Xiaohongshu
Nominations: Nominations closed
Voting: Voting scheduled
Election
You will lead the International Students' Network as well as oversee the development of an engaging, dynamic and rewarding community of international students and represent the needs and interests of international students within the Union. Working with the Activities & Engagement Officer, facilitate initiatives to support intercultural engagement across our diverse student communities. Working with the Welfare & Community Officer, represent the collective interests of international students to UCL and beyond.
To vote for this position you must be a student whose normal place of residence is outside of the UK.
Category
Candidates
I bring strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills developed through my experience as a Student Representative in Biochemical Engineering and a member of the CSSA General Secretary. These roles have taught me how to listen to students’ concerns, represent their voices, and coordinate effectively across teams. With an international perspective and a proactive mindset, I am committed to advocating for international students and helping build a more inclusive, supportive, and connected community at UCL.
If elected as International Students’ Officer, I will work to ensure international students feel heard, supported, and included at UCL. I aim to strengthen communication between international students and the Students’ Union so their voices shape decisions that affect them. I will also promote practical support initiatives such as peer networks, transition workshops, and cultural integration events that encourage meaningful interaction between international and home students, helping everyone adapt confidently and build strong connections within the UCL community.
Students should vote for me because I am committed to ensuring international students are heard, supported, and represented at UCL. With experience as a Student Representative and a member of the CSSA General Secretary, I understand how to listen to student concerns and turn them into real action. I will work to build stronger communication, promote cultural connection, and create a more inclusive community where every international student feels they belong.
As an international student, I understand the unsaid challenges of transitioning to life at UCL. Being Head of International Student in the past and Academic Representative in UCL, I gained the courage to voice underlying concerns and build community.With experience in organising events across diverse committees like Chinese and Asian Culture Club, I am eager to facilitate intercultural connections. I am keen to utilize my organization, leadership, and communication skills to ensure all international students feel welcomed, celebrated and supported throughout their uni-life.
If elected as International Students’ Officer, I hope to achieve a thriving globalised community. I will fight for international students’ rights and welfare by ensuring our specific needs such as visa anxieties and homesickness, are not just heard but acted upon. I aim to bridge the gap between home and international cohorts by creating schemes that integrate newcomers into UCL life, transforming them from ‘outsiders’ to feel in place. Through inclusive events and systematic supports, I want to cultivate an environment where every international student feels deeply valued, loved and at home.
International students pay an excessive amount to study at UCL, yet challenges of cultural and linguistic integration are overlooked at wider scales. Support exists, but it is currently invisible to the ones in need. As a trilingual speaker who travelled around the world, I grew up in a culture-rich environment. Combined with my dedication to Model United Nations, these experiences gave me broader vision of diversity and a more open-minded approach to creating a harmonious and colourful community. I will fight for our rights and champion inclusive celebrations to ensure we are heard and seen.
As a Turkish and French international student, I know what it’s like to move to a new country and figure everything out on your own. That’s why I value collaboration and strong student networks so much. As a law student, equality and fairness matter deeply to me, and I’m not afraid to speak up when something isn’t right. University is so much easier when people support each other. I’ll bring that collaborative mindset to this role: listening to students, connecting people and societies, and making sure your concerns are heard and acted on right away.
I hope to achieve an easier, more connected and better represented international student life at UCL. I plan to organise regular international meet-ups and events bringing together different country societies so students can connect across cultures. I also want to introduce a buddy system pairing new international students with current ones, and ensure better communication with clearer, shared guides on visas, housing and careers through a central platform or newsletter. My goal is simple: better information, stronger community, and a voice for international students.
You should vote for me because I understand what it means to start over in a new place. I moved abroad twice, first for high school and now for university, so I know how exciting but also isolating it can feel. I will make sure no student feels lost or unheard, by being an approachable, active representative who listens, brings people together, and works only to make your university life better. I want to be someone you can actually talk to if something isn’t working. My biggest wish is that each international student remembers UCL as an unforgettable start of their international career.
