Celebrating 150 years of King's College London Students' Union 

1873-8: Finding common ground 

KCLSU's story began in December 1873 when King's gifted its students a common room. The aim was to encourage students to come together and foster community between faculties. In this room, KCLSU, in its unofficial form, was born.  

In 1878, the Union rebranded itself as the Union Society of King's College and welcomed societies across the university into its new structure. 

In the following two decades there was rumoured financial difficulty and upheaval, including a brief takeover by the Engineering Society. However, this was resolved at the beginning of the 20th century when it was agreed that a sum would be deducted from the fees of every student to help support it. From then on, the Union became a credible and stable membership organisation. 

1908: F Hanson becomes President 

F Hanson made history as the Union Society's first President, paving the way for future leaders. 

Former historian FJC Hearnshaw observed: 'In 1908 the Union Society appears to have been completely reorganised at a general meeting held on Friday 4 December, and to have taken over both the athletic club and social activities of the College.' 

1915: Female students save the Union Society 

The Union Society was an all-male organisation until 1915 when it opened its doors to women. World War I had already begun and many male students enlisted. With numbers dwindling, it seemed the Union Society was on the brink of collapse.  

But all was not lost, thanks to the determination of the Union Society's remaining female students, who kept things running through the war years. Many alumni credit these women with saving the Union Society. 

1921: Sir Ivison Macadam OBE elected President 

Sir Ivison Macadam OBE was elected President of the Union in 1921. Macadam came to King's in 1920, having served in the war. 

A gifted leader, Macadam would go on to become the founding President of the National Union of Students in 1922, where he advocated for students across the UK and beyond. 

1923: The tale of Reggie the Lion begins 

In 1923, student Mary Edwards embarked on an epic mission to find a King's mascot. Edwards bought a metal lion with a paw placed on a globe. After much deliberation, the lion was christened Reggie and he has been our beloved mascot ever since.  

1945: A second home for KCLSU 

The post-war years saw an influx of ex-services students, which led to over-crowding at the Students' Union. KCLSU needed to branch out, so King's bought Chesham Hotel on Surrey Street.    

Kate Hopkin (History, 1978) shares her memories of the beloved bar on Surrey Street: 'In 1973 the Students' Union was in Surrey Street and the fairly small bar was downstairs. The only place to get food was the refectory, which was a bit of a greasy spoon. The Union decided to offer some food and began to sell ploughman's [sandwiches].'

1973: A roaring success for student news 

KCLSU's award-winning newspaper was founded in 1973. Originally called Casey L (a play on the University's acronym), the paper has been through several rebrands over the decades. In the 90s, the name changed to Roar News in honour of Reggie.  

The newspaper lived up to its name and has been a roaring success, having twice been named the UK's best student newspaper by the Student Publication Assembly (SPA). Its contents cover a range of topics, from campus news to cultural commentary.  

1975: Finding a third home 

After outgrowing the Chesham Hotel, KCLSU found another home in the Macadam Building (built in honour of former President, Ivison Macadam). 

1992: Party like it's nineteen ninety Tutu! 

KCLSU unveiled Tutu's nightclub - named after the late, great Desmond Tutu, former Archbishop and Nobel Peace Prize winner.  

With its cheap drinks, eclectic music and rooftop views, Tutu's was a popular spot for student nights out. Tutu himself was a fan of the club and even celebrated his 80^th birthday there.

In 1992, he sent a letter to KCLSU enthusiastically approving the club's name. He wrote: 'I am bowled over and will read what's on offer at the bar! I am thrilled and humbled and accept.' 

Tutu's closed in 2013 after struggling to make ends meet.  

An alum recalls: 'I worked behind the bar in Waterfront and Tutu's in the early 90s. I think I spent most of my earnings there!', while Eric Schmidt (MSc China & Globalisation, 2012; PhD Chinese Studies, 2018) admits that he 'still mourns Tutu's'.

Gone...but not forgotten. Tutu' s still holds a place in the hearts of our alumni – much like its namesake. 

1995: But Here We Are… at King's! Foo Fighters visit Tutu's 

Legendary band Foo Fighters performed at Tutu's in 1995, when tickets cost just £7

2005-6: Paving the way for students' unions 

In the early 2000s, KCLSU achieved several firsts... 

In 2005, our Students' Union became an independent charity. A year later, King's became the first British university to appoint a board of student and non-student trustees. 

2008: A new Era- Taylor Swift comes to Tutu's 

Taylor Swift's career was just starting when she took to the Tutu's stage for her very first UK gig. Now a major household name, we like to think King's played a part in her fame.  

2019: Putting Denmark Hill on the map 

KCLSU found its fourth and final home at our Denmark Hill Campus in 2019, after a 2017 campaign to 'put Denmark Hill on the KCLSU map.' Open 24-hours a day, the site includes an activity and relaxation space and hub desks where students can access help.   

2023: KCLSU turns 150 years old

On 18 September, staff, alumni and students gathered on Guy's Campus to mark this milestone. 

Guests were treated to a musical performance from King's Jazz Society, an exhibition capturing key moments from KCLSU's history, and a royal visit from Reggie the Lion – who turned 100 that same day. 

Noted attendees included KCLSU President, Steven Suresh and Chief Executive, Denis Shukur. Shukur commented: 'The KCLSU 150-year legacy has come a long way since its beginning as just one common room at King's. We deliver more than 300 student events and activities, and provide quality food and drink venues, activity spaces, campaigns, and wellbeing services to thousands of students across all four campuses. I'm very proud of how far we've come.'