Queen Margaret Union - Today

Today

The early 1990s saw the QMU become an established live music venue. Notably Nirvana, Soundgarden, Smashing Pumpkins, Hole and Garbage all played on the Union's main stage. This continued with bands such as Coldplay, Biffy Clyro and Franz Ferdinand playing on the same stage in the 00s.

The late 1990s until the early 2000s saw the QMU redevelop many of its social and commercial areas, including all of its bars. Other recent notable events at the QMU have included playing a large part in the "No to NUS" campaign in 2006 at the University of Glasgow and supporting Charles Kennedy in his successful campaign to become Rector.

Although there are two Unions at the University of Glasgow, most students choose to only join one of them. Some students think that joining both is not allowed, but many first years join both before deciding which union they prefer. In 2003-2004, both Unions attempted to change their Constitutions to allow for Automatic Joint Student Membership. The QMU successfully made the required changes, but due to an irregularity in procedures, the GUU did not put the matter to a vote and the process was abandoned.

As of 2008, the QM Union, with just over 5000 members, is based at number 22 University Gardens, near to the rear entrance of the Boyd Orr building. The current building opened in 1967. Membership is split fairly equally among the sexes, and the QMU has maintained high membership levels for many years.

In 2007 and 2009, qmunicate, the QM Union's member-run fortnightly publication, won the Best Magazine Award at The Herald Scottish Student Press Awards. It was shortlisted in 2006, 2008 and 2010. In 2010 Ruaraidh J MacIntyre, qmunicate's resident columnist won the 'Best Columnist' award at the Herald Student Press Awards.