Students choose cost of living and community as priorities for new UHI partnership agreement

Students have chosen action on the cost-of-living crisis and improving student community as the two priorities for a new Student Partnership Agreement between the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association (HISA).

The agreement sets out how students and staff will work together from 2026 to 2029 to improve the student experience across UHI and its academic partners. Its priorities were selected through a student vote following a review of survey results and other student feedback. 

Work on the cost of living will examine financial and basic needs support, support for students in rented accommodation, and hidden course costs. 

Work on student community will focus on safety and respect on campus, tackling isolation, and consulting students about their sense of community. 

Each priority will have a dedicated group led jointly by a HISA officer, a HISA staff member and a UHI staff member. The agreement states that decisions must be made in partnership, with student feedback shaping the work throughout its three-year cycle. 

The new agreement also reflects progress made under the 2024–2026 agreement. This included changes to Student Voice Rep training and support, with 572 reps in place in 2026. HISA also launched seven student networks, while membership of its clubs and societies reached 1,080 in 2026. 

Vicki Nairn, UHI Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said: 

“Our students know where their experience can be improved, and their vote has given us two clear priorities. The cost of living affects students’ ability to take part in their studies, while feeling safe and connected is central to their time at UHI. This agreement gives us a way to work with HISA and students across our partnership on practical changes, and to keep listening as that work develops.” 

Oliver Sweeney, HISA’s 2026-27 President, said:  

“This new Student Partnership Agreement is the first step in what is promising to be a great period of collaboration between the Highland and Islands Students’ Association and the University of the Highlands and Islands partnership. Students have asked us to prioritise improving student community as well as actioning support for students on the cost-of-living crisis that they are facing. We have heard from students across the partnership about how these issues are impacting their education and student journey and I am excited to now work with HISA and UHI colleagues on these issues and deliver the visible change for our students that they are asking to see.” 

The full Student Partnership Agreement is available on UHI's website.