As a commuter student my self i can understand the fears and challenges of other students i will surely work upon that and provide best solutions for students by giving them support in reching their campus on time.
I will make sure every new student find a easy way to reach campus and every student have student oyster, so commuting will not be costly.

It is with great honour and sincerity that I present my manifesto for the position of Community Officer - International Students. As a candidate for this pivotal role, I am steadfastly committed to the cultivation of an inclusive, supportive, and dynamic community that values diversity and promotes unity among all students, irrespective of their cultural origins.

1. Advocacy and Support:
I pledge to serve as a stalwart advocate for the manifold needs and interests of international students, ensuring their equitable representation and amplification of their voices across all spheres of university governance. Collaboratively engaging with university administration and pertinent stakeholders, I shall endeavour to address pertinent issues encompassing visa facilitation, accommodation, healthcare access, and acculturation. Furthermore, I shall institute regular office hours and streamlined communication platforms to afford personalized support and counsel to international students contending with challenges throughout their tenure at Royal Holloway.

2. Cultural Exchange and Integration:
I espouse the enriching potential of cultural exchange in fostering communal enrichment and broadening horizons. To this end, I shall orchestrate an array of events and initiatives intended to nurture cross-cultural understanding and cultivate meaningful interconnections amongst students hailing from diverse backgrounds.

3. Peer Mentoring and Support Networks:
Acknowledging the inherent challenges associated with acclimatizing to a new academic and sociocultural milieu, I shall institute a comprehensive peer mentoring program designed to pair incoming international students with seasoned mentors capable of providing guidance, counsel, and practical support throughout their transitional phase. Additionally, I shall facilitate the establishment of support networks and student-led initiatives, thereby fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity amongst international students.

4. Academic and Professional Development:
Committed to facilitating the academic and professional advancement of international students, I shall collaborate closely with academic departments, career services, and alumni networks to furnish tailored support and resources. These shall encompass academic assistance, career counselling, internship opportunities, and networking engagements specially tailored to the unique needs of international students. Furthermore, I shall ardently advocate for the expansion of scholarship and funding avenues conducive to the multifaceted needs of our international student cohort.

In summation, I stand firmly committed to serving as a zealous and proactive advocate for the interests and welfare of international students at Royal Holloway University of London. Together, let us endeavour to construct a community wherein every student feels embraced, supported, and empowered to thrive.

With profound gratitude for your consideration,
Ajit Sharma

Hi, my name is Anna and I am running for the position of the International Students Community Officer because I would love to represent the interests of international students and make everyone feel included!

If elected, I would aim to:
GOAL ONE: Language Barrier
I think this will have a positive impact because as an international student myself I know what it feels like to have a language barrier. That is why I propose to have English language classes or mentorships for those who need them at the beginning of the year.

GOAL TWO: Sense of belonging
I think this will have a positive impact because currently a lot of international students that I have met this year have shared that they are homesick, so I believe that it would be great to organize little workshops or simply get togethers and get to know everyone.
I have experience working in the international students union back in Spain where we would organize events to help students adapt to their environment as well as honor their respective cultures and have developed skills in communication and event organization.
Feel free to contact me with any questions you might have here @/ _anna_dru_
Voting starts 5th of march and ends 7th of march so make sure you vote!
#VOTETODAY

Moving to a new university as an international student may be both exciting and intimidating. Support and direction are necessary when navigating a new social environment, academic system, and culture. This is where I become involved, not just as your agent but also as your supporter and defender.

I promise the following as I commit to this role:
1. A Listening Ear and a Strong Voice: I'm available if you need someone to chat to or are having trouble settling in or navigating a new culture. I'm always available for discussions, guidance, and a shoulder to cry on. I'll actively represent your concerns to the management of the university, making sure your needs are recognized and your voice is heard.

2. Fostering a Sense of Community and Belonging:
You should have a sense of connection and welcome. I'll plan cultural festivals, social gatherings, and mentorship initiatives that help close the gap between local and foreign students. These gatherings will serve as a forum for you to connect with others, exchange stories, and honor your varied heritage.

3. Empowered Knowledge:
Unlock vital resources with workshops on wellbeing, finances, immigration, and education. Q&A sessions give you the answers you need and enable you to succeed.

4. Crossing Cultural Divides:
Create bridges, not walls! Buddy systems, language exchange programs, and cultural exchanges all celebrate variety and enhance the lives of all involved.

5. A Global Network:
Make connections with international networks, local community organizations, and mentors from previous classes. Provide access to jobs, cross-cultural learning, and resources outside of the university.

As an international student myself I will give it my all to help and to navigate this journey. I give my commitment, enthusiasm, and understanding above all. I understand the route you're on, and I'm determined to make your time at our university worthwhile, fulfilling, and unforgettable.
If you support me, we can create a thriving, welcoming, and empowering community for international students. I'm here to give you the voice you deserve.

