SU introduces online micro-communities

By Molly Pipe, Student Life Correspondent

The groups are intended to be free, low-commitment alternatives to societies.  

Bristol Students' Union has announced the creation of micro-community groups, designed to facilitate one-off or low-commitment activities. Unlike normal societies, they are free to join, do not have memberships and can involve fewer than 30 people.

The scheme aims to work within the limitations of the coronavirus lockdown. Groups will exist online and are designed to suit people who cannot commit much time, such as students with caring responsibilities or financial worries.

Micro-communities will expire at the end of each academic year, and will not have access to additional SU resources such as room bookings, Welcome Fair or a bank account. However, they will be listed on the societies noticeboard.

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Speaking to Epigram, Union Affairs Officer Julio Mkok said: 'We know lots of students are keen to host online events or discuss similar interests with other students to avoid loneliness during lockdown.

'Micro-communities is our way of facilitating this, without the commitment of running an SU group. I’m really looking forward to seeing what’s suggested and getting involved!'

All micro-communities that wish to carry it on after its term is up can be turned it into a society via the normal affiliation process.

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Want to start a micro-community? You can apply here.