UCL is one of the most diverse universities in the world, and we're not making the most of that. If elected, I want to bring every voice to the table, no matter where you're from or what you're studying. With the cost of living absolutely cooked in London right now, I'll push for real student-exclusive discounts and perks across the city. I also want to unlock more opportunities in careers, networking, or just making uni life easier. Fresher or postgrad grinding through finals, you deserve more from your UCL experience. Let's actually make it happen.
Having lived across four continents and studied in international schools from Johannesburg to Prague, I genuinely understand what it's like to navigate new environments as an outsider. That experience gives me a natural ability to connect with students from all walks of life. My experiences taught me how to turn ideas into real, structured action and not just empty promises. I know what it feels like to be far from home, figuring it all out alone. I'm not here to put myself on a pedestal, I'm here because I've been that student who needed someone in their corner, and I want to be that for you.
UCL has students from every corner of the world and somehow we still don't all feel included? Not on my watch. I'm here to make sure the Union's resources and decisions actually reflect every single one of us.
I'm the guy who's been through it with you. New country, expensive city. And now I want to make sure the Union's actually spending its money on what matters to you.
Finally, an international student officer isn't just a title, it's literally the person making sure international student gets what they came here for. That person should get it. I get it.
- I bring lived understanding of navigating a new academic system, cultural expectations, and building a community away from home. Hence, I understand the challenges faced by international students and approach these issues with empathy and openness.
- Through my previous leadership experiences, I have developed strong organisational skills and the ability to turn ideas into actionable initiatives.
- Most importantly, I bring dedication to building true connections. I want international students to not only feel welcomed, but genuinely represented and empowered within UCL!
- Foster a more tightly-knit community between students from all backgrounds through organizing fun activities such as:
- Global Buddy Programme - Pairing 2nd/3rd year international students with 1st year students.
- Cultural Fashion Showcase - Allow students with a passion for fashion to show off their ethnic costumes and learn about other cultures, as well as meet new friends!
- Create a supportive environment which ensures all students feel heard:
- Monthly short surveys - Allows students to raise any queries easily and anonymously
- Structured town halls - Forums on housing, academics, career, wellbeing
- I don't just want to organise events - I will implement creative ideas in a thoughtful manner, and with a long-term impact in mind, to ensure international students are consistently heard and supported throughout their journey at UCL
- I am an active listener who takes the time to understand people's concerns, and will combine that with my creativity and team spirit to work with others to turn bring about a change for every problem you have
- I am passionate about connecting with students, understanding diverse cultures, and just meeting new friends!
My background in Medical Innovation and Enterprise has developed strong research, analytical, and communication skills, which I will apply to this role. Having previously supported high school students through international university applications with an NGO back home, I understand the information gaps that define the international student experience. As I have also navigated the systems largely through trial and error, I understand where institutional support falls short and where it could be improved. That experience informs what I propose as the International Students' Officer.
- Shadowing a Professional: connecting international students with London-based professionals from their home regions/ cultures to bridge the gap between studying and building a career in the UK
- Global Alumni Mentorship Network: a country/ region-organised pipeline linking current students with UCL alumni working internationally, making mentorship culturally relevant
- Student-Built Pre-Arrival Platform: practical onboarding designed by international students
- Cultural Exchange: co-curated programmes where international and home students collaborate as equal creative partners to build genuine exchange
I bring first-hand experience of international student life alongside the cross-cultural communication and interpersonal skills necessary to represent that experience effectively at an institutional level and to build inclusive communities across diverse student groups. I am also able to engage constructively with students, professional services, and UCL leadership to ensure that student concerns are accurately understood and acted upon.
Arriving in a new country is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. As an international student, I understand the challenges of navigating visas, registering with a GP, and adjusting to life in London. These experiences shaped my passion for supporting international students. I bring empathy, strong communication skills, and a proactive approach to listening and representing diverse voices. I am approachable, organised, and committed to making sure every international student feels supported, included, and truly at home at UCL.
