Hi, I’m Yalian Liu (Katrina), and I’m running to be your International & Postgraduate Officer. As an
international student in my fourth year at the University of Leeds, I’ve experienced the university’s
support system as a student and as a School Rep and Student Ambassador.
Through these roles, I’ve seen areas for improvement. Studying Cultural and Media Studies and working
as an Intercultural Ambassador have given me a deeper understanding of these challenges from a
cultural and sociological perspective, inspiring me to push for meaningful change. Here are the changes
I want to put into action:
Building an International Community: Establish an Intercultural Community, a platform where
undergraduate, postgraduate, and graduate students can connect, share experiences, and bridge the
information gap beyond academic levels.
• Open To All: The community will welcome University of Leeds students from all degree
types, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Knowledge Sharing& Regular Events: Through regular events, undergraduate students and
alumni can share and exchange information regarding personal development, careers, and
academic opportunities.
• Safe Environment: The initiatives will be monitored by LUU staff or volunteers to ensure
safety and inclusivity for students and alumni alike.
• Student Society: Awarding the society which the best to promote the intercultural
environments.
• Volunteering Opportunity: Open more certificate volunteering role to encourage student
participate in this diverse conversation.
• Intercultural Training: Disseminate the intercultural skill from programmes from scheme
such as intercultural ambassador.
Enhancing Graduate Student Support: Enhanced support tailored to alumni, ensuring they feel
empowered to navigate their post-university lives.
• Housing Support: Introduce a transition period allowing recent graduates to maintain their
student housing status for an additional 3 months, alleviating financial pressure and exempting
them from council tax while they search for jobs or finalize future plans.
• Social Inclusion: Enable alumni to join university events, societies, and access resources for
up to 2 years after graduation.
• Career & Future Study Support Extension: Expand opportunities through alumni networks
and local partnerships; provide guidance for further studies, minimizing reliance on costly
services.
• Stay Ahead: Create a timeline for key deadlines (e.g. postgraduate applications, visa
renewals) to help students plan effectively.
• Visa Support: The visa policy is changing every year; University should provide more
support while they apply for the visa.
Enhancing Cultural Adaptation & University Support for All Students
• Flexible Tuition Payment Options: Introduce more adaptable payment structures for
international students to accommodate currency exchange fluctuations and potential delays in
cross-border transactions. Additionally, provide dedicated support to assist students in
resolving payment-related issues
• Comprehensive Student Navigation System: Establish a structured and easily accessible
guide for all new students, ensuring they understand available academic, social, and wellbeing support from their first day at university.
• Proactive Support Initiatives: Shift from a reactive to a proactive support system where the
university reaches out to students rather than waiting for them to seek help. Regular check-in
targeted communication can help students navigate available resources with ease.
• Expanded Buddy Scheme: Enhance the current buddy system by introducing both diverse
and background-specific pairings, allowing students to connect with peers who share similar
experiences while also encouraging intercultural exchange.
As part of the LUU support team, I’m already making a difference—but as International & Postgraduate
Officer, I can do even more. Vote for me, to make these change happen
