Campaigning against apartheid brought Kent Union into the public eye in the 1980s. The pioneering union, which was set up in 1965 by student volunteers at the University of Kent, in Canterbury, staged other high-profile social campaigns.

In its first year it launched InCant, a student newspaper known today as Inquire, followed by the first UK student radio station, CSR, in 1966. Today, CSRfm remains the oldest surviving in the country.

Kent Union grew through the 1970s. It moved into its own premises, the Mandela Student Centre, and opened a student advice centre and the Union Shop.

In 2007, the union took over the running of the on-campus nursery and development continued at the Medway campus with the launch of GK Unions, which provides support and services for students at the Universities of Kent and Greenwich.

Today Kent Union is an independent charity, governed by a board of trustees that represents the university's students. It champions members through democratic representation, offers free independent advice and provides activities and opportunities to enhance the experience and employability of members.

To support this work, Kent Union operates The Venue nightclub, the Library Cafe, two Co-op franchises and Woody's bar, which help to generate £12 million in revenue. The surplus is used to support members.