A student body is, in principle, the entirety of all students in a degree program. In common usage, however, ‘student body’ refers to the Student Department Committee (FSA).
The FSA is a group of students from a degree program who look after the needs of other students in that program. For example, the FSA mediates disputes between students and professors, might organize a small party, or collects past exam papers. However, the FSA’s capabilities and influence largely depend on how many helpers are available for its tasks and projects. Therefore, it is very important for students to get involved with the FSA, even if they are not members.
The Student Department Committee, however, represents only one of the two bodies of a student body. The second body is called the Student Body General Assembly (FSVV). It consists of all students of the degree program and is convened at least once per semester. Important decisions for the future of the student body are made there. You can read more details in the Student Body Framework Regulations. You can find these here.
