Why did you want to become an NUS Conference Delegate?
Libby – I’m in my fourth year, after doing a placement year last year, and I wanted to make the most of my final year back in Leeds by making a positive contribution to student life. I also felt like I had lots of experience and ideas when it came to putting forward ideas and I wanted to represent the student body.
Kirti – I am a Masters student studying advanced computer science in artificial intelligence. This is my first and final year in Leeds, and I wanted to work to make things better for upcoming students in our University and contribute my ideas and suggestions to have positive impact on everyone.
Zaynab – as a third year medical student, I’m in a position where I have experienced a fair bit of uni life and noticed areas for positive change. I felt it would be a shame to pass up this opportunity whilst I knew so much could be improved, and I wanted to listen to others and incorporate our ideas as a team effort.
What do you hope to achieve at the Conference?
Libby – Unfortunately, our idea wasn’t part of the final vote to be discussed at the conference. However, I am so excited by the proposals put forward and am looking forward to hearing from the other delegates and discussing a practical plan for the implementation of some of them. They include (but are not limited to) tackling gender based violence, student housing, making university accessible and the international student experience.
Kirti – There are six ideas, and I would be happy if those ideas get implemented in future for everyone. I want solutions and policies that can make changes and make students’ life better in here.
Zaynab – All the ideas deserve to be discussed and it would be wonderful if they could all be implemented. For practicality reasons that isn’t possible currently, but I hope that our vote counts for tangible change, for students and noticed by students.
For you personally, what’s the most important issue affecting students today?/What’s your core policy interest?
Libby – I think making University accessible to anyone who wants to attend is so important. University is an amazing experience and it also creates lots of new opportunities, and I don’t think anyone should be disadvantaged by not being able to further their studies. I also think maintaining this support for students right through their University life ensures every students gets a fair chance at the education they deserve. I’m really looking forward to hearing fellow delegates’ ideas on this issue.
Kirti – According to me, there are many issues, including that we don’t have enough support for people who are struggling with their mental health, and those looking for jobs after completing their studies – especially Masters students – don’t get a chance to get a job on time.
Zaynab – our proposal which we sent (though unfortunately not chosen) was against ‘government policies which target marginalised communities’. Essentially this tackled inequalities within academia and the barriers to students from marginalised communities to accessing education, as far as the ‘degree attainment gap’. One specific policy I was passionate against is the Prevent Agenda, which Muslims are disproportionately affected by, this had its own myriad of issues and unfortunately affects many students and hopeful students.
As a delegate you’ll be representing all 38,000 students here at Leeds – how does that feel?
Libby – Really exciting! I’m honoured to have been elected as a delegate and am excited to report back to every student after the event about the progress we’ve made.
Kirti – Honestly, I am kind of nervous and excited at the same time, but happy to be a part of it for representing thousands students from the University.
Zaynab – It is worrying to be held in some sort of position of leadership, no matter how big, along with it is the responsibility to represent UoL students and future students. I hope I am able to fulfil this role to the best of my ability!
What are you most looking forward to about the Conference?
Libby – The agenda for the conference is brilliant! There’s lots of different sessions and workshops, personally the ‘Building Communities for Change’ sounds really interesting and I’m looking forward to learning more about this.
Kirti – I will get the chance to learn more and experience more with so many delegates from all over the United Kingdom. This will be so interesting and helpful for me.
Zaynab – I’m always excited to learn more and discover how to implement positive change with the next generation of bright thinkers!
Interested in a representative role at LUU? Take a look at our Elections page for opportunities throughout the year.
