeå and introduced to the city. This is achieved by social activities, learning about Swedish culture and helping to get to know the surroundings.
The student unions are free-standing from the University and represents the students at the University, for example in different boards, committees and councils. The unions also organise social activities, but they are typically directed at all the student union's members and not specifically at international students.
More information about the Buddy Programme.