About us
The RCSU is one of the 4 historic constituent unions at the College and covers all students in the Faculty of Natural Sciences, both undergraduate and postgraduate. Since the founding of the Royal College of Science Union in 1881, we’ve been involved in student representation for all Science students, but that’s not all we do. We provide a wide range of services and opportunities for our members and all Imperial students:
- Support and represent students on education and welfare issues at a faculty level, helping your departmental representatives to improve your courses.
- Help improve your network through events like our international science communication competition, the Science Challenge, and mentorship programs with our alumni network, the RCSA.
- Organise lots of fun events to get everyone involved and to give you a break from your studies.
Basically, we’re here to support you during your time at Imperial and make sure you’re enjoying your time here!
Events
We will be hosting events for you to meet other people from your Faculty which will include bar nights, flagship balls and chill welfare events. You can find all the information for our events here, but be sure to keep a look out on your emails and our Instagram page for updates and announcements as soon as they come!
RCS Summer Dinner 2026
The RCS dinner is the culmination of the years activities, where we come together to celebrate those students who have contributed to the faculty beyond their studies….
Departmental Societies
The RCSU is responsible for all of the Science Departmental Societies at Imperial. Societies organise many events throughout the term and are there to look after the welfare and academic interests of their students. All Departmental Societies are open to all students, with automatic membership for your subject.
BioChemSoc
At BiochemSoc, we’re all about building a vibrant, inclusive community for students across all years and serving as a bridge between student ideas and the department. What can you expect? A little bit of everything!
BioSoc
Whether you’re a passionate biologist, or just looking for a place to unwind and meet new people, at BioSoc we have something for everyone. Feel free to reach out anytime – we’re here to support, inspire, and grow together!
ChemSoc
ChemSoc is a student run society that represents all the undergraduate chemists within Imperial – we encourage integration across all year groups to maintain our unique and supportive environment within the Chemistry Department!
MathSoc
Fuelledcuriosity, we bring Maths and JMC students together through events that are as fun as they are inspiring – whether you’re here to socialise, learn, or try something new, there’s something for everyone!
PhySoc
PhySoc offers a wide range of free events to all who study or are interested in this beautiful science. Join us for captivating guest lectures, tours in the laboratories, career opportunities, and of course socials and pizza parties!
Our Mascots
The RCSU has a great deal of traditions that are as long as the Union itself. These include singing of the traditional song, the kangela, and protecting our cherished mascot Theta. All Faculty Unions (FUs) are involved with a sport known as mascotry, wherethe successful ‘theft’ of their mascot results in a forfeit for that Union. We also have a mascot that cannot be stolenthe rival FUs, a Dennis N-Type fire engine called Jezebel. Jez is maintainedthe RCS Motor Club and can often be seen at large events throughout the year.
Theta is the Violate (meaning she can be stolenother Constituent Unions) mascot of the RCSU, and is a giant solid steel thermometer. Standing at around 7ft tall and weighing over 100 lbs, Theta can be quite a challenge to bring along to events. Nevertheless, the RCSU Theta Bearer ensures that Theta is going to as many RCSU events as possible for both fun and photos. If you do see Theta at an event, ensure that no Engineers or Miners get a chance to steal her, and be sure to take some photos!
Jezebel, or Jez for short, is a 1916 Dennis N-Type Fire engine and has been the motorised mascot of the RCSU since 1955. Jez started life as an active fire engine at London Fire Brigade, before becoming a private fire engine at a soap manufacturer in Warrington. In 1955 Jez was donated to the Students of the RCS to drive the president around, and has been doing so since. Throughout the year you’ll also see Jez at Pub crawls, Dinners, Balls, and any other RCSU event she can turn up to. Do come and say hello, take photos, or possibly even come along for a ride!
Operations
Each year we also run the RCSU Science Challenge which is our annual science communication competition. We invite students from Imperial and schools worldwide to participate. It gives young scientists the opportunity to develop the skills to talk about science in a way that is engaging and fun to people who don’t necessarily have a science background.
Broadsheet is the RCSU’s termly magazine, which brings together science, culture and the arts. It’s designed and writtenthe budding writers, photographers, editors and illustrators of the RCSU, who are fuelledmany a pizza night on the house!