Alrighty then this month has been even quicker than the last and it only feels like yesterday I was writing my first one of these. Students have been arriving and making memories already throughout fresher's festival! 

Freshers' festival

Well, this was a week to say the least. Starting with the boat party, this was a surreal experience being able to be part of such a monumental occasion for the RSU. Going from Westminster and seeing all the London landmarks was unreal. Finishing off the week with a silent disco and seeing everyone enjoying themselves, dancing the night away. But for me the best part was the fresher's fair. As much as it was an experience and a half with the rain and it being so cold, it was great seeing so many new and familiar faces and seeing everyone engaged with the stalls and speaking to so many people, it was 10 out of 10. The thing that I took away from this though was how amazing Brenda is in organising this amazing week! 

College Cup

This was such a big moment for me, as I engaged with this in my first and second year. And to help organise this and see so many laughing faces and students really engaging in this. I have a real hope for where this can go! Seeing the mascots sprinting towards the library will stay with me for this entire year and further down the line as well. It was hilarious. Watch this spec for the college cup event this month too!! 

Arrival Sunday 

This was the start of it all and the thing I have been looking forward to these past 3 months. Seeing soon many fresh faces on campus and show the students what the RSU is and what we stand for. Going from seeing students in lecture theatres, seeing families help each other, and most importantly seeing students make new memories with their new friends.  

Graduation  

I always love going to events like this. Seeing so many people see happy for what they have strived towards for the past 3 or 4 years. Carrying the mace was something I will remember the rest of my life. It was surprisingly top heavy and the moment I got up on stage and saw everyone looked at me. I felt a sense of pride and proudness within myself that I do not really see that much in myself. So go me lol! 

BHM 

The months of prep have all led up to this last month finalising this month and making sure that I can educate myself as well as helping students find people that they can connect with. Throughout this month I have found many different black people in history who have helped paved a pathway to future success for other people and allows me to understand a little bit further with what has happened in the past.  

Student Leadership Training  

I had the privledge of helping the RSU help train some of our student leaders for the next academic year. We taught them how to make changes at the university and making sure that people realise that I can help them make changes and make connections with others at the university and that people can make changes with people and numbers. 

Cost of living  

Righto this was something that I have been putting in the hours for. There have been multiple meetings and tasks been done to help you the students through a very difficult time. So, what have I done:  

• Community fridges - A community Fridge is a space that brings people together to eat, connect, learn new skills, and reduce food waste. Fridges found at: The REEF, Southlands College and Fincham building - behind David Bell 

• The roehampton community box - The Roehampton Community Box supports local residents during the cost-of-living crisis by providing groceries and toiletries for a weekly contribution of £4. Open Wednesdays and Thursdays, it offers over £30 worth of items, available for booking via a designated link. Located at The Roehampton Centre, SW15. 

• Be enriched food bus project - The Food Bus initiative provides accessible meals and community engagement for students at Roehampton. Operating on Tuesdays at queen Mary's hospital from 10am -2pm. It offers nutritious food and fosters social connections, helping to combat food insecurity and promote well-being among local youth. 

Movember

Now looking further down the line, towards Movember. I cannot wait to represent the University for the 3rd year running as the Movember ambassador. We have many different events and initiatives to get the word out about men’s mental health and how we can make sure people are taking charge of their own mental health. Cannot wait to show you what we have in store this month! 

Quote of the month:

“You don’t have to control your thoughts; you just have to stop letting them control you.” — Dan Millman 

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to vpwelfare@roehampton.ac.uk