UCDSU will rejoin the Union of Students’ in Ireland (USI) 12 years after leaving following a referendum this week.
63.7% of students elected to rejoin the national union, with 5,095 voting in a referendum run by University College Dublin Students’ Union (UCDSU). The total valid poll represents a turnout of approximately 13%.
UCD is now set to formally rejoin USI on July 1.
In a statement this afternoon, USI called the result “a massive victory for student unity and power”.
“This marks a powerful return to collective representation for over 30,000 UCD students and signals a renewed era of student unity, activism, and national engagement.”
USI President Chris Clifford said: “This is what happens when students feel connected to a national movement — they turn out, they engage, and they take ownership of their union.”
“UCD students have sent a powerful message: when you invest in student communities, they show up.”
Clifford continued: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome UCD back into USI, where their voice will strengthen our shared fight for better funding, housing, mental health supports, and a fairer education system.”
“This is a monumental moment, not just for UCD, but for student movements across Ireland,” Clifford added. “We are stronger when we stand together—and this result proves it.”
Voting took place alongside the annual executive elections from Tuesday to Thursday, with results announced today.
UCDSU president Miranda Bauer endorsed a yes vote in the referendum in an op-ed published in the University Observer: “If we rejoin, we can push USI to be better and realise its potential. If we stay out, nothing changes.”
Former president of Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) László Molnárfi also endorsed a yes vote, stating in an Instagram story post: “With UCD’s delegates, we could push for direct democracy in USI, and like last year, we could use the national platform to spread radical politics; for all its flaws, it does offer radicals a platform to spread our message and push for change.”
UCD voted to leave the USI in February 2013, following a referendum in which 67% of voters chose to disaffiliate from the national body.
Two referendums have since been held on the topic of rejoining, in 2016 and 2023.
In the 2016 referendum, an overwhelming majority of 74% of voters rejected re-affiliation. In 2023, 77.7% of voters favoured rejoining, but a minimum quorum of 10% turnout was not met and so the referendum did not pass.
USI was founded in 1959 with the stated aim of defending student rights in Ireland. The body currently represents over 360,000 students in third level education, in both Northern Ireland and the Republic. Annual fees are €5 for full-time students and €2.50 for part-time students.
