On April 3rd, I had the privilege of attending the first ever NUS England Conference since the organisation's recent restructure. Held at Bishop Grosseteste University, the event brought together student leaders from across the country (England) to tackle some of the most pressing issues in further and higher education.

The agenda was rich with powerful, thought provoking sessions, including:

• How to effectively increase funding and maintenance support for students
• Prioritizing impactful campaigns for international students through the International Students’ Voice Project
• Protecting the Graduate Route Visa and its importance to our global student community
• Preparing for engagement with the APPG for Students
• Campaigning for high-quality further education
• The role of students’ unions in standing against far-right narratives

What really stood out was the data-driven, action-oriented approach of the entire event. It wasn’t just about discussing challenges; it was about creating strategies for real change.

As always, it was also a fantastic opportunity for me to connect with fellow student leaders, colleagues, and friends. These spaces remind me of the power of collective action and the importance of strong networks.

A massive thank you to the National Union of Students (UK) for reimagining how we make change happen nationally. This was easily one of the most impactful student events I’ve attended recently.