Want to set up a new group at ICU? Or interested in reviving an older group? The Start Something New process is for you!
Whether you have a completely new idea or want to bring an old group back to life, we’re here to help you get started.
Submit your application here.
How does it work?:
1. Submit your application
Complete the Start Something New application form and tell us about your proposed group.
Applications open on the 28th September. They close on the 30th October for Round One and 12th March for Round Two.
You’ll need to provide:
- An overview of your idea
- Why you think ICU needs this group and how it will contribute to the ICU community
- Your aims, objectives and core activity
- What makes your group different from existing ICU groups
- Proof of interest, if you have it
Proof of interest is optional, so don’t worry if you’re starting from scratch. If you already have people interested, you can include evidence.
2. Application review
The New Activities Committee (NAC) will review your application. NAC is made up of students who sit in management groups, alongside the Deputy President (Activities). Find out more about Management Groups here: Management Groups | Imperial College Union
You’ll receive your outcome by:
Round One: 6th November
Round Two: 12th February
3. Get set up
You’ll need to complete some admin before your group can start operating, including:
- A Core Risk Assessment: we’ll provide a general risk assessment that should cover your activity. If it doesn’t, we can work with you to make the necessary changes.
You’ll receive an email with everything you need to complete, alongside a starter pack with useful information about setting up your group.
We’ll also run drop-in sessions where you can ask questions and get support with your application or admin.
4. Meet your mentor
If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to a mixer where you’ll meet your mentor for the year.
Your mentor will be a member of NAC who can support and guide you through the process. We’ll also explain what you need to do to get your group up and running.
Criteria:
Three founders: You need three founders to set up your group. These individuals will fill the three principal positions:
- President/Chair
- Secretary
- Treasurer
All three positions must be filled for the group to operate. At least one of the founders must be a continuing student.
A unique idea: Your group must offer something that isn’t already provided by another ICU group. Before applying, have a look through the existing groups and consider where your idea fits within the wider ICU community.
Alignment with ICU and Imperial: Your proposed group must align with the values of both Imperial College Union and Imperial College London.
When will my group be set up?:
If you submit your idea by 30th October, we'll support you to get started for Spring Term.
If you need more time, that’s okay. You’ll have until March to complete your admin, with groups being set up on a rolling basis.
There are two application rounds:
Round One: Term 1
Round Two: Term 2
Graduation:
New groups remain in the Start Something New process for at least two terms of activity before they can graduate.
Round One:
Towards the end of Term 3, you’ll submit a report covering what your group has achieved during your two terms of activity.
NAC will review this and decide whether your group is ready to graduate and become a fully-fledged ICU group for the following academic year.
Round Two:
Round Two groups follow the same process, but their report will be due towards the end of Term 1 of the 2027/28 academic year.
This allows you to report on your activities across Term 3 and Term 1.
Key dates:
Date | What’s happening |
28th September 2026 | Applications open |
30th October 2026 | Round One applications close |
6th November 2026 | Round One outcomes |
5th February 2027 | Round Two applications close |
12th February 2027 | Round Two outcomes |
Need help with your application?:
If you’re unsure about your idea or would like some advice before submitting, you can submit a ticket or attend one of our drop-in sessions (dates TBC).
We’re happy to talk through your idea and help you understand what you need to include.
Check out this article for what happens after you’ve submitted your idea.
Ready to Start Something New? Applications open 28 September!
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