Some students also think they will get better value for money with their union membership without the NUS.

A union source said: "There are a wide range of reasons why some students want to disaffiliate. Although there was also a referendum last year, this is quite unusual at Exeter."

Southampton university also cut its links a few years back on the basis that it wanted more autonomy and didn’t want to be dictated things like what items to sell on campus.

Other universities planning disaffiliation campaigns include Durham, Edinburgh, York, Westminster, Aberystwyth, London South Bank, the London School of Economics and King’s College London.

'Bitter irony'

Newcastle students’ union said it would hold a referendum if there is enough appetite from students.

President Dominic Fearon said: "The NUS only serves the few delegates who attend the national conference; they have very little interest in representing the majority of students.

"I think there is a bitter irony in them calling for governmental reform when there is clearly a desperate need for reform within their own organisation.

"I hope they take this opportunity to evaluate their contribution to the lives of students across the UK.