We're incredibly excited to have recently welcomed a new team of Sabbatical Officers, as voted in by you earlier this year in our Leadership Race. Alongside this, it is sadly time to say goodbye to our amazing 2024/25 team. Their efforts and hard work have made a massive impact on improving your student experience at UCL, and we want to say a huge thanks!
Here are just some of the things your 2024/25 Sabbs have been able to achieve this year...
In May, Union President Goksu Danaci and Education Officer Shaban Chaudry represented UCL at Parliament for the launch of the RGSU International Students’ Research Report, based on insights from nearly 5,000 international students. This is one of the most comprehensive studies to date of international students’ experiences in the UK, and positions us to influence higher education policy at a national level.
Rachel, Welfare and Community Officer, and Eda, Equity and Inclusion Officer, have championed Project Period this year - a collaboration between Students' Union UCL and Sustainable UCL which aims to make UCL the first university to offer free sustainable period products to anyone who needs it.
Rachel also collabed with Contraception Direct to make UCL the first univeristy in the UK to bring contraception right to students' doors. In May, Rachel also launched the Quiet Space, an initiative to support students during stressful exam periods to relax and unwind.
In November, Rachel attended Parliament to campaign for a stronger Renters Reform Bill, calling on MPs to better protect student tenants. We submitted evidence to the Government and contacted 44 London MPs representing studentheavy constituencies to demand urgent reform.
That same month, Union President Goksu Danaci represented UCL students at COP29, standing alongside 60,000+ delegates to shape the global climate agenda. She met with youth leaders from across the world to discuss the importance of student activism in securing a sustainable future.
Goksu said: ‘At COP29, I had the opportunity to meet so many inspiring young leaders who are passionate about shaping a sustainable future. Students at UCL are - and can continue to be - at the forefront of tackling climate change.’
Meanwhile, Education Officer, Shaban Chaudry, delivered a major institutional win with the rollout of UCL’s new Delayed Assessment Scheme, providing a more compassionate and flexible approach to academic deadlines and emergencies.
In October, Equity and Inclusion Officer Eda Yildirimkaya launched the ‘Liberate Art Gallery,’ a new space in Phineas dedicated to showcasing the work of marginalised student artists. Introduced during Black History Month with support from the POC Network, and developed in collaboration with artsUCL, the gallery provides a platform for underrepresented voices and celebrates creativity, identity, and resilience across the student body.
In March, Varsity - the annual competitive sports series between UCL and King’s College London - returned with record-breaking engagement, championed by Ana, your Activities and Engagement Officer.
Ana also worked with Rachel to set up a Taster Session Grant, enabling clubs and societies to apply for additional funding to subsidise their taster sessions outside of welcome periods - this was successfully used by many societies, supporting student groups in running taster sessions for current non-members of their group to get a wider range of the student body engaged in extra-curricular activities, help students find a new hobby, and promote society activities.
Darcy, your Postgraduate Officer, launched a series of Postgraduate Career Superchargers, designed to develop your transferable skills, boost your confidence and grow your network. A wide range of events (with free food provided) were rolled out to develop your networking and public speaking skills, help you gain top tips about job searching from UCL alumni, support your interview skills and application preparation and get ready for the job market as a international student. She has also worked closely with UCL Careers to bring a series of online career events (designed to help you explore career opportunities, gain insights, and access the support and guidance you need) for students and graduates looking to work in China.
This summer, Darcy is championing Postgraduate Summer - an opportunity for students to take time for themselves, upskill, and try something new. A huge part of postgrad summer is about discovering London and your campus at UCL, encouraging you to take time to explore campus and immerse yourself in city life.
A huge thank you
This is just a short snapshot of all of the incredible things our Sabbs have been able to achieve this year. We would like to take this opportunity to thank this year's amazing Sabb team for everything they have done to improve your student experience. We wish them all the very best in their next steps!
We are excited to be welcoming back Ana, Darcy and Eda for the 2025/26 academic year, who will be joined by Hana (incoming Welfare and Community Officer), Sarah (incoming Education Officer) and Anam (incoming Students' Union President).