October felt like lacing up new running shoes at the start line of a long race. Fresh energy. New visions. A campus full of voices ready to build, dream, and push forward together. As your Vice-President, this month was about planting seeds that will grow into stronger communities, greater support, and a celebration of the culture that makes Kingston vibrant.
Objective 1: Building Communities
Academic Council
My first Academic Council meeting of the year set a strong tone for student representation. We opened with discussions around the Government’s upcoming Higher Education white paper and the Government's proposed 6% international student levy. Our Vice-Chancellor shared concerns that this move could negatively impact international students and future university recruitment across the sector. We will be working with other Students' Unions to oppose this proposed levy over the coming months.
We also received positive feedback on Freshers’ Fair this year, with special appreciation for our Afghan Society and all other societies and sports clubs for their contribution to campus life. This recognition is a credit to our student leaders and communities bringing energy and culture to Kingston from day one.
SU President, Hamza raised key points around student experience and wellbeing:
- Food waste hackathon connections are now being explored
- Support for commuter students is being reviewed through a University Alliance survey
- Safety concerns for students leaving the Town House late at night were raised, with the university reviewing library opening hours ahead of the January exam period
A new Student Hub enquiry case system has launched, and Future Skills tools continue to develop to support learning journeys.
Advocacy isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s about being in the room, asking the right questions, and keeping the student experience at the heart of big-picture decisions. This meeting was one of those moments.
Course Rep Training
Empowering student leaders is one of my favourite parts of this role. I helped deliver training for our Course Representatives, making sure they feel prepared to fulfil your
academic needs and build strong communication between students and staff. I also shared my own experience as a former course rep, offering practical tips on how to approach the role with confidence and ease.
This year, almost 800 students signed up to be a Course Rep . That means we now 790 passionate student voices across every campus, course, and faculty, ready to listen, raise concerns, and drive positive change.
Strong communities start with strong voices. Seeing so many students step up to lead reminded me that Kingston doesn’t wait for change; we build it together.
Student life Committee
One of my key manifesto pillars is building communities where every student feels like they belong. This month’s Student Life Committee directly supported that goal. We focused on what it truly means to create a campus where students feel connected, safe, and supported through every part of their journey.
We discussed how the University and KSU can continue strengthening student wellbeing systems, including:
- Expanding suicide-prevention and wellbeing training in partnership with the NHS
- Increasing Mental Health First Aid training across campus staff, with opportunities for KSU staff too
- Over 800 new students completing the “Culture, Safety and Respect” induction module
- Ensuring our Security Team remain trained first responders for student safety
- Reviewing support processes around harassment, bullying, and sexual misconduct
Although much of this work happens behind the scenes, it plays a huge role in building a healthy campus culture. Community isn’t only about events and celebrations; it’s also about support, safety, and trust.
By being in these rooms and raising student priorities, we’re shaping a Kingston where every student feels seen, respected, and able to thrive not just as individuals, but together as one community.
Student Council
Our first Student Council meeting set the tone for a collaborative and impactful year. Voices were heard, ideas were shared, and we are ready to turn student-led conversations into student-driven action.
As your Vice President, this was a great opportunity to speak directly with fellow student leaders from across societies, sports clubs, and academic groups. They shared insights from the ground, and together we explored how we can make sure student needs stay at the heart of every decision.
I presented my manifesto priorities and opened them up to the room for feedback and support. I’m happy to share that all of my manifesto objectives were approvd by Student Council. This collective approval reinforced that the work ahead reflects what students truly want and need.
We left the room aligned, motivated, and united in purpose. I’m excited to work alongside these passionate student representatives to deliver a year of meaningful progress for Kingston students.
Objective 2: Secure regular hardship funding to reduce barriers to engage.
University life shouldn't feel like a locked door if you don’t hold the right key. This month, I continued working toward securing consistent hardship funding to reduce financial barriers for student groups and events. Every student deserves the chance to participate, contribute, and shine, no matter their financial background.
In my last blog, I shared that I had begun planning the Hardship Fund application. This month, I took that work further by speaking directly with student groups, including the Athletics team, Cricket Club, and Tamil Society. I listened to their experiences, the financial challenges they face, and the support systems they feel would make the biggest difference.
These conversations gave us valuable insights that will help shape a fund designed around real student needs, not assumptions. This journey continues, and each step brings us closer to building a more accessible, inclusive Kingston where every student has the opportunity to be involved and succeed.
Sometimes even a small cost can stop someone from joining in. Knowing there’s support coming will make students feel included instead of left out.
Objective 3: Delivering cultural events
Diwali participation
Diwali lit up our campus with colour, laughter, music, and unity. I had the chance to support and take part in the celebrations, honouring light over darkness, hope over fear, and community over isolation.
We welcomed over 80 students to our Diwali event at Kingston Hill, filling the space with warmth, bright lights, and shared joy. From music and sweets to cultural conversations and festive lamps, the evening was a beautiful reminder of what makes Kingston special: our diversity, our community spirit, and the way we show up for each other.
Moments like this are more than celebrations – they are bridges. They bring us together, help us learn from one another, and make our campus feel like home for everyone.
As October comes to a close, I feel proud of the foundations we’ve started to build together. From shaping student voice in key committees, to empowering 790 course reps, to celebrating culture and community, this month set the pace for a meaningful year ahead.
This journey has only just begun. With your ideas, your energy, and your voices, we will continue building a campus where every student feels seen, supported, and inspired to take part.
Let’s keep moving forward, together.