Upon enrolment at the University, all students automatically become members of the SRC, although they are entitled to opt-out of this membership.

These include the University’s Freshers’ Week (in collaboration with the other student bodies) and its Freshers’ Fair; welfare initiatives; support for 300 clubs and societies; and housing and funding the University's Glasgow Guardian newspaper and other student media.

Originally located in Pearce Lodge, the SRC is now housed in the McIntyre Building on University Avenue.

At this time, the SRC was housed in the Pearce Lodge, the former gatehouse of the University's old site on the High Street which had been reassembled at Gilmorehill.

After the Queen Margaret Union relocated to its current location in 1969, the SRC’s offices moved into the then-John McIntyre Building.

University departments are responsible for organising the election of individual class representatives, who are supported in their duties by the Vice-President (Education) and their college's convenor.

The incumbent Rector is Lady Rita Rae, a retired Senator of the Colleges of Justice.