Students' Association

BCSA offers students a wide range of opportunities to get involved. Our team is made up of the following roles: 

• Students President
• Two Vice Presidents 
• Student Ambassadors (volunteers)
• Class Representatives  

At the beginning of each academic year, we recruit Class Reps from classes across the College. This role gives you the chance to support your classmates by helping to resolve class-based issues, directing students to the right support services, and raising any concerns with BCSA so we can work together to create positive change. Class Reps also play a key role in improving the overall student experience at Borders College. 

The Student President and Vice President roles are elected positions. Each year, elections are held to fill these roles, and those elected work together to lead the Students’ Association and represent the views of college students. 

There are also voluntary ways to get involved with your Students’ Association. Whether you’re passionate about raising awareness of important issues, helping to organise events, or supporting activities on campus, we can help you get involved by becoming a Student Ambassador. 

BCSA can help you set up a club or group that you would like to host at Borders College. Clubs are a great way to connect with other students and build a strong College community. We can meet with you to help plan what your group will involve, plan your schedule, set up rules, help with creating advertising, and provide some funding to support the creation of your idea.

Even if you do not know what group you would like to start we can meet with you to brainstorm ideas. Contact us via email to arrange a meeting: bcsa@borderscollege.ac.uk.

Our vision is for Borders College students to be heard by the College, successfully supported throughout their time studying here, and armed with the tools needed to succeed as global citizens. The College should listen to and reflect students’ ideas, and BCSA helps ensure students are involved in the decision-making process. 

BCSA listens to students and takes their feedback to college staff to help solve problems, whether it’s an individual concern or an issue that affects many. By raising these matters with the right people, BCSA helps find solutions, supports students directly, and works to prevent the same issues from happening again.  

The BCSA team also sits on different college committees to make sure students have a say in areas that affect their day-to-day experience. By representing students on these committees, BCSA helps drive improvements. 

Throughout the year BCSA plans events for students to participate in. At the beginning of the academic year we meet with other support staff to plan activities around our awareness calendar.

Some of our activities:

• Planning Freshers Week at the beginning of term and planning Re-Freshers events after returning from the Christmas break.
• Hosting stalls to share freebies with students throughout the year.
• Inviting external organisations onto campus to share what support is available to students in their local communities.
• Organising sporting events and group activities.
• Working with students to coordinate what you would like to see on campus.

We are always keen to host different types of events and activities for students to get involved in, email us with your ideas!

While BCSA representatives are not trained to give wellbeing, welfare, or financial advice, we can help you find the right support. We work closely with the Borders College Support Services team, who are available on campus and online, to help you access the support you need to succeed at College. 

A BCSA team member can also be there to support you through difficult conversations, so you don’t have to face them alone. 

Whether it’s a meeting about your studies, wellbeing, or a disciplinary matter, a Students’ Association Advocate can accompany you and support you every step of the way. Our advocates are there to stand alongside you to help you feel more confident, less anxious, and treated fairly. 

An advocate can help by: 

• Preparing with you before the meeting
• Explaining policies and processes in simple terms
• Supporting you to share your thoughts and concerns clearly
• Offering emotional support during the meeting
• Making sure the process is fair and respectful
• Helping you understand outcomes and next steps afterward 

Food poverty is a growing issue for students as the cost of living continues to increase. To help support students who may be struggling BCSA run a Campus Pantry which is available to all Borders College students. If you are struggling to access food, having financial difficulties, or just need a helping hand while studying you can access this space. 

This can be found in the Students’ Association Office on our Galashiels Campus. Please visit for access to the Pantry or speak with a staff member who will support you accessing the Campus Pantry.  

The Campus Pantry offers short-term food support. We can signpost you to Student Support or food banks in your local area for long-term support or to discuss other support available to you. 

For more information, please contact bcsa@borderscollege.ac.uk