Each July a new team of Sabbatical Officers start their year in office, leading Students' Union UCL. The new team are getting settled into their roles right now.
What do they do?
Sabbatical Officers are here to make sure your voice is heard at the highest levels across UCL. They lead projects and develop new initiatives all aimed at making your time at UCL even better.
How did they get here?
You voted them in! During our leadership race back in March, 13,493 of you took part in Vote Week (a record-breaking election!), where you picked the students you wanted to lead the Union this year. Before they got stuck into their roles, we asked each of them what they plan to focus on this year, along with that all important advice for new students...
Activities and Engagement Officer - Anastasija Boikova
Extra curriculars have always been a huge part of my life since early childhood. Growing up I was very involved in sport, particularly netball, diving, swimming, and shooting; arts, such as variety of dance styles and acting; as well as RAF Air Cadets.
When I came to UCL I wanted to try new things and fell in love with a new sport – cheerleading, which has become the biggest part of my life at UCL, and K-Pop. Through my engagement with societies and clubs, I found my communities, my friends, and my passions.
During my time as a sabbatical officer, I want to empower students to become leaders and get out of their comfort zone by trying new things and finding their passions. University should not only be about graduating with a fantastic degree but also about discovering yourself, creating lifelong memories, and making friends.
My must visits in London: I grew up in London and have lived in Essex for most of my secondary school and university life. My favourite areas to go to in London are definitely Covent Garden and China town as I love trying new cuisine and discovering different cultures. I also love going to Southbank on sunny days and taking a stroll along the river Thames.
I also really recommend seeing all the amazing shows at the West End! You can also get discounted tickets last minute, which makes for amazing evening plans with friends.
What I wish I'd known before starting at UCL: I wish I had known how friendly and safe the environment is; everyone at UCL has been so welcoming, friendly, and supportive.
My advice to new students: don’t be afraid to try new things and get out of your comfort zone! University life is all about discovering yourself, finding your passions, and unlocking new skills. I would advise all students to get involved with extra curriculars as much as you can - you never know what friendships and memories they will bring!
President - Anam Eijaz Choudhary
If you’d told me a year ago when I’d just started at UCL that I’d soon be your Students' Union President, I honestly wouldn’t have believed you. I was still figuring out how to get to lectures without Google Maps!
I've always believed that UCL students deserve more than just a degree - they deserve a community, a voice, and a university that puts their needs first. I wanted to take that passion further and create real, lasting change for all students, not just talk about it.
During my time as President, I want to make UCL feel like a home. That means pushing for a Student Hub where friendships and societies can thrive, upgrading broken facilities, advocating for affordable and inclusive campus food, and ensuring student voices are truly heard. My goal is to leave UCL more connected, more supportive, and more student-centered than when I started.
My must visits in London:
- Visit the Southbank at sunset
- Explore Camden Market on a Sunday
- Walk along Regent’s Canal from King’s Cross to Little Venice
- Grab a snack from Borough Market
- Catch a student-discounted show in the West End
My advice to new students:
Get involved early join societies, go to events, speak up. UCL can feel overwhelming at first, but the more you engage, the more it starts to feel like your space. And remember: everyone’s figuring it out as they go. You're not alone.
Postgraduate Officer - Darcy Lan
I’ve had a truly enriching experience by engaging in various events on campus, but I've noticed a lot of my fellow postgraduates are largely unaware of the resources available to them.
Seeing the challenges PG students face both in their studies and daily lives, I felt and continue to feel driven to make a difference. I hope to empower students, ensuring they have the best learning experience at UCL.
As a Sabbatical Officer, I hope to encourage more students to get involved with events, clubs and societies, exploring new interests. I'd love to make sure students know their voices are heard and that our Sabb officers are connected with the student body.
My must visits in London:
If you're as nerdy as I am, you might want to bring your clipboard to visit London's museums. As you observe the exhibits, jot down unfamiliar items, Google them, or chat with fellow students who share a similar cultural background to the specific exhibit. You’ll be surprised at what you learn.
My advice to new students:
You’re going to rock it at UCL by joining all those events, clubs, and societies. But remember, there’s always a little more you could be squeezing into your schedule. So, the next time you’re tempted to chill with “The Big Bang Theory” for the umpteenth time, why not mix it up and head to that event you’ve been postponing?