Firstly, I'm Shaun D'Mello and I'm a 2nd year international student in Royal Holloway. As an international student I've witnessed a lot of issues that my fellow internationals face. Moving into a new country with a different culture is difficult to adapt to and assimilating into that new culture can be difficult if not assisted. Assimilation and integration are key issues that international students face and it affects their social lives as well. Holidays can be a stressful period as well, as many international students face uncomfortable loneliness in their dorms or residencies and are not given any attention to.
Hence I propose to talks and lectures supporting international students in their journey to assimilate and integrate into the culture of this country. Their issues should not be ignored and I want to assure they are given attention to.

My name is Tom Halsey, and I am running for the role of International Students community officer. I have lived my entire life around an international community. I went to an international school in Europe since kindergarten, in a country I wasn't born in, alongside people from all over the world. Growing up around so many different cultures in an international community, alongside moving countries to study here at Royal Holloway as an international student, puts me in a unique position where I have the knowledge and experience to recognize concerns, wants, and needs coming from international students. My first goal is to focus on guidance in finding opportunities outside of the UK. After talking to students, it is clear that the careers service provides limited support and lacks knowledge in this situation. It is important to recognize that not all students will want to pursue a future education/career in the UK. My second goal is to create more events for new and current international students alike. In my personal experience, I found it hard to connect to other students when I first came here, and I wished that there would be more fun and interactive events available. Doing this will create a space where people from various backgrounds can interact and meet one another. My last and most important goal is to represent the international student body at all levels. This means providing quick and easy answers about visas, events, housing, as well as providing guidance to mental health and wellbeing support. Additionally, on a national level, assuring that your voices are heard in order to increase accessibility and support for international students across universities in the UK. campaigning for greater support for students integrating into the UK and Its culture. I will focus on providing useful advice and support in navigating the cost of living crisis, and dealing with homesickness and mental health, which international students suffer from at a significantly high rate. I know many of the struggles international students face, and I am committed to doing everything I can to improve the university experience for all. Making sure that your time here is as smooth, fun, and stress free as possible. I pledge to be open and honest while I deliver on my goals, with the concerns of the international student body at the forefront of my mind.

Hello! My name is Mohan Dave, and I’m an undergraduate Media Arts student. I’m a proud Brown butch lesbian, and I have a genuine love and passion for queerness, and for advocating for fellow LGBT+ people. I am determined to carry this love with vigour and perseverance to improve the experiences of LGBT+ students at our university.

As a committee member of the LGBT+ Society, I have had the honour of engaging with LGBT+ students (both online and in-person) and I can understand their experiences at this university and can better accommodate their best interests. I also understand how to create a safe and enjoyable environment for LGBT+ students. Members of our society felt confident in contacting our committee, and I was able to provide them with numerous types of support, which includes but is not limited to: crisis management, signposting transitioning resources for Transgender students, and mental health support.

If elected, I would:

• Work to create a greater feeling of community with the LGBT+ society. I will introduce events that can appeal to all types of LGBT+ students, such as more sober, daytime (for commuters) events, and initiatives, for example, LGBTQ+ futures: life after university, which can help build community.
• Work with the SU to get the campus GP to accept gender related shared-care agreements (with gendergp, gendercare, etc.)
• Make gender-neutral bathrooms more accessible on campus. Numerous students, including those who are not LGBT+, have conveyed to me that the gender-neutral bathrooms on campus are extremely inconvenient to travel to in certain areas. Everyone should be able to feel safe and comfortable in bathrooms.
• Garner more support and fundraise for the Transition fund.
• Advocate for LGBT+ students facing discrimination, signpost resources for support, aid students to advocate for themselves.

I understand the sheer importance of having access to community and resources, especially as someone who grew up in a country where it is illegal to be LGBT, I understand how life saving it can be. If you vote for me, I will do everything in my power to foster an uplifting and inclusive community at Royal Holloway. Feel free to say hi to me via email: ishaani.dave.2022@live.rhul.ac.uk

Naomi for Student of Faith Community Officer Manifesto

Hello, wonderful members of our vibrant community,

I am Naomi, a first-year student pursuing a degree in Criminology and Sociology. It is with great enthusiasm and a heart full of passion that I stand before you as a candidate for the position of Student of Faith Community Officer.

Identity, Understanding, and Comfort: I firmly believe that understanding and being comfortable with our identities is paramount to personal growth. In this pursuit, I recognise the significant role that faith and beliefs play in shaping individuals. My goal is to create a space where everyone can explore, embrace, and celebrate their unique identities.

Embracing the Beauty of Belief: Despite the often misunderstood views surrounding religion, I see the profound beauty in genuine belief and faith. It offers individuals a sense of purpose and a guiding light on their journey. I aim to dispel negativity and create an environment that recognises the inherent beauty in diverse beliefs and practices.

Fostering Love and Peace: In our community, I envision an atmosphere of love and peace, where believers and non-believers alike can coexist harmoniously. By fostering open dialogue and understanding, we can bridge gaps, break down stereotypes, and build a supportive environment that nurtures the well-being of all.

Learning from Each Other: I am committed to creating a space that encourages learning from each other's faiths. Our diverse backgrounds enrich the tapestry of our community, and by exploring different cultures and practices, we can broaden our minds, promote diversity, and foster inclusivity.

