University of London Union
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| Institution | University of London |
|---|---|
| Location |
 ULU, Malet Street, London |
| Established | 1921 |
| Abolished | 2014 |
| Members | 120,000+ |
| Affiliations | All University of London College Unions |
| Colors | Blue White |
| Website | Student Central, London (successor body to ULU) |
The University of London Union (commonly referred to as ULU, pron. 'yoo-loo') was Europe's largest students' union, with over 120,000 students as the focus of its activities. Each student was also a member of the student union of their individual college, as the University of London is a federal structure encompassing many constituent colleges.
ULU provided a range of services on an intercollegiate basis, including cultural, recreational and sporting activities. Its seven-floor building in Malet Street, Central London, next to Birkbeck, University of London, included bars, restaurants, shops, banks, swimming pool and a live music venue.
In July 2014, ULU was abolished by its parent institution, the University of London, and replaced by 'Student Central, London'. This offers full membership to University of London students, and associate membership to other university students, and other groups.
ULU was founded in 1921, originally as the University of London Union Society, and moved into its main building on Malet Street, near Senate House, in 1957. It represented students to the University and beyond, whilst also providing support and resources to the students' unions of individual colleges.
On 3 May 2013, the University of London announced that the union would cease to exist. This move was condemned by some students and campaign groups, who ran a campaign to keep the building in student hands. Other students however welcomed the move; this was in part due to fears that the Union was undemocratic, as it recorded a very low election turnout of just 2%. This was against the backdrop of other Student Unions which recorded in excess of 50% turnout.
Upon the University of London Union's abolition, its former building and website was rebranded as 'Student Central, London', and is now operated by the former staff of ULU employed by the University of London. 'Student Central, London' offers full membership to University of London students, and associate membership to other university students, and other groups.
ULU aimed to represent the diverse students and students’ unions of the University of London.
The ULU building and venue was widely known as one for gigs that launch major artists such as the Kaiser Chiefs and Goldfrapp.
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