67% of refugees flee to a state neighbouring their home country (UNHCR)
When granted asylum status, people are given just 28 days to find accommodation before they are evicted (Refugee Action)
74% of refugees are living in low or middle income countries (British Red Cross)
Refugees and Asylum seekers face unique health and medical problems (British Medical Association)
The British population misunderstand the situation and scale of refugees in the UK (British Red Cross)
Many refugees and asylum seekers face discrimination and hate crimes in the UK, but feel unable to report these incidents (City of Sanctuary UK)
People seeking asylum are banned from work and are given just £7 a day to live on (Refugee Council)
Why is helping refugees important?
Refugees in the UK face harsh conditions and dangerous rhetoric. We believe that we have a duty to challenge disingenuous and untrue media and popular narratives, and provide the support that refugees and asylum seekers themselves ask for.
Many of the problems refugees face are created by lies and hostility fed to the British population. STAR aims to challenge and overcome these barriers.
Who we are…
We hold a variety of small and large events throughout the term to raise money for projects in Edinburgh.
We provide regular and ad hoc volunteers to charities around Edinburgh, as well as providing household items to service users.
Our campaigns team works with other societies and organisations to build solidarity and awareness through the student and general population of Edinburgh
Student Action for Refugees Edinburgh (STAR) is part of a national student network aiming to build a more understanding and just society where refugees are welcomed and thrive in the UK.
Our members and coordinators are all students who are passionate about advocating for refugees and asylum seekers, and creating safe communities in Edinburgh and the wider UK.
We’re always looking for more students to get involved, and for service users and charities to support. You can get involved or seek support with volunteering, campaigning or fundraising via our contact form.
Recent and Upcoming Events
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![Title: SLURP + STAR ceilidh. An illustration of some vegetables and stars holding hands in a circle as if they're dancing. Caption: 18th September, 7:30, Lauriston Hall.]()
Ceilidh 2025
On 18th September STAR and SLURP will be collaborating to host a welcome back fundraising Ceilidh! Half of the money raised will go to our partners at Edinburgh Refugee Sponsorship Circle, for a new family arriving in Scotland soon.
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Welcome Week 2025
STAR had a very busy Welcome Week 2025, recruiting new members, supporting our partner charities, and getting ready for our big ceilidh next week!
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Week 1 Meeting
Join us at 6:30 on Wednesday 17 September at 40 GS, LG.09 for an overview of how you can get involved with STAR, and then a welcome pack making activity! And everyone is welcome to our social after— dinner at Mosque Kitchen.
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STAR 2024/2025
Although we have only just created our new website, here's a summary of STAR’s activities in 2024/2025 academic year!
