UEL’s new student newspaper: How you can get involved
We’re recruiting our founding editorial team to launch UEL's new student newspaper. This is a unique opportunity to shape a brand-new student-led publication, gain real-world media experience, and help build a platform for student voices. Here is the purpose of the publication, available roles, expectations, and how students can apply to be involved.
About the student newspaper
The student newspaper is a student-led publication that provides a platform for journalism, creative writing, and campus news. Staffed entirely by students and supported and funded by the Students’ Union, it exists to inform, connect, and represent the diverse voices of our university community.
It’s also the very best way for students with media industry ambitions to get some real-world experience.
Our newspaper covers what matters to students, from campus news and events to culture, sport, and opinion pieces, all helping students stay informed about what’s happening around them.
Our purpose
The student newspaper aims to:
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Support skill development in journalism, writing, design, photography, and teamwork
What we publish
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Arts and culture – fashion, creative writing, film, music, and theatre
The newspaper is published monthly during term time as a free printed edition, distributed across all university campuses.
Not familiar with the concept of a student newspaper? Here are some of our favourite examples from other UK universities: Gaudie - Aberdeen | Beaver - LSE | Mancunion - Manchester
Who can get involved?
The student newspaper is open to all current students with an interest in journalism, writing, media, or creative work.
Formal experience is not required; however, contributors are expected to demonstrate commitment, professionalism, and a willingness to meet editorial standards. All participants must be prepared to work to deadlines, engage constructively with feedback, and uphold the newspaper’s values of accuracy, fairness, and respect.
Training and guidance will be provided, but a genuine interest in producing high-quality content is essential.
The team
The newspaper will be run by an all-student team, including:
Editorial leadership roles are filled through an open and transparent recruitment process each year, supported by the Students’ Union.
Writers are welcome to pitch ideas and submit work at any time, subject to editorial review and the newspaper’s standards. If you're interested now, please fill in the expression of interest form below.
How to apply
You can apply by filling out this interest form.
Once you have completed this form, you’ll be sent an application form to complete. After shortlisting from the application form, the successful candidates will move to the next stage of the process where they will be asked to complete a task(online/in-person).
Only editor and deputy editor roles will have an interview after this stage.
Governance and editorial standards
The student newspaper operates with editorial independence, while being supported and overseen by the Student Media Committee. The committee is made up of a mix of student representatives, Students’ Union staff, and independent expertise, including an external trustee with media or legal experience, Students’ Union officers and staff, members of the editorial team, and a student representative.
The role of the committee is not to control content, but to support student journalists, provide guidance where needed, and ensure the newspaper operates responsibly. The committee’s responsibilities include:
Our editorial policy reflects professional journalism standards, while remaining student-led, inclusive, and welcoming. It is designed to encourage freedom of expression, creativity, and responsible debate.
Get involved
Whether you want to write, design, photograph, or promote content, getting involved with the student newspaper is a chance to gain real-world experience while you’re still at university. You’ll build practical skills in journalism, media, communication, teamwork, and leadership - all things employers genuinely look for.
Student media has long been a launchpad into creative and media careers. Across the UK and other countries, many well-known journalists, broadcasters, and public figures first developed these skills while working on their university or students’ union newspapers. Even for those not pursuing media careers, the experience helps develop confidence, critical thinking, and a strong portfolio to take beyond university.
You’ll also be part of a creative, collaborative team, meet students from across different courses and schools, and help shape a publication that represents student life on campus.
As a brand-new publication, students involved in the first edition will be proudly recognised as founding members of this student newspaper, playing a key role in shaping its identity and direction from the very beginning.
Whether you’re aiming for a media career or just want to try something new and meaningful, the student newspaper is a place to learn, create, and make your voice heard.
Join us. Share your voice. Shape campus media.