How To Run A Financially Independent Student Collective

St Andrews is a vibrant hub of student life, with a diverse array of events occurring almost daily, from society meetings to charity fundraisers, alongside the launch of new initiatives. While many events benefit from university support, independent collectives often face the challenge of organising everything on their own without external financial backing. Students are often pushed to establish non-Union affiliated organisations, as they provide greater freedom to set their own priorities based on student interests. This autonomy allows them to advocate directly on issues that matter to the student population and respond quickly to their members' specific needs.

At the heart of these collectives' success is effective financial management. Anna Brandolese, Head of Finances for Craft House, a collective dedicated to platforming student artists, explains, “We’re focused on prioritising the larger events that bring in the most profit, like our garden parties. That’s where we allocate most of our savings.” Since these events generate considerable revenue, Craft House distributes the funds according to the collective’s needs. “We allocate money for things like providing artists with funds for supplies and organising smaller events,” Anna adds. She emphasises the importance of maintaining an “emergency wallet” for unexpected expenses, describing a simple but effective system that categorises funds into “events, emergency, and rewards” to keep finances organised.

Craft House's experience reflects a common reality for many student-run collectives. Without the financial support of a larger organisation, these groups must carefully manage their limited resources. Another self-funded group, Hush Magazine, faced similar challenges during its launch. “We allocated funds carefully among board members, focusing on essentials and finding creative, low-cost solutions,” says its founder, Kennedy Drolet. “Instead of renting an expensive venue, we hosted the launch at a flat, which significantly cut costs. Many decorations were either handmade or sourced from items we already owned, adding a personal touch without inflating the budget.” These examples highlight how effective budgeting enables student collectives to cover basic expenses while also creating opportunities for additional fundraising efforts to support their growth.

Ticket sales represent another important consideration, particularly in how they differ between student-funded and Union-affiliated events. Union-affiliated events, such as pub quizzes and performances for societies, can typically set more affordable ticket prices (usually under £10) due to financial support and in-kind subsidies from the Union. This accessibility encourages greater participation among students and simplifies the purchasing process through the Union’s website.

Marketing is another crucial element for student collectives, especially when operating on a tight budget. In the digital age, platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok offer cost-effective ways to promote events and engage audiences. “Marketing is everything for student-funded events, especially when you want to get people excited and involved,” says Drolet. “Starting a social media campaign, engaging early, and following people is free and easy but can make a huge impact. Being a smaller, dispersed group also helps keep costs low, so using these hands-on marketing efforts strategically can really drive awareness without a big budget.” Additionally, creating a cohesive visual style and maintaining a consistent posting schedule helps build anticipation and attract attention to the collective's initiatives. For instance, both Hush Magazine and Craft House utilise vibrant colours and floral imagery to promote their garden parties, conveying a lively and inviting atmosphere that resonates with their audience.

While hosting a self-funded event in St Andrews can be daunting, these initiatives play a crucial role in establishing a presence within the student body and building connections. The dynamic student body thrives on innovation, ensuring there is always room for new ideas and experiences to emerge. Ultimately, the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of these student-run initiatives significantly contribute to the vibrancy of St Andrews' social landscape, driven by passion and creativity.

Photo: Unsplash