The recent annual gathering of NUS-USI (the student movement in Northern Ireland) was a lively event. Topics discussed included student mental health, the promotion of student unions in the further education sector and support for international students in local colleges. The conference also had a look at SHAC, the Student Housing Association, and at the British government review of student support. Brian Slevin, NUS-USI convenor, said the conference was concerned too with examining "how the student movement can further contribute to building a knowledge driven economy".