Thursday 18-12-2025 - 15:38

Written by Emily Houston-Woods

Emily is the LUSU Activities Officer 25/26. 

 

When I ran for Activities Officer, I did so with a very specific goal in mind: ensuring that no student is priced out of their university experience.

 

 

This is personal for me. During my own time as a student, I struggled to pay membership fees. I know the feeling of wanting to be part of a team or a society but having to check your bank balance first. It’s an isolating experience, and it’s one that many of our students still face today. 

Building on the Foundation 
Earlier this year, we managed to secure an initial £15,000 for a Sports Access Fund. While that was a positive start, it was essentially a "trial run." It proved that the demand was there, but £15,000 is not a long-term solution for a campus as active as Lancaster. It was a sticking plaster for a much larger, systemic issue. 

My priority since then has been to ensure this fund didn’t just disappear at the end of the academic year. I’ve spent the last few months campaigning and negotiating with the University to make them realise that student groups aren’t just "hobbies"—they are essential for student wellbeing, retention, and community. 
I am pleased to share that the University has listened. We have officially secured £146,000 to sustain the Access Fund for the long term. 

This is a massive step forward. By committing this level of funding, the University is finally acknowledging that the costs associated with student activities are a genuine barrier to inclusion. This money ensures that the fund is sustainable and available for future years, meaning we can support a significantly higher number of students. 

 

Why This Matters 
Student groups are the heart of the Lancaster experience. Whether it’s a sports team, a society, or a liberation group, these are the places where you find your community and the support you need to get through university. 

By securing this money, we are making sure these spaces are open to everyone, not just those who can afford the upfront costs. 

 

Looking Forward 
Securing this £146,000 is one of the things I am most proud of from my time as your Activities Officer. It’s a tangible shift in how the University views and supports our student groups. 

However, getting the money is only half the battle. My focus now is ensuring that the application process is as low-barrier and dignified as possible, so the students who need this support can access it without jumping through unnecessary hoops. 

Because we have successfully secured this additional support, we will be reopening Sports Access Fund applications in the New Year. If you struggled to join a club this term due to costs, I strongly encourage you to keep an eye on our social media and website for the reopening dates in January. 

This fund exists because you deserve to be part of student life, regardless of your financial background. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far, and I’m looking forward to seeing even more of you getting involved in the new year.