Meet Kshiteej, your new President Community. Find out what happened in his first two weeks working at the SU.
Two Weeks In, One Big Mission Ahead
Hello Roehampton students!
I’m Kshiteej Nimbalkar, your new RSU President Community.
I recently completed my BSc in International Business and previously served as President of Southlands College for the 2025–2026 academic year. That experience taught me that a strong university community is not built by one person, one event or one committee. It grows when students feel confident enough to participate, speak up, share their ideas and support one another.
That is why I have stepped into this role, to create a meaningful impact and help make the Roehampton community stronger, more connected and more engaging.
My official term began on 1 July 2026, but before taking office, I completed two weeks of training and handover. If I had to describe those two weeks in three words, they would be:
- Welcoming.
- Eye-opening.
- Empowering.
They were welcoming because of the people I met, eye-opening because of everything I learned and empowering because they showed me the genuine difference student representatives can make.
Week One: From a New Desk to a New Responsibility
We were introduced to Roehampton Students’ Union:
We learnt the SU's purpose, structure and the many ways it works to support and represent students. We explored the policies, procedures, finances and governance structures that guide RSU’s work. I met colleagues from different teams and learned how each department contributes to the student experience. I was also introduced to Michael Bailey, Chief Executive of RSU, and had the opportunity to learn more about his work and the wider responsibilities of the Students’ Union team.
Then we had our first professional photoshoot:
Standing in front of the camera for our official officer photographs made everything feel much more real. They were more than just photographs; they marked the beginning of the year ahead.
A major part of the first week was receiving a handover from the outgoing President, Joshua:
Hearing about his experiences gave me a clearer understanding of what it truly means to be a Sabbatical Officer. The role brings exciting opportunities, but it also carries a serious responsibility to listen to students, represent their interests and remain accountable throughout the year.
What stood out to me most was how much happens behind the scenes:
Every campaign, event, committee meeting and student initiative is supported by people working together with a shared purpose. The first week showed me that creating change requires more than enthusiasm; it requires collaboration, planning, accountability and a willingness to keep learning.
Week Two: Entering the Rooms Where Decisions Are Made
The second week took the experience to another level.
While the first week focused on understanding RSU internally, the second was about seeing how the Students’ Union connects with the wider University and how student voices reach senior decision-makers.
Meeting the wider University team:
We met School Heads, Deans and members of the University’s senior leadership team. I also had the opportunity to meet Vice-Chancellor Jean-Noël and George Turner, Chief Executive of Roehampton. These conversations were valuable because they helped me understand how different areas of the University operate, how major decisions are approached and how students’ experiences can be better reflected in those discussions.
One of the most important moments was attending Roehampton Partnership and Senate:
I felt a sense of accountability walking into those spaces. It reminded me that student representation is not simply about being present in a meeting, it is about bringing students’ real experiences into the room. It means asking questions when something needs to be challenged, raising concerns that might otherwise be overlooked and making sure students remain part of the conversation when decisions are made.
The second week felt like a shift from learning about the role to beginning to live it:
There was a greater sense of responsibility, but also a real thrill in knowing that I would have opportunities to influence conversations and advocate for the Roehampton student community.
We also had an RSU staff social event:
This was one of the most enjoyable moments of the two weeks. After days filled with meetings and training, it was great to connect with everyone in a more relaxed environment. The occasion also marked Joshua’s final day. It was a meaningful opportunity to recognise his contribution, learn from the work he had done and wish him well as one chapter ended and another began.
Turning Student Priorities into Action
During our training, we also began working on the Big Six priorities that will guide our work throughout the year. These priorities were shaped by students, which means they cannot just remain as words on a page. Our responsibility is to turn them into visible action through effective representation, meaningful campaigns and collaboration across the University.
As RSU President Community, one of my biggest goals is to create more opportunities for student leaders, student groups and individual students who want to get involved. You should not need to hold a major title to make a difference at Roehampton. Whether you want to lead a project, organise an event, join a campaign, support your community or simply share an idea, there should be space for you to participate.
I want to help build a culture in which students do not wait to be invited to get involved because they already know that their contribution matters.
Freshers, New Connections and the Year Ahead
One of the things I am most excited about is Freshers’ Festival in September.
For new students, Freshers’ Week can be their first real introduction to life at Roehampton. It is where friendships begin, communities form, and students start discovering the opportunities available to them.
We want to make it welcoming and engaging, not only for new students, but also for returning students who want to reconnect with the University community.
Most importantly, I want to remain approachable throughout my term.
You may have an idea for an event. You may want to create a campaign. You may feel that something needs to change. You may simply want someone to listen.
Whatever it is, please reach out and share your voice.
My role is not simply to speak on behalf of students. It is to create more opportunities for students to speak for themselves—and to make sure those voices reach the places where they can create change.
On 1 July 2026, I officially begin my term as your RSU President Community. I am stepping into the role with energy, determination and a clear purpose: to help build a Roehampton community where students feel connected, represented and confident enough to make the most of every opportunity.
This year is not simply about what RSU can do for students—it is about what we can achieve together. Let’s make it a year of stronger voices, greater opportunities and a community in which every student feels they belong.