A pre-war image of the Union Building in black and white

Where did we come from?

Leeds University Union first appeared on the scene in the 1870s as a society of the Yorkshire College.

Work began on the LUU building we know today in 1937, possibly thanks to a large donation from W Riley-Smith Tadcaster. Ever wondered how the Riley Smith Theatre got its name? Now you know.

In 1944, the Union’s Presidents and Vice-Presidents joined the University Council and began representing students’ interests at the highest level – blazing the trail for today’s Exec Officers.