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, 11,777 of you took part in Vote Week, 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 & Engagement Officer - Anastasija Boikova
Being on the committee of one of UCL’s biggest sports clubs has made me realise that a lot more support is needed to improve the overall experience of students beyond their lectures and tutorials.
As a Sabbatical Officer I wish to provide more opportunities for students to get involved with the university and gain transferable skills from joining clubs and societies.
I also hope to provide the clubs and societies with the support they need to expand and increase engagement from a wider range of students. I hope to make every students’ experience at UCL more memorable!
My must-visits in London: Some of my favourite things are to go mini golf, such as Puttshack or Junkyard Golf, bowling or just going on a walk around the Thames and Soho. I love to go to Soho to try different foods from a variety of cultures.
I also love London for their amazing museums and small galleries that are completely free!
What I wish I'd known before starting at UCL: I wish I had known how many amazing opportunities there are available outside lectures and tutorials that can most definitely help you develop as an individual and improve your employability in the future.
My advice for new students: There is something for everyone at UCL so don’t be scared to join societies and clubs as that is where you will find some of your closest friends. Your university experience is much bigger than just your academics!
Postgraduate Officer - Darcy (Lang 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 your Postgraduate Officer, I aim to encourage more students to engage in events, clubs, or societies, supply language support resources and make sure students know their voices are heard.
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.
Camden Market is absolutely my go-to place for kicking back outside of grinding for my studies. It's only a 30-minute walk from the main campus, where you can grab a boba tea and some street food.
After picking up some goodies, you can take a 20-minute stroll to Primrose Hill for a picnic, enjoying the London skyline in a gentle breeze.
What I wish I'd known before starting at UCL: Always ask for support if you need. UCL has a great support system is in place. Sufficient support is available - well-being support, mental health support, academic writing support, financial support, transition support, you name it. If there's something you need that isn't already offered, you can always just ask for it.
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? You never know who you might meet or what opportunities might come your way!
Equity & 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. I am committed to ensuring that every student on campus feels included, represented, and safe.
As a passionate advocate for mental health, one of my top priorities is to enhance the equity and inclusion standards of UCL’s mental health services. Additionally, as the first-ever UCL East student to take on a sabbatical position, I aim to bridge the gap between our campuses. I will work tirelessly to transform UCL East into a vibrant hub for all creatives and athletes, fostering a sense of community and ensuring the full integration of East students into campus life.
My London must visits: The best way to explore London is to find a walking buddy and aimlessly wander the city together.
On a sunny day (a rare occasion, I know!), stop by your local Tesco, grab some fruits and snacks, and have a picnic at either Primrose Hill or Hampstead Heath. And if you're a music enthusiast like me, make sure to attend at least one concert at either Wembley Stadium or the O2 Arena.
What I wish I'd known before starting at UCL: I wish I had realized just how quickly my time at UCL would fly by. With so much to offer, it's impossible to experience everything in just three years.
That's why I recommend setting specific goals for your social life and making a conscious effort to explore more societies and events during your time here. By doing so, you'll maximise your UCL experience and know more about yourself and interests.
My advice for new students: Step out of your comfort zone and connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Embrace spontaneity—it's the key to creating unforgettable memories. Make every single day count because your time here will pass by faster than you can imagine.
The first few months might feel overwhelming, especially if it's your first time in London. If you ever feel this way, be kind to yourself and remember that your Sabb team is always here to support you. Don't hesitate to reach out—we're here to help you navigate this exciting journey!
President - Goksu Danaci
My experience as a part of the Turkish Society for the past two years, and serving as its President this year, inspired me to become a Sabbatical Officer as the Students' Union President. During my leadership, I had the privilege of expanding my network and helping and guiding students within my society. This experience was incredibly rewarding and made me realise the impact of fostering a supportive community.
My goal is to create a vibrant, supportive, and dynamic campus life where every student has the chance to thrive. I aim to promote cultural exchange within the student body, fostering an environment where diverse backgrounds and perspectives are celebrated and shared. Additionally, I want to strengthen student engagement by creating more opportunities for students to get involved in activities, clubs, and societies.
My must-visits in London: My favourite area to socialise is probably Soho, as you can easily meet people in the heart of London.
You can find good quality food anywhere in the city, but my favourite place to eat is by far Phat Phuc in Chelsea. Go on walks and do some self-exploration, London is beautiful! I also recommend running in any of the parks or along the Thames.
What I wish I'd known before starting at UCL: I wish I had known about the extensive career and internship opportunities available through UCL's career services. Starting to plan your career path early can open many doors and provide a clear direction for your future.
My advice to new students: Grades matter! So, while you prioritise your academic life, make sure to have fun along the way. Get involved in activities and societies to enrich your university experience and get to meet interesting people before you leave UCL.
Education Officer - Shaban Chaudhary
Coming from a developing country with sporadic access to education, revolutionizing it was the endeavour of this young boy. Over the years, I've realized that education is the panacea to the faults in our societies and systems and that there is always room for improvement.
I hope to be the voice of students and drive changes to ensure students at UCL receive optimal learning whilst ensuring student experience is at the heart of every decision UCL makes.
I aim to incorporate a period of extended learning in lieu of a static term 3, promote increased cultivation of multifaceted study spaces and introduce a credit bearing skills module for reps, society leaders & officers.
My advice to new students: The networking opportunities at UCL are incredible and will gear your route to success, so don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, build connections and make the most out of your time here.
My must-visits in London: Grab a Knoops hot chocolate and head to Kyoto Gardens to relax in Holland Park. I would also recommend you visit Columbia Road Flower Market on a Sunday. And for the brave - cycle across the bridges of London!
What I wish I'd known before starting at UCL: There are tons of libraries at UCL. Explore all these spaces to greatly benefit your exam preparation and group or project meetings.
Welfare & Community Officer - Rachel Lim
Coming from Hong Kong to UCL was a massive change in terms of my life, culture and identity. Lots of people can tell you what's wrong and what can be improved, but it's difficult to find solutions and ways of reaching out.
Students should be able to immediately access face-to-face support that makes them more comfortable in their UCL environment and empowers them with the knowledge and resources.
They should be able to access this without having to feel like it's an endless struggle against an inattentive, bureaucratic machine (because it's not!).
I want students to be able to put the Sabbatical Officer title to an actual face, and for students to put names to those faces. Personally I struggled throughout my academic years and felt hopeless against so many different aspects of my journey here.
What impact would you like to have: If I were to have one goal it would be that every student knows that the University and the Students' Union will be able to help them, instead of a very far off 'if', and are equipped with the knowledge to reach out effectively from the get-go.
The best part of your UCL experience so far: The best part of my UCL experience so far has been being able to meet such lovely, quick-witted people! As an international student you don't hear much about student reputations from different universities but the more people I meet, the more proud I am of the people that are here.
They are so kind and caring and I feel really represent a balance between hard work and fun!