A new union wants to regenerate nightlife and provide more support for Manx higher education (HE) students.

The Manx Students’ Union (MSU) launched on Wednesday aimed at ’making the Isle of Man work for its students’.

It aims to create student social standards that are equal to those of the UK, such as introducing student discounts, having student rates on public transport and regenerating nightlife.

MSU will confront welfare issues unique to island students, guide them towards relevant mental health support services and promote student start ups.

Up-to-date information about student finances will be provided through the union which will lobby UK institutions that charge international rates.

Behind this are co-founders Catherine Woolley and Alaia Nicholson, plus a team of moderators.

The 21-year-olds study at the University of York and University of St Andrews respectively.

Catherine, who is from Castletown and studies politics with international relations, said: ’In my first year at university, in 2018, I wrote to my MHK, and made my case for the introduction of a student bus fare on the island.

’This was something I felt would be of financial, social and ecological value. I was informed that an initiative was being looked into.

’Two years later, we are yet to see the introduction of a scheme which would provide cheaper travel for students on-island. This is, however, very understandable because it is not possible to cater to a community which has no representation.’

Following a conversation about finding themselves unexpectedly back in the island due to Covid-19, Catherine and Alaia - who studies English Literature - realised a student union would benefit HE students living here temporarily or permanently.

They believe the island offers ’few opportunities for HE, forcing most to leave in order to study’ while failing to compensate students for this.

’Stepping on Manx soil does not mean you have stopped being a student. It is therefore justified to expect this life to continue when on-island,’ they said.

They believe now is the right time to launch the union as the pandemic has brought challenges to Manx students who are staying at home for longer than anticipated.

MSU is now looking to develop relationships with local businesses, encouraging them to adopt student offers for all those attending HE institutions.

Students can find out more by following ’Manx Students’ Union News’ on Facebook.