Ben

NUS-USI President | Views are my own

[Secondary Students’ Union NI @SSUofNI]

👋 Hey students in Northern Ireland… Quick question 👇

What if YOU got to help design what school should look like in the future?

The Secondary Students’ Union of NI is asking students exactly that.

It’s called the Future of Education Survey — and it’s YOUR chance to be heard

[Economy NI @Economy_NI]

Economy Minister Dr @CArchibald_SF has met representatives from @NUS_USI

The Minister said: “I was pleased to meet NUS-USI representatives today to hear about the issues important to students at our further and higher education institutions.

“I am committed to doing all I can to minimise the burden for students and any barriers they face so that as many people as possible can benefit from the high quality education available from the institutions here.

“I look forward to continuing to engage with student representatives and those within the wider third level education sector.”

[Sinéad McLaughlin MLA @SineadMcL4Foyle]

Despite Sinn Féin’s repeated promises not to raise tuition fees, the Economy Minister refused to rule out an increase in the Assembly today.

In the South, they call for free tuition - in the North, they consider hiking fees.
The SDLP will hold them to their word.

[The Nolan Show, BBC @BBCNolan]

Local universities say they urgently need £1,000 a year more in tuition fees. Is it fair for students to foot the bill?

@benfriel | @PaulGosling1 | Lucy McGuinness | @DHamill2004 | @CarlJWhyte

https://t.co/IrTJOvAxTV

[Ben @benfriel]

I’m really proud of today’s announcement! @NUS_USI has pushed for more support, and it’s great to see more money in students’ pockets!

There’s still more to do, and we’ll keep fighting for a free, accessible education for everyone!

But today is a huge win for students!

[Economy NI @Economy_NI]

Economy Minister @conormurphysf has announced a 20% increase in maximum student maintenance loans from academic year 2025/26.

The increase will provide students with an estimated additional £50million per year to assist with living costs.

➡️Read more:
https://t.co/9IvcP694EJ

[Michael Pierse @michaelpierse]

Ben Friel of @NUS_USI putting the case on student poverty starkly on @BBCgmu: student unions used to focus on giving students a good night out (I remember those days); now they're focusing on providing food banks. This is not 'normal' and we have to stop normalising it.

[Belfast Live @BelfastLive]

NI student maintenance loans increasing to help with living costs
https://t.co/6G37YwktlY

[Belfast Telegraph @BelTel]

There will be some financial relief for struggling students after Economy Minister Conor Murphy announced a 20% increase in maximum student maintenance loans.

➡️https://t.co/LYzIg0OD8T
https://t.co/LYzIg0OD8T

[Ben @benfriel]

I’m really proud of today’s announcement! @NUS_USI has pushed for more support, and it’s great to see more money in students’ pockets!

There’s still more to do, and we’ll keep fighting for a free, accessible education for everyone.

But today is a huge win for students! 🎉

[Cool FM News @newsoncool]

🙌🚨"Today is a good day": NI students to get 20% more in maintenance loans.

🎤✅️Chief Reporter @jamesgould23 was at @QUBelfast and spoke to Economy Minister @conormurphysf and President of @NUS_USI Ben Friel.

❗️💰From 2025/26, maximum maintenance loan support to full-time undergraduate NI-domiciled students will increase:

• for students living at home from £5,250 to £6,300.

• for students living away from home from £6,776 to £8,132.

• for students living in London from £9,492 to £11,391.

[NUS-USI @NUS_USI]

NUS-USI President Ben Friel was delighted to host @nusuk President Amira Campbell and @TheUSI President Chris Clifford for a Trilateral Meeting in Belfast🤝

We reaffirmed our commitment to collectively address the most pressing issues facing students across NI, UK and Ireland.

[Economy NI @Economy_NI]

Economy Minister @conormurphysf today met with newly appointed @NUS_USI President @benfriel, along with @corrineheaney and @AndrewMcAnallen

During the meeting a range of issues were discussed including: the pivotal role apprenticeships play in creating Good Jobs and bolstering businesses with the skills needed to raise productivity; sustainable funding arrangements for the further and higher education sectors; and the importance of engaging and listening to the student voice.

[NI Assembly Committee for the Economy @NIAEconomy]

Our Chairperson @PhillipBrett21 held an informal meeting earlier today with @NUS_USI President @benfriel to discuss the Fix Student Housing campaign and the Reform of Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).

[NUS-USI @NUS_USI]

Today President @BenFriel met with @padraig_delargy to talk all things student housing 🏘️

We spoke about tackling the rising cost of rent for students 📈 our Big Student Housing Survey ✍️ & improving widening access and participation🧑‍🎓

@sinnfeinireland

#FixStudentHousing

[NUS-USI @NUS_USI]

Fantastic to meet with @RobbieButlerMLA to talk all things student housing 🏘️

@BenFriel spoke on:
✍️ Big Student Housing Survey
📈 Rent controls to curb rising rents
🪙 Greater rent regulation for PBSAs
🏠 Scrapping need for rental guarantors

https://t.co/4EjCNjJWEp

@uuponline

[NUS-USI @NUS_USI]

Fantastic visit to our members @StMarysBelfast today! ✊ @benfriel caught up with the SU officers Dáire & Maeve about their exciting campaign plans for St. Mary's students.

We're super excited to work with the SU to promote our Student Housing survey! 🏘️

https://t.co/4EjCNjJWEp

[NUS-USI @NUS_USI]

✅ Great meeting with @GerryCarrollPBP MLA today! ✅

🤝 President @benfriel discussed key student issues, including our #FixStudentHousing campaign, rent regulation, and our Big Student Housing Survey. 📢

Thanks Gerry for supporting the survey! https://t.co/4EjCNjJWEp

@pb4p

[NUS-USI @NUS_USI]

Students must not bear the brunt of revenue raising ❌❌

Following today’s publication of the Budget Sustainability Plan by Minister @CArchibald_SF, we reiterate our call to maintain the rates exemption on university halls of residence.

Statement from President @BenFriel 💬

[NUS-USI @NUS_USI]

Don't miss @BenFriel's 1st feature interview as NUS-USI President! 🗞️

Ben talks about how the political landscape in NI could be tranformed by lowering the voting age to 16 & the need for rent regulation in purpose-built student accommodation.

ARTICLE🗞️ https://t.co/yGRr3Yhuqn

[Ben @benfriel]

@NUS_USI I’m so proud of you and all you've achieved. The world isn't ready for what you will do next and I can't wait to watch it unfold, don't be a stranger but most importantly never stop being you —the world could do with a few more leaders like you.

[Ben @benfriel]

@chloeferguson__ you're moving on to your next adventure and I just wanted to take a minute to celebrate you and the incredible impact you've had on the student movement in NI

[Ben @benfriel]

@NUS_USI NUS-USI will definitely miss you but I will do my best to build off the great work you've already done and the wins you've achieved to fight for real change in the lives of students and apprentices