A Safe Haven for All: My vision is to establish a safe haven where individuals feel heard, respected, and valued. Regardless of your faith or beliefs, this space will be a platform for open expression, creating connections that transcend religious boundaries.

Vote for Unity, Understanding, and Inclusivity: I am dedicated to serving as your Student of Faith Community Officer, advocating for unity, understanding, and inclusivity. Together, let's create a community that embraces the beauty within each of us and celebrates the diversity that makes us strong.
v Thank you for your consideration and support. Let's embark on this journey of exploration, acceptance, and growth together. Warm regards, Naomi (Preferred Pronouns: She/Her)

I'm excited to announce my candidacy for the position of Community Officer for Women at our university. My goal is to represent the diverse voices of all women on campus and advocate for their needs. I'll focus on amplifying marginalized voices and improving support services for women's mental health. Safety and security will be top priorities, and I'll work to create an environment where every woman feels valued and protected. I'm also committed to providing inclusive leadership opportunities and supporting women from all backgrounds. Together, let's make Royal Holloway a place where every woman can thrive. I'd be honoured to have your support and your vote in the upcoming election.

Hi! My name is Jennifer Ford, and I am running for the position of community officer for women because I want to foster a strong sense of community amongst the women at Royal Holloway!

My determination lies in wanting to increase the sense of belonging women at Royal Holloway have- I want to make sure every woman has the opportunity to meet their wing-women! Speaking from personal experience, I was lonely in first year and hadn’t found my people, so making this accessible for others is a key goal of mine. If elected, I aim to build a system which allows women who feel they lack a strong support network, to submit an ‘about me’ form, outlining who they are and their interests, in order to be matched with someone similar in hope of a friendship blooming! This system will enable women to make the first step in forming friendships with women in similar positions as them, with the aim to decrease feelings of loneliness across the community.

Additionally, I intend to shine a spotlight on the power of women, across both the university and wider community and I intend to do this in two ways. Firstly, I aim to introduce yearly, female led fundraising for a charity chosen by our community, with the goal of raising money in order to make a difference to women in our community and beyond. I’m determined for us, as female students, to be seen as active members of our community who make a real impact. Secondly, I aspire to invite inspirational women to host talks at Royal Holloway that are accessible to all (especially you, commuting students)! I was disappointed when university wasn’t as full of these talks as I imagined it would be so, I want to be part of this change and invite speakers that will highlight the strength and power of women and inspire this strength in our own community.

Finally, I’d like to mention what makes me worthy of your vote! Most importantly, I have experience in bringing ideas forward to the college through my work with the RH100 and I’m never afraid to push for what I think is right. I’m organised and a bit of a perfectionist- I'm determined to see my manifesto in action and would be honoured to represent our brilliant community of women here at Royal Holloway.
Any questions? DM me, Instagram: @Jennifer_Ford_RHUL

Hi, my name is Poppy Coates and I am running for the position of Women Students Community Officer because I am passionate about ensuring women feel heard and recognised on and around campus.

Some of my goals, if elected include the following:
1. To continue the dispersion of free sanitary products on campus. I believe this service to be invaluable and would love to continue this practice for others. I wish to ensure there are free sanitary products in all gender neutral and female bathrooms across campus, restocked regularly and available for those who need them. The period product machines that distribute sanitary products in exchange for cash (e.g. in the Crosslands toilets) are beneficial but unfortunately do not align with the Cash Free Campus policy we have at RHUL.

2. I wish to establish a monthly confidential drop-in session, to allow any individuals with issues (health, sexual, social or anything else) or queries to be able to speak their minds and be directed to the appropriate help on campus and elsewhere if need be. Additionally, these drop ins would also provide a method of feedback as I wish to actively listen to the collective female voice on campus and take the necessary steps to improve female experience.

3. Create a more sex-positive environment on campus. While capitalising on SHAG week (Sexual Health And Guidance) and continuing the bystander and consent training, I believe that there should be greater discussion around sex. There is a wealth of stigma and taboo associated with safe and pleasurable sex, which I believe we can change.

In relation to my personal skills for the role, I have experience in both project management and event organisation due to my committee positions in both Rounders society and Feminist Society. Additionally, I have excellent communication skills and will seek to make every individual feel heard and seen.

I will endeavour to create a safe environment for women on campus, emphasise the need for relevant sexual education and campaign for the continuation of free dispersion of menstrual products on campus.
Feel free to contact me with any questions
Voting will take place from Tuesday, 5th March till Thursday, 7th March, so make sure to vote!

Vote Sofia for Women Student Community Officer!

Hi! My name is Sofia and I am a first year history student. I am a very recent participant of the feminist society and I wish to make campus a much more inviting environment for women to feel appreciated and heard.

I stand for :
Inclusivity
-ensuring all students who identify as women from different backgrounds feel heard and supported

Safety
-there is better lighting and additional security on campus so women feel safer at night
-bring more awareness to issues surrounding assault on campus and create a safe space for women to be heard

Recognition
-additional events to celebrate women including more speakers
-making sure free sanitary products are widely available around campus
-allowing women to voice their experiences and struggles