When you’re a student in London, life can get quite lonely. It’s important to have the right people around you, that make you feel like you’re in the right place! Therefore, I place great value on the social communities we have around us. In my position as Student Communities Officer [SCO], encouraging events and informal socials where wider parts of the university can interact will be on the top of my list. I have been running my own student community, Showcase Selects (DJ Society), for the past 4 years. Making me aware that actioning real change is an organic and reflective process, working together as a local democracy.

What are the top 3 issues affecting students?

• Whilst we’re amid the cost-of-living crisis, extra support for students from lower incomes is vital! I will push for greater support for students who are struggling financially, within the means of the Arts SU. Anxieties about spending should not be hindering anyone’s studies and where possible, free resources should be given out to prevent this.  
• Liberation and inclusivity within the Arts SU is extremely important to make marginalised groups of the student body have their voices heard. Black, Disability and LGBTQ+ History months are critical to addressing the barriers that exist – but why do we celebrate these histories for only one month per year? I believe that diversity should be celebrated all year round. With the same efforts and events of these months spread out across the year, as well as their own dedicated history months.
• Accessibility is a need for everyone, especially those with disabilities. The university should provide extra support for those with disabilities and specific learning differences. The student body should be educated on the accessible needs of others to counteract the current spread of misinformation regarding disabilities.

Overall, in my role as SCO I want to input more care back into the Arts SU and its communities, with equity and equality in mind. Building closer relationships across the student body to ensure everyone has accessible, equal opportunities. Celebrating our differences and coming together