If elected, I want to strengthen both support and community for international students at UCL. I will advocate for clearer guidance on visas, GP registration, and navigating the NHS. I also hope to create practical “London Life Guides” to help students understand everyday things like transport, banking, and housing. At the same time, I want to organise cultural events and international food walks so students can explore London together and build a stronger global community at UCL. I will also work to improve awareness of internships, careers support, and international students opportunities.
International students are a vital part of UCL’s community, and we deserve strong representation. I will listen carefully to students’ experiences, advocate for practical support, and help build a stronger sense of belonging. From improving guidance on everyday life in London to organising cultural events and international food walks, I want to help students connect and feel at home. I will also push for clearer support on visas, GP registration. If you want someone approachable, proactive, and truly committed to representing international students, I would be honoured to have your vote.
- Extensive leadership experiences:Student Council Rep, MUN President, Peer Listener;represented student voices and led impactful initiatives
- Event organiser:Hosted socials, welcome events and global festival celebrations, fostering inclusivity and cross-cultural connections
- Inclusive, supportive & collaborative:Committed to build a welcoming community where every voice is heard, concerns are addressed and international students feel connected, valued, and at home at UCL
- Enthusiastic, approachable & proactive:Ready to listen, support, and empower students to thrive socially and academically
- Pre-arrival guidance on visas, banking, healthcare, accommodation plus welcome socials and shopping trips
- International Buddy Programme pairing new students with peers before and during first term
- Monthly Global Fusion Nights in collaboration with cultural societies with performances, food, and festival activities
- Cultural Boat Party to close International Festival Week in traditional attire
- International Career Hub connecting students with alumni, guest speakers, and visa-aware guidance
- Student voice & support via feedback platform and key discounts on transport, housing, SIMs, and essentials
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 dedicated to build a strong, inclusive International Network where every voice is heard, supported, and celebrated. I aim to make your transition, campus life, and experience smooth, engaging, and unforgettable, so every international student feels welcomed, connected, and inspired to thrive at UCL.
- As a UCL Academic Representative, I represent 100+ students, working directly with staff to ensure student concerns lead to real change
- Being fluent in Estonian, Russian, English and learning French, multiculturalism is embedded into my personality and I connect diverse communities
- Having studied at two international institutions before UCL, I have worked in diverse, multicultural environments and built strong cross-cultural communication skills
- Organised a Women in STEM event for an international audience, coordinated speakers from different countries and managing promotion and logistics
- I want to expand orientation into a year-round community, running consistent events by collaborating with cultural societies so international students can build friendships throughout the year
- Start Practical Life Series including peer mentoring and practical workshops on housing, NHS access, working rules, budgeting in the UK and careers by collaborating with international alumni
- Create an International Student Feedback Forum each term, collecting concerns or positive feedback and turning them into clear proposals through Zone and Executive meetings, so support is continuous, visible and heard
- I understand what it feels like to start a life in a new country, since I have done it twice now. I know the excitement, but also the uncertainty, isolation and practical challenges that come with it
- I combine real experience with a practical plan of year-round community and real-life support
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I am organised, proactive and focused on solutions, not just ideas, turning experience into real change
If you want consistent support, fun activities and genuine representation, vote for me!
- Consulted 10+ cultural societies — I listen first, then act
- Strong project management experience: implemented International Festival activities with 6 societies
- Organised careers panels with the Postgraduate Officer
- Highly organised, budget-aware, and experienced working within SU processes
- Committed to ensuring student concerns are not just heard — but implemented
- Cut red tape in event approvals so societies spend less time on paperwork and more time building community
- Secure fairer funding & stronger publicity for smaller and lesser-known cultural societies
- Launch monthly cross-cultural & fusion events celebrating diverse traditions
- Celebrate your culture's festivals and organise welfare socials during high-stress periods (e.g. January blues)
- Support humanitarian & solidarity initiatives for societies representing countries in crisis
- Deliver visa-aware careers panels, alumni mentorship & startup events tailored to international students
- I combine real consultation, proven delivery, and structural reform
- I focus on systems that empower societies, not just one-off events
- I understand the challenges of moving abroad — and I turn that experience into action!
- Stronger support. Fairer opportunities. A more connected international community.