Who are we?
Bath STAR (Student Action for Refugees) aims to support all refugees and asylum seekers in our local community and nationally through volunteering, fundraising, and campaigning on surrounding issues. We are part of the STAR network, a national charity made up of over 50 university groups with 34,000 students across the UK welcoming refugees and building a more understanding and just society where refugees are welcomed and can thrive in the UK.
Who is considered a 'refugee'?
A refugee is someone:
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Who is in need of protection and would be at risk if they returned home.
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Who has fled danger which could arise from war, torture, political persecution, famine, economic crisis or natural disaster.
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Who is just as deserving of an understanding and just society as me and you.
Why should we help?
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People fleeing persecution may have to travel irregularly to reach safety.
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It is often hard for people seeking asylum to provide the evidence needed to be granted protection.
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While their claim is decided, most people seeking asylum are not allowed to work.
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If they have no other means of support, they receive about £7 a day for food, clothing, travel and everything else, or £9.95 a week if they live in accommodation where meals are provided.
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Most people seeking asylum live in poverty.
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Refugee status is becoming temporary.
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This constant uncertainty makes it very hard for refugees to plan their lives, study, find work or put down roots.
How do we help?
As part of the STAR network, we work to help refugees by:
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Volunteering locally working directly with refugees, building understanding and connections.
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Campaigning nationally for policy change and equal access to higher education for refugees.
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Learning about refugee protection and the asylum journey in the UK with experts and peers.
Our Projects
Bath Welcomes Refugees:
UCAS Mentoring Scheme:
Study club/IT Sessions:
Register your interest in our projects by contacting su-bathstar@bath.ac.uk or filling out the following form: Bath STAR Interest Form – Fill out form
Join us!
We are hoping to run a range of socials, including a mini-lecture series, monthly film club, spoken word events, Come Dine Around The World, and bake sales to raise awareness about refugee-related issues. Most importantly, we partner with a variety of organisations across Bath to support refugees and asylum-seekers in our local community. We believe volunteering is not a task, but a great way to meet like-minded people and support those who need it most. For regular updates, join our WhatsApp groupchat and keep an eye on the 'Fundraising' page to see our upcoming socials.
Awards:
Bath STAR are delighted to have been awarded the National STAR Campaigning Award 22-23.
How do I get involved?
Purchase your free membership from our website!
NOTE: You must have first completed registration for the year and purchased the £3 SU Groups membership. Returning STAR members must also re-purchase membership.
Still deciding whether to join?
No pressure! For more information, you can:
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Keep an eye on our social media.
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Come meet us at the SU Groups Fair on The Parade (and look out for our Refresher events!).
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Feel free to contact us directly with specific questions at su-bathstar@bath.ac.uk .
We hope to see you all soon!
Meanwhile, follow our social media and join our Group Chat!
WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LhAcbUmhlSy9wZAJaLLOft
Instagram: @bathstar
X/Twitter: @BathSTAR1
Email: su-bathstar@bath.ac.uk
What's happening in the world?
1. The Ukranian War
In the wake of the February 24th Russian attack on Ukraine, the United Nations mounted a large-scale relief operation to help those uprooted and otherwise affected by the war. In the space of just a few weeks, millions of people lost their homes and livelihoods in the fastest and largest displacement crisis in recent memory. Within a relatively short time the war turned Ukraine, a vast country of 44 million, into what UN Secretary-General António Guterres during a visit to Kyiv described as “an epicenter of unbearable heartache and pain.” To find out how you can take action to support Ukraine, see the SU's Support Ukraine page. Any students that are struggling with mental health or financial issues due to the Ukraine Refugee Crisis should seek support from Student Services and the Wellbeing Services page.
2. The War on Gaza
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Following the arrival of more than 100 scholars from Gaza in 2025, the UK remains a top choice for young scholars in Gaza seeking to build their futures through education. Most universities in Gaza stopped classes in October 2023, and by January 2024, the Israeli military had systematically destroyed every single higher education institution. While teaching has restarted online and even in tents where possible, education at the university level has been severely disrupted, and in most cases, the facilities for teaching and training simply no longer exist. To find out more about supporting Gaza students, visit: https://star-network.org.uk/2026/04/16/university-best-practices-for-supporting-palestinian-students-from-gaza/
3. Conflict in Sudan
Since the fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), began in 2023, tens of thousands of people have been killed and nearly 14 million people have been displaced. Both sides of the conflict are rampantly violating human rights and humanitarian law resulting in mass civilian casualties, gender-based violence, and a humanitarian catastrophe that’s arisen from aid being blocked. Millions of civilians are trying to survive without food or water. The war has been characterised by relentless and brutal attacks on civilians, including the October 2025 attack on El Fasher where the RSF massacred civilians and committed other crimes. To find out more, visit: https://www.amnesty.org/en/projects/sudan-conflict/