My name is Chidinma, and I am running for the position of International Students’ Officer. As an international student, I am well aware of the difficulties encountered by foreign students who have attempted to attend universities in the United Kingdom. Certainly, more can be done to improve the support provided to students who have taken a life-changing decision to study away from home. Having first-hand knowledge of these experiences would prove useful to many international students at Roehampton. 

When elected, I will pursue awareness on the following things:

1. Smooth Transition for International Freshmen.To make fresher’s week as successful as possible, I will create a standardized system across all colleges in the university. Through this system, international freshmen will be able to get to know each other, adjust to the new culture, and form an international community. In addition, I will create a mentoring program (we will call it buddy-up) where older students can volunteer to be mentors to freshmen on settling in, integrating into campus life, and adjusting to British culture.
2. Raise international student engagement. It is more difficult for us as international students to engage in the UK. To survive and attain our education simultaneously, we must be resilient. There is no denying that UK policies are not very friendly to us; for instance, difficulty in finding part-time jobs in one's field of study and providing references prior to being allocated off-campus accommodation. Nevertheless, if we could engage alumni with similar experiences and stories, we might have a better chance of succeeding. Information of this kind should be provided by default.
3. Greater Racial Diversity. To create a global network for international students, I will push for more scholarship opportunities for international students. To create a more cohesive international environment, I will integrate the activities of multi-cultural societies and increase awareness of racial crafts and diversity through more events, trade fairs and excursions. In the cafeteria, I will ensure the meals are from different racial backgrounds to ensure that the students who have come here from afar will feel welcomed and will not feel left out on missing the meals they are used to having.
4. After School, What’s Next? Students who wish to remain in the U.K. after completing their studies and pursuing gainful employment can participate in seminars organized by myself with guest speakers who will educate us on the necessary steps to take. It would, in turn, benefit individuals while also contributing significantly to the gross domestic product of the economy.
5. Create an International Student Hardship Fund (ISHF) Scheme. While there are alternatives to these schemes within the university, they are hard to access for international students. International students would benefit from the ISHF by providing them with a safety net in case of emergency. A good example is the COVID-19 pandemic, when many international students were left with little support during this economic and psychological downside phase. In the future, I believe we can do more in these unsettling and unprecedented conditions.