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BDU - Bristol Debating Union

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Description

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                         Welcome to Bristol Debating  Union! 

What is BDU?
We’re Bristol’s home of ideas, arguments, and community — a society where students debate everything from politics and philosophy to sport and pop culture. For over 60 years, we’ve been the university’s only competitive debating society, and we’re proud to be both high-achieving and incredibly welcoming.

Who can join?
Absolutely anyone! Whether you’ve debated on national stages or have never spoken in front of a crowd before, BDU is for you. We’ll help you sharpen your public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork skills — and you’ll do it alongside some of the most supportive, inspiring people on campus.

Training sessions
Our sessions are practical, fun, and designed to build your confidence week by week. Come join us in G25, Wills Memorial Building:

  • Monday Evening: 18:30 – 20:30

  • Wednesday Afternoon: 14:30 – 16:30

But it’s not just about debating…
We’re also a thriving social community! Every week you’ll find us at:

  • Pub trips (The White Harte is our go-to spot)

  • Coffee hangouts on Wednesdays

  • Thursday society socials that range from chilled to chaotic

And that’s just the start — expect our legendary drunk debates, quizzes, game nights, public debates, a family scheme, and our much-anticipated Christmas formal.

Why join?
Because BDU is where ideas meet laughter, where strangers become friends, and where you get to push yourself while having a genuinely great time.

Membership

  • Early Bird Deal: £15 for the whole year (ends late September 2025)

  • Standard Annual Membership: £19

Your membership unlocks:

  • All training sessions

  • Entry to competitions

  • All our socials and events

And don’t worry if finances are tight — you can apply for the SU’s Activity Hardship Fund, which can cover up to £200 of your costs.

Stay connected
For updates, socials, and all things BDU, follow us here:

 

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Terms and conditions

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Membership Fee Inclusions

 

Prior to signing up to a Club or Society speak to the Committee to find out what your membership includes and if there are any further expenses throughout the year.

 

Service Standards

 

All Club or Society members can expect to receive:

 

  • The opportunity to attend regular meetings, events, activities, trips and socials as arranged.
  • The opportunity to stand for a committee position or vote in their elections (Bristol students only).
  • For Sports Club – to attend regular training sessions and have the opportunity to be selected for the teams.

 

Code of Conduct

 

When joining a club or society you are agreeing to abide by the constitution, general rules, regulations and policies of University of Bristol Students’ Union and also the Club or Society Code of Conduct which sets out the level of behaviour & discipline expected of all Club & Society members.

 

Download the Code of Conduct

 

Refund Policy

 

Any customer who pays for a membership subscription to a Bristol SU Society, Sports Club, Student Media and initiatives has a 14 day cooling off period from the time and date of purchase during which they have the right to cancel the subscription and receive a full refund. If you do decide to cancel within the 14 days, Bristol SU will refund your payment within a further 30 days of the cancellation.  To request a refund please email: bristolsu@bristol.ac.uk

 

Data sharing (Sports Club members only)

 

Please be aware that Bristol SU may share data relating to the members of its sports clubs with the Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health (a department of the University).  This information may be used for the purposes of communicating direct with these members and/or to cross-reference against SEH's Sports Pass membership records.

 

As part of Bristol SU's membership of British Universities & Colleges Sports (BUCS) Bristol SU may have to share data on to its sports clubs members so BUCS can, from time to time, communicate with these members. 

 

Data sharing (Societies members only)

 

If you're joining one of the societies listed below please be aware that your name and email address will be shared with Bristol Hub for the purpose of keeping you up to date with their activities through their email “The Week”:


AIESEC Bristol, AMICUS Bristol, Anti-Slavery Society, Bristol Feminists, Bristol Friends of MSF, Bristol Marrow, Bristol Social Enterprise Society, Bristol Student Action for Refugees, Bristol University Amnesty International, Conservation Group, Bristol University Oxfam Group, Bristol University Sustainability Team, Bristol Volunteers for Development Abroad, Engineers Without Borders, Howard League for Penal Reform Student Society, International Affairs Society, Medsin Bristol, Model United Nations, and Vegetarian and Vegan Society.

 

For more information on Bristol Hub visit: http://www.bristolhub.org.

 

If you do not want your details shared with the Hub please email: bristolsu@bristol.ac.uk.


These terms shall be governed by English law and are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts. Nothing in these terms shall exclude liability for fraudulent misrepresentation.