Arts SU Commuting Report
Arts Students' Union has launched our groundbreaking report of our research into the experiences of students who commute at University of the Arts London.
Earlier this academic year, Arts SU asked our members to share their experiences of travelling to and from UAL, and our findings and recommendations have been compiled into a report which exposes the harsh realities of the decisions our members face when commuting.
Speaking at the launch of the report, Daniela Commey, Arts SU Union Affairs Officer 2023/24, said: "As a commuter and recent graduate, my campaign at Arts Students' Union on the cost of travel was driven by a comprehension of how commuting costs impact the overall student experience, the ability to access education and fully engage with your course, college, and peers.
I am convinced these results will resonate with fellow commuters who are often overlooked, and unseen - quite literally. We hope this research helps the University acknowledge any oversight in their efforts to making education accessible, and therefore, actively widen participation in University life. We hope UAL will utilise these findings and our recommendatioons, and meaningfully engage in a conversation to improve the student experience for all students who commute."
Arts SU wants to thank our Senior Policy & Research Officer Calum Sherwood for conducting research and compiling the report, and Graphic Designer Marina Marbella for designing the report.
You can read the report here
Response to Integrated National Transport Strategy
Arts Students' Union has submitted its response to the Department of Transport (DfT), in their consultation on an Integrated National Transport Strategy.
DfT have said that their strategy "will set out a single national vision which will put people who use transport and their needs at its heart and empower local leaders to deliver integrated transport solutions that meet the needs of their local communities". They're asking for opinions from people across England about using transport and what could make it better, to form the final version of the strategy. It'll be implemented for the next 10 years in England.
Using your responses from our research into UAL students' experiences of transport and commuting to University, we've made a series of recommendations to the Government.
You can read our response to the consultation here