The Union has welcomed veteran thespians and Hollywood giants. In recent years members have heard from Morgan Freeman, Dame Judi Dench, Emma Watson, Mark Hamill, Natalie Portman, Zachary Quinto, Martin Scorsese, Bryan Cranston, Kit Harington and many more.
Often this is not just an opportunity to ask about their latest blockbuster: Sir Ian McKellen described his lifelong support for the gay rights movement, and Warwick Davis discussed how his disability shapes his life.
Want to meet your heroes, quiz politicians, and hear leading voices speak? Join the Oxford Union today and take advantage of our Freshers’ Discount by visiting oxford-union.org.
10% off membership price until October 24th
our THURSDAY
DEBATES
Congressman JIM HIMES
Our formal Thursday night debates have featured speakers such as Sir Winston Churchill, Michael Foot, Jeremy Thorpe, and Nancy Pelosi, and have frequently had effects outside of our debating chamber.
In 1933, the Union’s vote to not fight for King and Country provoked reactions from both Churchill and Hitler. At a debate in 1964, Malcolm X delivered his infamous speech on extremism just months before his assassination. In 1975, former Prime Minister Ted Heath speech in favour of remaining in the EEC influenced the following week’s national referendum on the question. In 1985, New Zealand Prime Minister David Lange stood against nuclear weapons. In 2015, Nick Clegg and Nigel Farage clashed on the subject of EU membership. Mehdi Hasan argued that Islam was a religion of peace in 2013, and Stephen Fry called for the British Museum to return the Elgin Marbles in 2015.
Just like our speaker events, our weekly debates are an opportunity to hear from leading thinkers and political actors on the most pressing issues of the day.
Interested in learning more about our formal debates? Check out our term card and become a member at oxford-union.org.
Meet your fellow freshers and enjoy free drinks and music in our historical Chamber.
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OCTOBER 12 th & 13th
STUDENT ESSENTIALS FAIR
Joining the Union as a Postgraduate?
OCTOBER 11th
FRESHERS’ PARTY
Houseplants from Biostar • Fashion Sale with Reviva, The Cirkel and No Emotions
Everything you need to elevate your student life. Offering pre-loved items, ball gowns, and room deco in one place.
Open 9:30AM to 5PM
Get to know old and new Graduate members of the Union, meet your representatives on Committee, and enjoy a relaxed evening with Prosecco wine and chocolate fountain.
Tickets released on our Instagram
OCTOBER 19th
FRESHERS’
DEBATE DRINKS
GRADUATE LOUNGE
OCTOBER 18th
Pro debater or just starting out?
Come meet the debate team and learn more about getting involved with competitive debating at the Union. All levels of experience welcome.
Starting 7PM
BECOME A MEMBER
Join Now with The Open Period Discount
WHO JOINS THE UNION?
There is no typical Union member—we welcome undergraduate and postgraduate members from a diverse range of political, cultural and academic backgrounds. Most members use their membership to access our facilities and enjoy events; wanting to debate or run for election is certainly not a prerequisite for joining!
LIFE MEMBERSHIP
Life Membership is available at a discounted rate of £300 during the Open Period (ordinary rate £333). This grants you exclusive access to the Union’s facilities and events for the rest of your life. Across a three year degree, Life Membership works out at less than £31 a term—that’s 50p a day, or a cup of coffee a week.
Life Membership is available at the discounted Access rate of £180 during the Open Period (ordinary Access rate £200) for students eligible for a Maintenance Loan of £8,318 or more. It is also possible to pay for Life Membership in termly instalments, and cheaper annual options are available for students on shorter courses.
BECOME A MEMBER
GET INVOLVED
Once you’re a member, there are plenty of ways to get involved in the Union. To find out more about our elected and appointed committees and opportunities, check out our “How to Get Involved Handbook”, available at issuu.com/oxfordunion .
The Union is normally only open to members. However, during the Union’s “Open Period” all students can attend social events, watch speakers and debates, and use the Union’s facilities. The Open Period ends at 18.00 on Thursday 24th October.
It is easy to join online by visiting www.oxford-union.org. You can also join by visiting our General Office in the Union’s buildings. If you have questions or concerns, please get in touch with enquiries@oxford-union.org or by calling
