Getting engaged during your studies gives you the opportunity to influence your education, meet new people, gain valuable experience, and make a difference for both yourself and other students.
At the Student Union Malmö, there are many ways to get engaged. You can influence decisions at the university, improve your education, organize activities, get involved in a association, or help shape the future of the Student Union.
Whether you want to get engaged in study politics or student social life, there’s a place for you.
Here you can read more about what student influence is.
Student political engagement
Do you want to have a say in your education and student conditions?
The Student Union Malmö works to promote student influence at all levels within Malmö University. Through our student representatives, the student perspective is represented on the university’s committees, councils, groups, and decision-making bodies. Student influence is a key part of our efforts to improve the quality of education and create a better student experience for everyone.
Become a student representative on committees and boards
The Student Union Malmö assigns student representatives to the university’s committees, groups, and bodies.
As a student representative, you will:
- Speak on behalf of the students
- Be involved when decisions are made
- Help shape the development of academic programs
- Gain experience in meetings and board work
- Build a valuable network
Representatives are selected through the Student Union’s Student Influence FORUM at the beginning of the fall semester.
Become a course or program representative
Perhaps the most important aspect of student influence is the right of students to shape their own education.
All programs at Malmö University must have course and program representatives who speak on behalf of their fellow students to faculty and program administrators.
As a course or program representative:
- You speak on behalf of the students
- You participate in meetings related to the program
- You raise suggestions for improvement
- You contribute to the development of courses and programs
How programs are designed directly affects students’ daily lives. That is why students’ voices are important when decisions regarding course content, structure, and quality are made.
Get engaged with the Student Union Malmö
Would you like to help decide what the Student Union ofMalmo should focus on? If so, you can get involved in the Union’s democratic processes.
The Council (FUM)
The Student Council is the highest decision-making body of the Student Union Malmö.
The Student Council is responsible for:
- The Union’s activities
- Budget and finances
- Operational plans
- Strategic decisions
- The Union’s future development
The Council consists of 19 elected members chosen by the students through the Student Union Election each spring. In addition to these, another 10 members are appointed through FORUM at the beginning of the fall semester. In total, the Council consists of 29 members. The Council meets five to six times a year and makes the Student Union’s overarching decisions.
The Union Election
Each spring semester, students elect who will represent them on the Student Council. By becoming a candidate in the Student Union election, you can help shape the future work and development of the Malmö Student Union.
Student influence FORUM
Student influence FORUM are meetings at which the Student Union elects student representatives to the university’s committees and bodies and selects additional members to the Student Council.
It is an important part of the Student Union’s democratic structure and a way for engaged students to have a say in both the university and the Student Union.
Join your Local Student Council
Each faculty has a Local Student Council where dedicated students and student representatives meet twice each semester to discuss issues related to their faculty.
The Local Student Councils are open to all students and are a great first step for those who want to influence their education and gain a better understanding of how student representation works.
Student social engagement
Student life is about much more than just lectures and exams.
By getting engaged in student activities, you’ll have the opportunity to meet new people, build a sense of community, and contribute to a vibrant student life at Malmö University.
Volunteer for the Student Union’s activities
Every semester, the Student Union Malmö arranges activities, orientation days, workshops, lectures, and other events.
We always appreciate students who want to help out and contribute to our activities.
As a volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Meet new people
- Gain experience in event planning
- Contribute to student life
- Get to know the Student Union from the inside
- Help out during Insparken
Insparken is many students’ first introduction to student life in Malmö. Every semester, we need dedicated students to help welcome new students, organize activities, and create an inclusive start to their academic journey.
Join an assocation
The Student Union Malmö has a wide range of associations and student groups that are open to all members.
You decide for yourself whether you want to participate in activities or help plan them.
The associations offer a fantastic opportunity to:
- Meet like-minded people
- Develop new skills
- Build a network
- Make friends for life
Start your own association
Can’t find an association that suits you? Then you can start your own.
The Malmö Student Union supports associations with:
- Premises
- IT services
- Marketing
- Financial support
- Advice
If you’re not ready to start an association, you can instead start a student group and develop your idea together with the Union.
Student groups
Would you like to test out an idea before starting an association? If so, you can form a student group. As a student group, you’ll receive support from the Student Union, the opportunity to apply for funding for activities, and help reaching out to other students. It’s an easy way to get started with a group focused on a shared interest.
Join a section for your faculty
Sections give you and your fellow students a social life. Students need to get to know one another and have opportunities to share experiences. They also provide a place where you can help your fellow students with their studies, and where they can help you.
What do I get out of getting engaged?
Getting involved with the Student Union Malmö gives you more than just new experiences.
You’ll have the opportunity to:
- Develop leadership and teamwork skills
- Build a network for the future
- Strengthen your resume
- Gain experience in project management and organizational work
- Make a difference during your time as a student
- Create memories and friendships that last a lifetime
For many students, this involvement becomes one of the most valuable parts of their time in college.
Not sure where to start?
Get in touch with us, and we’ll help you find a volunteer opportunity that matches your interests, your background, and the amount of time you’re willing to commit.