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AAKANKSHA FERNANDES
LeadLUU 2023 Candidate for International & Postgraduate Officer

Hi, I’m Aakanksha, a PGT Student from POLIS and an International student from India.
To make my name easier to remember or pronounce, you only need to remember AK.

My learnings and experiences of being a PGT School Rep as well as a Board member of the International Student Advisory Board, have been instrumental in my running as a Candidate to be the next International & Postgraduate Officer.

Opening a Bank account, registering with a GP, grocery runs to figure out which one has better quality or is cheaper or is not ‘200’ miles away, landing part-time, unlearning and relearning ways of teaching and credit system – some the things that I had to just figure as an international student with limited understanding of the Leeds way of going about life.

But I wasn’t alone, there were so many more I knew were in the same boat as I was, just that connecting with them wasn’t as easy as I expected. And as an Officer, that is something I desire to work towards. A community. A community that welcomes, empathizes, a community that teaches and allows for mistakes, a community that doesn’t let you spend £90 during one grocery run, or lets you take a break when the going gets tough.

Mixing my experiences from ISAB and being a School Rep, my key take away is we all need someone and something to lean on, and that is my priority as an Officer. An integrated network where there’s handholding, there’s support EVERY step of the way; there’s a place that is ‘home away from home’, where you make friends, find roommates, go-karting or bowling partners, book-reading partners, and so much more.

Being an International & Postgraduate Officer would give me the privilege to fill in the existing gaps for a cohort that has a wide presence on campus through a PG Network and an Information Hub, so make transitioning into Leeds and a whole new life, so much more worthwhile and easier and less lonesome.

You’ve got a friend in me.

Hello! I am Aaishwi or Oishi, Oishwee (hint: the more complicated one is my actual name, the others are just simpler versions that will help with complicated pronunciation ;) ), and yes your Daphne as well. I am an Indian postgraduate student pursuing MA in International Journalism, and you would often see me running for my class with a thermos cup brimming with my fav Indian hot tea (yeah cause at times I miss my alarms and end up rushing to reach my class carrying that tea cup, relatable? Yeah I get it 🙂). LUU has played a significant role in shaping what I am today than what I was when I initially arrived in this alien land of mixed culture, and diversity. I am a course rep, which has helped me to meet and familiarise myself with peers from different backgrounds from my class but also from other disciplines. Attending forums, meetings, taking part in cultural events organised by LUU, making most of the services given by LUU or as simple as something like hanging out or chatting my time away in LUU is what you will see me doing so that I do not end up being lazy and boring.

Strike action support

We all need to agree that right now England is going through some tough times, and though I am only a student who like the Daphne plant ( pssst if you wanna know why I refer to Daphne just ask I will help you with reference ;) ) cannot happily promise to solve all your concerns and doubts as it is a nationwide crisis and we should be mindful enough about the concerns about the protesters as well since their demands should always be put to the forefront. However I will try to my potential to help the international and the postgrad students get the maximum help and not be affected drastically. Being quite aware that when strikes occur there can be considerable disruption of academic schedules, cause cancellation of classes, and make it challenging for students to receive academic support they need.

I will ensure the University and the specific schools provide enough virtual support particularly to those who are affected by the strike. Introduction of virtual office hours, online tutoring, virtual study groups, using alternative study options like online courses, recorded lectures, self directed study materials are available. Making sure that the support services are being used by the students to its fullest such as the mental health services, academic counselling, peer counselling or something as simple as fun chat rooms.

I am aware that strikes are not easy both for the staff and the students and being a student leader though I am unable to bring a dramatic change I will work enough to bring at least some positive change.

Prime time with part-time and after graduation jobs.

No you are not alone who is panicking, sweating it all out and handing out your CV to every other random organisation. Yes this girl has done and faced it all and is quite aware of the anxiety of landing a part-time job which is one of the main query of the international students. I have noticed that job fairs are held only at the start of a new academic session or semester. If elected as the International and Postgraduate Officer I will ensure multiple job fairs are held year round. Personally I had acquaintances from here so it made things easier for me which made me think why not every international student experience the same. Keeping that in mind I want to set up a mentorship program where international and postgraduate students are paired up with alumni, senior students (in case of undergrads), and professionals who will help them in networking and navigate for work opportunities. Connecting them with local business, helping them with language and cultural barriers as work experience demands can be different than that of the home country the student is arriving from, and at times maybe increasing the efficiency in reply back to the candidates will be helpful.

Scholarship allocation

Yes this girl faced the problem of applying to a scholarship due to confusion, very specific scholarship opportunities and loss of information. Every year there is a huge influx of international students to the University, and we all know international students require financial support to fulfil their dreams. Though the University provides scholarships across all disciplines and schools, they are limited and narrowed down criteria based. Though I agree with the fact that there should be specific criterias for scholarship, with the increase of international students the scholarship opportunities must also increase. The University should be encouraged to increase the scholarships or increase and change the criteria of existing ones. Increasing awareness about available scholarship opportunities for international students. Promoting scholarship opportunities through social media, university websites, and other communication channels to reach a wider audience. The applicants should be provided with guidance with the databases, how to write a strong essay, and offer feedback on their essay and application materials.

