One student involved in the Remain campaign told The Courier that for them, the debate is personal.
"I come from a low income, single parent household, and have been a carer," they said. "Because of this, the campaign work NUS does for better government support feels very close to home. I think it's vital that we protect organisations that advocate for students like me in this way."
While the NUS does not directly provide any large-scale, individual cash funding to low-income students, it does consistently campaign for better government support, lobbies for increased university hardship funds, and advocates for cost of living measures like rent controls and cheaper transport.
They are also actively engaged in several lobbying campaigns in 2024-2026, focusing on student housing, financial support, and rights for marginalised groups. Key efforts include a "No More Guarantors" campaign aimed at ending exploitative landlord practices, and lobbying for rent controls.
The student argued that while much of this work is not always easily visible to the average student, it is still happening, and often is work that would be difficult to enact as a stand alone union.
“I think a lot of students are unaware of what they’re up to, however even the things they’re working on behind the scenes always have students at the forefront."
Building on this, the student pointed to ongoing national lobbying efforts as evidence of the organisation’s value.
“They have a lot of lobbying movements in progress right now regarding trans rights and prioritising the creation of more safe spaces for minorities - issues which directly impact many students on the daily."
“In the past, they have also provided vital hardship funding for WiFi and internet access during Covid. I think right now, some of their most vital work is in challenging gender based violence and lobbying for increased recognition, which is so important” they said. "It's really important that we remain affiliated with the organisation advocating for us in this way."
They added that the impact of this work extends beyond headline campaigns.
“The work they do benefits students’ everyday lives as well as contributing to a long-term improvement to their university experience,” they said. “It can sometimes look like slow progress, however it is often very complex and difficult and thus has to be tackled bit by bit.”
While acknowledging the frustrations voiced by those advocating for disaffiliation, the campaigner expressed concern about the practical implications of leaving a national body.
“While I certainly understand my opposition’s points, I think there could be a disillusion between us if we just completely disaffiliate from NUS and the other universities they represent,” they said.
I think there would have to be a lot of substitutions introduced really quickly to manage the shift. I do not feel we are prepared for that.
“NUS provides funding, expert advice, and I think there would have to be a lot of substitutions introduced really quickly to manage that shift. I do not feel we are prepared for that.”
They also raised concerns about timing, with the referendum taking place alongside Students’ Union elections.
“It’s a very short turnaround between now and December. It’s also a big ask for new Sabbs to deal with facilitating this change" they said. “It is unfortunate timing with the NUS elections taking place at the same time as our own and this is yet another reason to give the new elects a chance to make NUS their own before disaffiliating.”
Emphasising that NUS is a democratic body, the student argued that engagement, rather than withdrawal, is the answer.
NUS is completely student-led so I think it is our responsibility to put forward those we want to see representing and advocating for us
“NUS is completely student-led so I think it is our responsibility to put forward those we want to see representing and advocating for us. That way, as students, we can shape it into something we can trust to benefit us most effectively."
With voting set to take place next week, they urged students to consider the broader impact of their decision.
“When voting, students should consider what benefits and protects their peers. We must consider how they are protected, funded, and how accessible university is.”
Whether this message will resonate with the wider student body remains to be seen, as campaigning on both sides of the referendum intensifies in the coming days.