On December 15, 1917, the first student protest took place against a Manila police captain and his men for arresting Victoriano Yamzon during the first University Day.

On July 17, 1918, students led by Carlos P. Romulo and Jose Romero held a rally from UP to Sta Cruz Bridge at The Manila Times office to protest the editorial of the newspaper criticizing UP President Ignacio Villamor.

On January 21, 1921, the Executive Committee (EC) of the University approved a memorandum embodying the idea of creating an inter-collegiate student council.

The Bill of Rights resolved: On September 27, 1924, UP President Rafael Palma revived the University Student Council (USC).

In 1940, the USC office was moved to the second floor of the newly built Alumni Hall with the Philippine Collegian, The Philippinensian and the Institute of National Language.

USC passed a resolution affirming faith in UP President Gonzales amidst rumors the university was not satisfied with his administration.

In April 1948 USC President Villanueva observed that a major problem in the university was the deficiency of the students in their command of English.

In 1950 Huks attacked the PC Detachment in Balara, sending dorm residents to take cover in basements and in the Law building.

During this period the UP Student Council counted several people as members who would later become prominent public figures, including Marcelo Fernan, Homobono Adaza, Randy David, Delfin Lazaro, Miriam Defensor.

On November 30, 1952, USC Chair Rafael Salas led the students to a rally at Malacañan Palace protesting the policies of President Elpidio Quirino.

On August 4, 1955, USC Chair Fernando Campos held an emergency meeting expressing support for three members of the Board of Regents (BOR) and planned a rally demanding the ouster of Fr.

The charges were illegal alteration of USC Resolution of August 4, grave abuse of power, and shameful conduct unbecoming his office.

On December 16–17, 1957, a "peaceful and spontaneous" student strike led by USC took place in response to inaction from the BOR to elect a new UP President.

On the third day of strike, students held a victory motorcade around Quezon City and Manila passing Malacañan Palace.

On January 12, 1962, Union Chair Enrique Voltaire Garcia led the UP students to a rally in front of Quezon Hall affirming support and trust in BOR, the sole body tasked to choose the UP President.

On January 18, 1962, the Student Union met for two hours to pass a resolution calling Macapagal to withdraw the offer to Romulo "in order that the independence and prestige of the state university may be restored".

In December 1964, the Student Cultural Association in UP (SCAUP) made a float for the Lantern Parade with Jun Tera in the stance and uniform of a Vietnamese guerilla.

On September 11, 1966, USC Chair Voltaire Garcia led a large demonstration at the Palace to protest against the deployment of Filipino forces for a foreign war.

On August 16, 1968, Metrocom dispersed a rally led by UP students at the US Embassy and Malacañang to protest the "Special Relations" between the Philippines and USA.