Inclusivity

Speaking to the international students about one issue they have faced on a recurring basis is the failure to build a sense of community and inclusivity. Students often have to say that groups of particular ethnicities exist and that is how there is a failure of a sense of community consisting of diversity. Though aware that the University has several societies, organises several events to remove this cultural separation yet the fall short of community building. I will help and encourage the University to organise events that are more culturally, and racially inclusive which not only celebrates festivals of specific cultures but also celebrates amalgamation of all cultures and togetherness. To break the language barrier free language programs and classes should be given out. Inclusivity should not only involve the international students, the domestic students too should be aware and welcoming enough to the international students. Peer mentoring programs and more community building events will be organised.

Pre and post arrival assistance

As mentioned before things were easier and less confusing for me as I had acquaintances studying and working here already. However I have come across multiple students who do not feel or experience the same. They were quite confused during both the pre and post arrival process. To them information was available but it was all scattered and presented hastily. Again a lot of them were confused with the pre arrival process like the Visa application process, details of the course specific job market, part-time work opportunities, transportation, and living costs including monthly grocery shopping as most students are self catered, questions related to the course. Therefore for all this there should be a pre arrival orientation held by the course leaders, senior students, alumni, other student leaders and staff.

Again all the students find it difficult to navigate through the post arrival process, as even after arriving lots need to be done. For example few friends of mine are of the opinion that the University portal of Minerva is quite advanced and good but it is vast. Often they are confused about what are the available services, where to find particular information, updates so something as simple as an orientation or sessions or even links to videos so that students can keep referring back to if confused, on how to navigate through Minerva and the other University portals and websites would be convenient. Students again need help regarding the BRP process, the application for NI number, the NHS support process, getting acquainted with the apps like ‘Uniday’, ‘Student Beans’, Hello Fresh’, ‘Deliveroo’, ‘Just Eats’, ‘Bolt’, ‘Trainline’, ‘TrainPal’, ‘Tesco Clubcard’ that are UK specific and used for students discounts, food and grocery delivery, travel apps, are not familiar with international students. Again the different kinds of supermarkets or stores or cafes available around and near the campus should be made known to the students. And in my case my acquaintances already residing here helped me so I want the incoming international student to feel the same. So I will ensure orientations and sessions or simply a website page to help students navigate and settle here should be done.


I know this a lot to establish and fulfil but I promise to work to my utmost potential and do all as promised. If you feel or have any questions regarding my campaign or any of the ideas regarding the help meted out to the international and postgraduate students, you are always welcome to reach out to me on my instagram handle, aaishwiinluu or just drop a mail to aaishwigoswami@gmail.com. English, Hindi or Bengali the conversing language is your choice 😀.

Hello everyone! I am Rimsha Khan, an Indian MSc. Business analytics student running for the position of International and Postgraduate Officer. As an international postgraduate student, myself, I have worked as a campus ambassador and juggle with multiple part-time jobs so through my experiences, I have gained a deep understanding of the challenges that students face, and I strongly believe in creating an environment where every student feels welcomed and supported.

If elected, I will work hard to advocate for the needs and interests of international and postgraduate students. I will prioritize creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, organizing cultural events, and networking opportunities, and ensuring equal access to resources and opportunities.

I am excited to implement these ideas with even greater enthusiasm:

Peer support groups for international/postgraduate students to connect and support each other.
Language and culture exchange programs to foster cross-cultural understanding.
Professional development workshops tailored to postgraduate needs.
Mentoring programs to provide guidance and support in academic and career paths.
Activities where you can engage with other international or local students for career exposure or better friendships!

As an individual, I have personal traits of commitment, orderliness, and a systematic approach. I am deeply enthusiastic and determined to actualize my innovative concepts in order to drive favourable transformations within the university.

I am passionate about serving as your International and Postgraduate Officer and believe that together, we can make a positive impact on the university community and enhance the experience of international and postgraduate students. I would be honoured to earn your vote and the opportunity to represent you in this role.

Rimsha Khan – From Bollywood to Brexit.

Hi, I’m Ali Kteich, a mature student here at UoL, on the professional studies course with the lifelong learning centre.

My main modules are international studies. I’ve worked at the Edge five years now as a fitness instructor and personal trainer, helping thousands of students and staff keep healthy and gain new skills, working within large group of fitness instructor as a senior fitness instructor, I have developed many fitness skills with colleagues and managers in the last few year, my strongest points are the communication with different mentalities and cultures and problem solving.

I’ve lots of experience with NGOs, previously working on development and humanitarian projects – I also speak four languages: Arabic, French, Italian and English. My background would help me communicate with all international students and understand their needs.
If you vote for to be your international and postgraduate officer I will make my priorities:
- Listen to your concerns and raise them immediately to the right and relevant departments to evaluate and follow up and resolve.
- Continue ensuring that UK is an attractive place for graduated students
- Work closely and actively with career service to better signpost all available opportunities for all international and postgraduate students.

If you vote for me as your international and postgraduate officer, your voice will be my voice.
Together we’ll make things happen to improve things at LUU, the University of Leeds and the wider student and staff community.