Students' Union
The Students’ Union provides a range of services, support, social activities and student development opportunities.
As soon as you start your course at the RVC, you can get involved with everything the Students’ Union offers, from sports clubs, societies, volunteering opportunities, student support, nights out, and advice. The Students’ Union is a big part of life on campus, providing opportunities to get involved whatever your interests.
The Students’ Union represents students across the RVC. This includes promoting students’ views, liaising and working with staff to improve student life and generally making your time at the RVC the best it can possibly be.
Our Students’ Union support and participation is available to students on all courses, and covers a wide range of issues, including environment, welfare, sports, entertainment, fundraising and more.
Find out how you can get involved on the RVC Students' Union website.
Meet the Students’ Union President
The Students’ Union is run by students, for students. Our officer elections are held annually and open to any student on any course. Our officer roles include welfare, equality and diversity, activities, environment and many more! Our officer team is supported by SU Staff, working behind the scenes to help our student officers get the most out of their roles. You can find us in our Camden and Hawkshead offices, so stop by if you have a question, or even if you just fancy a chat. You’ll also find us at Freshers’ Fair at the start of the year, so come along and say hi! Our officers host events throughout the year, so there’s plenty of opportunities to get to know them. After a busy day of lectures, why not stop by the Haxby or the Buttery, our SU-run bars. These watering holes are a great place to socialise and can be booked out for events – you can even have your birthday party here! We also run the Camden activities studio and gym, which is free for students to use.
As your student representatives, we work with the RVC to outline areas of improvement and advocate for change when needed. We’re here to listen and to make you feel represented and supported during this new chapter of your life – and to make sure you have fun! We look forward to welcoming you to the RVC Students’ Union and hope that you enjoy your journey while at the RVC.”- Ezrie Prideaux, RVCSU President 2023-24
Clubs and Societies
RVC societies are run by current students and The Students’ Union. They allow you to get to know people outside the lecture hall who share similar interests – whether that be a sport, hobby, an academic interest or a shared culture.
Wednesday afternoons are typically reserved for you to socialise with your club or play sport with your team. Currently we have 13 sports teams that compete weekly in the BUCS (British University College Sport) and/or LUSL (London University Sport League) leagues, with other sporting events and competitions also open to enter throughout the year. The season typically runs from October to March, with the RVC playing university teams from in and around London. The RVC sporting year concludes with Varsity, where teams from the Camden and Hawkshead campuses compete against each other to determine who is the superior campus.
Remi Munn, Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine
There are lots of clubs and societies on offer here at the RVC. I have been part of the hockey, polo and gymnastics clubs since I have been here. As well as all the fantastic sports on offer, there are also lots of non-sporting societies.
Eriyn Earnshaw, MSci Biological Sciences
I settled in instantly thanks to the RVC having such a vibrant and welcoming community. The RVC Welcome Week for all new students was packed full of fun activities, informative talks and, of course, the incredible Freshers’ Fair. With such a variety of societies to join, it has been great to sign up and take part. I most recently attended the ‘Evolution of Bats’ talk delivered by a guest speaker as well as a pumpkin carving competition held by the RVC Zoological Society!
Paula Vilcu, Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine
So far, I have joined the Student Small Animal Veterinary Society (SSAVS), Student Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (SVECCS), and the Royal Vets Surgical Society (RVSS). These societies offer opportunities to learn about different aspects of clinical practice, even if you’re still in your pre-clinical years – it’s never too early to learn more about what you’ll be doing on the daily as a vet!
For example, I got to participate in a dental extraction practical through SSAVS and a suture practical that was jointly run by SVECCS and RVSS, which were both surreal experiences as they were my first time using the tools that until then I only got to clean as a veterinary assistant.
In addition, I am part of the Canadian Society, which has been amazing at helping me feel more at home here at the RVC! They host an annual Thanksgiving where Canadian and non-Canadian students alike can gather to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner – they have been great opportunities to meet other students on the same journey as me and make new friends!