140 Groups, One Community: Celebrating Your Wins on and off the Pitch
Whether you’re looking for a second home, a new skill, or a national trophy, our student sports clubs and societies have been making it happen this year. With over 7,200 of you involved in 140+ clubs and societies, The Students’ Union at UWE’s community has never been more vibrant.
We believe everyone should feel comfortable being themselves at UWE. This year, our Gender Expression Fund supported 51 students with gender-affirming items, and we provided free binders and trans tape at our new campus pick-up points. We also kept you looking sharp with 90 free gender-free haircuts throughout the year.
'I've never had access to these items in the years I’ve been out as trans due to lack of finance and resources, so having this fund would definitely improve my wellbeing greatly '
'this amount of money will be incredibly helpful in helping them to afford any care they need and the ability the university has to be able to provide this is some of the best care I have seen from a university.'
'The gender expression fund brings critical support to LGBTQ+ students and recognises the financial challenge that alternate gender expression has, especially for students.'
'This fund is an excellent way to support transgender and non-binary students struggling with their finances. I myself am struggling financially at the moment and cannot afford a chest binder due to cost of living, so it would benefit me and my transition greatly.'
‘I’m so happy, easy to access and kind, this is perhaps the kindest thing that you could do for us trans students. A simple sweet, non-intrusive way of direct support. I haven’t been able to afford new stuff like this since I was 15 so I'm happy I can have this.’
From the "Taste of Culture" fair to the Black History Month Hall of Fame, we’ve celebrated the incredible diversity that makes UWE Bristol special. We’ve also been listening to your feedback on campus spaces. We are proud to have launched a permanent Sensory Space at Bower Ashton, providing a dedicated spot for neurodivergent students to unwind and de-stress.
Sport has also had an incredible year. Team UWE clubs played over 550 matches, with multiple teams reaching finals and bringing home national titles. Our Men’s Squash 1st and 2nd teams brought home National Championship trophies from Loughborough, and our Women’s Football and American Football teams both secured Western Conference Cup wins.
Team UWE took home the Varsity 2026 trophy for the fourth year in a row against University of South Wales over on their turf, please see highlights here.
From the Swift Society providing a safe space to de-stress, to the Psychology Society’s focus on mental health, your groups are about more than just hobbies. They are where friendships are made and where you find your community.
Our societies have been busy creating inclusive spaces and unforgettable events. From Women’s History Month events like EmpowerHER and Women in Chess, to 91 academic society sessions including CV workshops and industry talks, students have been learning, connecting and building confidence beyond their course. Cultural celebrations like Eid, Hanukkah and the Myanmar Thingyan Festival brought students together to share traditions and experiences from across the world.
“The university experience would not be the same without it.”
“This club is more than a training space; it is a community, a support system, and for many, myself included, it can feel like a second home.”
This is what your Students’ Union is all about, creating opportunities, building communities and making sure every student can feel like they belong at UWE.