Xiaohongshu
Nominations: Nominations closed
Voting: Voting scheduled
Election
Network committee members actively support Student Officers that convene their network, and assist with the over-all decision making processes within the network.
As Welfare Officer you will:
- Advise, coordinate and contribute towards welfare issues related to the Network
To vote for this position you must be a student whose normal place of residence is outside of the UK.
Category
Candidates
Moving 5000 miles away from home has made me realise that the homesickness, pressure, and adjustment is something a lot of us international students share. If I’m elected, I’d want welfare to feel easy and approachable. Not overly formal, not something you only think about in a crisis, just something that’s naturally part of the society. I’d love to introduce simple check-ins around stressful times like exams, share support information in a way that feels clear and calm, and create small spaces where people can talk without it feeling heavy.
I’ve been a peer tutor at school, which meant I was often someone others came to when they needed help or someone to sit with something for a bit. That taught me how to listen properly & be patient. I’ve also organised festivals, charity fairs etc. in my school so I understand how much thought goes into making spaces feel welcoming and well put together. I like staying organised, and I try to approach things thoughtfully. I'm also an observant individual so I do notice small changes in mood or energy. If elected, I’d bring that mix of care and reliability into the role! :)
I’d keep welfare simple, active, and actually integrated into the society instead of separate from it.
- The CAS and housing delays that many incoming international students faced last year are unacceptable — I myself was denied housing 3 days before arriving in the UK! I will use Student Union social media to provide incoming students with a second formal source of information, and to facilitate complaints to administration more efficiently.
- More broadly, we must acknowledge that our social norms remain shaped by Eurocentric beliefs. I will collaborate with nationality societies on a process framework for resolving bias issues with departments, and deepening representation in cultural activities.
- I speak English, Chinese, and French, and am learning all the UN official languages! Teach me a word in yours :)
- I have lived in 3 countries and have visited 40
- I study Philosophy, Politics and Economics — I know what ought to be done and how to do it
- I was Student Council Grade Representative
- I am a peace and conflict scholar, and have worked in reconstruction efforts in Timor-Leste
- I helped build software to coordinate climate funding for at-risk communities — speak to me about how yours is affected by climate change, and how we can help
- I led a social enterprise, theatre production, and orchestra
To all international students: the UK is a beautiful place to be because you have the power to make it yours. You have made it here with the odds stacked against you. Cherish this moment.
Our job is to make sure you have full access to the opportunities this country provides. This starts with listening; experience has taught me that as much as I try to know, I will not know everything! Come talk to me over a coffee — I want to hear your story and work on a solution together.
As the current Welfare Officer (I do not get paid enough for this) for societies at UCL and an international student, I am well aware of the bureaucratic maze that mental health support at UCL is. So here's my pitch:
- TRANSPARENT WELFARE: I'll make sure welfare is no longer a 47-page PDF that no one cares to read. It can be something everyone can access easily and quickly.
- KEEP THE NETWORK ACCESSIBLE: The network serves as a useful information point for every international student navigating a new country.
HELP ME, HELP YOU!!!!!! VOTE SHREYASI FOR WELFARE OFFICER
My current role as Welfare Officer for societies at UCL has given me the perfect insight into the mental health bureaucratic maze at UCL. Combined with my lived experience as an international student at UCL, I can do both, empathise and create actual change.
- Being in my role has allowed me not only understand student concerns well but also has also taught me how to implement them within real-life management infrastructures.
- I know what it feels like to be a stranger in a new country.
- I promise I listen well.
VOTE FOR ME SO I CAN HELP YOU -:
- CREATE A BETTER WELFARE SYSTEM
- PROVIDE EASILY ACCESSIBLE WELFARE INFORMATION
- PRESERVE YOUR SAFE SPACE AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
HELP ME, HELP YOU!!
- Pre-arrival support on visas, banking, healthcare, and accommodation plus fun welcome socials and essential shopping trips
- International Buddy Programme:pairing new students with experienced peers for guidance, support, and connection
- Regular wellbeing activities & socials:coffee catch-ups, campus walks, and mindfulness sessions to relax and connect
- Active support during busy periods like exams and deadlines, ensuring no student feels stressed or left behind
- Student voice & financial support via a feedback platform, advocating for key discounts on transport, accommodation, SIMs, and essentials
- Extensive leadership experience:Student Council Rep, MUN President, Peer Listener; represented student voices and led initiatives promoting wellbeing and inclusion
- Event & support organiser:Hosted socials,welcome events and global festival celebrations, creating safe spaces and encouraging cross-cultural connections
- Inclusive, supportive & collaborative:Committed to building a community where every voice is heard and international students feel connected, valued and at home
- Enthusiastic, approachable & proactive:Ready to listen and support students to thrive socially, emotionally and academically
Remember that overwhelming feeling when you first arrived at UCL?I know it well.Moving from Hong Kong to London was daunting—the new pace, the people, even the city felt unfamiliar.Over time,I found my home,friends and a true sense of belonging.Now, I want to give that experience back.I’m committed to strengthen welfare support within the International Network, creating safe spaces where every voice is heard and supported.I aim to make your transition, campus life and experience smooth, engaging and unforgettable so every international student feels welcomed, connected and confident to thrive.