Wednesday 07-10-2026 - 11:50

Last year we launched an online community, The Union Unfiltered.

Rather than relying solely on traditional surveys, The Union Unfiltered puts students at the heart of discussions about the issues shaping everyday experiences. From financial hardship and mental health to housing, transport, assessment feedback and campus safety, students have the opportunity to share their experiences and raise concerns. The community also gives students a space to explore emerging issues, including the opportunities and risks presented by artificial intelligence.

One member of the community said:

"It's a platform where we, as students, can be completely honest about our university experience. Our opinions are valued and they're making a real difference."

Already, student insight gathered through Unfiltered is helping drive change,from improvements to the University’s new Success Fund and campus safety initiatives to shaping wider conversations about student life.

 

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How The Union Unfiltered Helped Improve Financial Support Last Year

When Manchester Met launched the Success Fund, we used The Union Unfiltered to gather detailed feedback from students about their experiences of navigating the application process.

Students reported they needed:

+ Clearer eligibility information

+ A simpler application process

+ Better access to in-person advice.

In response, the University:

+ Introduced an online eligibility checker

+ Shortened the application form

+ Improved guidance

+ Extended the application window.

This is a great example of how Unfiltered creates a space for meaningful conversations with students, helping turn their feedback into practical change. In this case, their feedback helped make vital financial support easier to access.

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Join our Online Community

By joining The Union Unfiltered, you'll be able to take part in research, community activities as well as earn rewards as you go.

This is your chance to be at the centre of the conversations that shape your student life at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Register now to get started.