The representative function of the Union developed later, with no reference to the representation of the student body being included in the university's initial charter in 1904.

The service lists both permanent jobs and temporary work deemed suitable for students, and also runs workshops aimed at improving employability.

They are also proud to have a partnership with local taxi provider Amber Cars which includes an arrangement to ensure students can get home safely at night when they are not carrying cash.

Much-loved by students, Old Bar specialises in local and real ale, pub grub and sports screenings, and is Cask Marque accredited.

These include The Who (who recorded Live at Leeds there originally in 1970, and returned in June 2006 to recreate the original show - the concert booklet for which listed the gig history of the venue[5]), Bob Marley and the Wailers (as heard on the remastered 2004 Deluxe edition of Burnin' ), Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and The Rolling Stones.

More contemporary artists to grace the stage have included Ed Sheeran, Bastille, Muse (recorded and played on MTV), The Strokes, Bloc Party, KT Tunstall and Arctic Monkeys, with the venue's most recent shows performed by Sleaford Mods, Fontaines D.C, Freya Ridings, Stefflon Don and Little Simz.

The Riley Smith Theatre (formerly Riley Smith Hall), refurbished in 2005 and 2016, is the largest proscenium theatre on the university campus and is used by student societies for performances, as well as being the main venue of the Backstage Society who provide technical and stage management services; also the venue for Live at Leeds, the John Martyn album, recorded in 1975.

They produce a variety of content including specialist music shows, news bulletins, drivetime entertainment, live mixing and much more.

There is also an internal TV station, LSTV, which broadcasts online and on televisions located around the Union building including in the Terrace and the Old Bar.

[7] Whilst President, Straw played a role in taking over the leadership of a student sit-in (which he had initially opposed) in June 1968.

[8] In 2000, a motion was passed at the LUU Annual General Meeting strongly criticising Straw, then Home Secretary, for his part in the Asylum and Immigration Bill, the attempted removal of trial by jury (for some defendants) and legal aid in many cases, the anti-terrorism bill, the curfew on teenagers, mandatory drug testing for criminal suspects, and his attitude towards cannabis and tuition fees.

[9] In September 2007, the Communications and Internal Affairs Officer, Neil Mackenzie, put forward a motion to reinstate Jack Straw's name on the Presidents' Board in Old Bar, but this fell at Union Council.

[10] In November 2007, a motion was put to a referendum of the entire student body over whether to reinstate Jack Straw's membership of the union and have his name returned to the Presidents' Board.

The project was developed after several rounds of student feedback and consultation with significant upgrades to the Foyer, bars and venues, prayer spaces and meeting rooms, along with the brand-new Union Square and South Entrance planned.