STAR (Student Action for Refugees)

Who we are

Student Action for Refugees is the national student movement building a society where refugees are welcomed and can thrive, as equal members of the community.

People arriving in the UK face many challenges in both claiming their right to asylum and building new lives. Challenges that result from a hostile policy environment, negative public attitudes, unhelpful media narrative and a lack of access to services. Our network of STAR student societies and activists is creating a more understanding, just and welcoming society - today and in the future by; campaigning for policy change; providing practical support and connecting communities through volunteering; improving access to university; sharing information about asylum and the lived experience of refugees to shift narratives.

In 2022/23, our network of STAR student groups spanned 39 universities and were run by 213 student leaders. We supported 741 refugees and people seeking asylum in 30 community projects and hosted 345 events to train & inform people about asylum and refugees. Together we: 

• Campaigned for the right to work for asylum seekers, an end to immigration detention, improved refugee family reunion rights and improved access to university and more.

• Volunteered in partnership with 21 local charities recruiting 323 STAR student volunteers for 30 projects supporting 741 refugees – providing academic support for children, English conversation clubs, drop-in centres, IT workshops, gardening projects, sports clubs, fun community events and more. 

• Organised events, providing a platform for experts by experience, academics, activists and organisations, to inform about asylum and the experiences of refugees. 

• Supported universities with scholarship development, 289 activists to campaign for Equal Access at their institutions, and we provided information and advice to prospective students and university staff.