Additionally, you’ll definitely want to take a lot more photos than you think you should. You probably won’t notice it at the time, and you might think it’s a bit of an inconvenience taking photos of things, but your university years are never going to come again. In the future, you’ll always be grateful for the memories you’ve preserved through photographs of events and of your friends. Believe me, they’ll bring a big smile to your face someday :)
Equity and Inclusion Officer - Eda Yildirimkaya
For me, becoming a Sabbatical Officer is all about reciprocating the sense of belonging and opportunity that UCL has gifted me. This university is where I’ve discovered my passions, forged lifelong friendships, and grown into the person I am today. The diversity and inclusivity of the UCL community have profoundly shaped my journey.
So, when I think about what I want to do with my time here, it’s simple: I want to ensure that every student who walks through these doors feels the same sense of inclusion, acceptance, and freedom that I have felt. That’s what drives me to be an Equity and Inclusion Officer - to pay forward the kindness and support that UCL has shown me.
For my second year as Equity and Inclusion Officer, I am now more prepared than ever to continue working on what I have started and turning them into legacies, which students can cherish for the longer term. I am excited to reform the structure of our liberation Networks, making the voices of the marginalised student groups heard more in wider UCL and Union’s governance.
Favourite London area to live/to eat/to socialise?
Try everything in Bloomsbury! You are lucky enough to study in the heart of the city, and there is always so much to do here. Great food options with student deals and parks are all around the area. As much as I love living in a city, whenever I need a break, I walk around the NW3 area and visit my favourite hidden gem, Camden Arts Centre.
My advice to new students:
Dear new student, I understand that you might be worried you wouldn’t make any friends. Please hold that thought for a second. Once you step foot on this campus, you will be shocked how friendly and welcoming every other student is. UCL is where the communities are built, life-long friendships are found, and unforgettable memories are made. Just go out there and compliment someone’s outfit or attend a society taster event; I promise, it is not as intimidating as it sounds. You have got this!
Welfare and Community Officer - Hana Mougharbel
Community is a pillar of life. Humans need real connection, but in a city as work-focused, fast-paced and individualistic as London, it’s easy to feel alone- and UCL can sometimes reflect that same culture.
I’ve always loved being a listening ear, cherishing moments when someone pauses and says, “I really needed to hear that.” But when someone told me I’d be a great Welfare & Community Officer, I realised it was the chance to go further in bringing about meaningful change: to shift wider systems in ways that ease personal growth.
If I could achieve one thing in this role, it would be to create spaces and opportunities where everyone can genuinely feel safe, comfortable, understood and valued- spaces that remind us we’re not just here to survive, but to belong and thrive.
My advice to new students:
You are first and foremost. Don’t lose sight of the fact that your wellbeing isn’t a distraction from your academic success- it’s the root of it. When you feel grounded, safe, understood, and well, everything else becomes more possible. So, look after yourself, and if you ever need help, please do seek it.
My must visits in London:
On a sunny day, little beats exploring London’s beautiful gardens- from The Hill Garden & Pergola in Hampstead to the Sky Garden in the City! If it’s rainy, head to the Wallace Collection, Natural History or V&A Museum, then the Electric Cinema in Notting Hill for a cozy retro afternoon.
Once the sun begins setting, hop on the Uber Boat from Battersea Power Station for a breezy ride along the Thames’ top views. Stop at Canary Wharf for Fairgame Arcade, Greenwich for the Royal Observatory Planetarium or North Greenwich for O2 Activate!
Education Officer - Sarah Jilani
As a firm believer in the importance of accessing higher education, I want to ensure that every student can make the most of their investment into and commitment to their education: it has to be accessible, uplifting, and genuinely meet their needs.
As a Sabbatical Officer, I hope to create change that improves both the everyday and long-term experience of students at UCL. From ethical and sustainable investments to study space availability, I want to ensure that these concerns which students consistently raise are heard by the university.
My advice to new students:
Try new things and get stuck in! It’s age-old advice, but it stands the test of time for a reason: being at university in central London means there is a wealth of opportunity on your doorstep. You never know what niche society could become your new favourite hobby, or what event could open doors you never expected!
My must-dos in London:
Sunsets and sunrises! There are so many spots around London where you can enjoy pretty views of the London skyline: from parks like Primrose Hill and Greenwich Park, to rooftop terraces such as the Horizon 22 and One New Change buildings, or along the Thames. Watching changing pink skies across the city while talking with friends have been some of my favourite moments!