appear a very Anglo-based concept to me. Even the Dutch system, which does come with orientation weeks and a wide umbrella support system, does not work with a centralized union. Societies are school based and funded by the school and private sponsors. Politically, student representatives from different political flavours, chosen during annual elections, sit on the school and university councils/boards. Hence, it's a two-tract system.

Generally the student societies per school pull the cart during orientation week - also with the ulterior motive to grow membership.