Hi from Your VP Wellbeing & Diversity

Hi everyone, I’m Nisha your new VP Wellbeing and Diversity!

About me

For the last three years, I've been studying Criminology and Psychology, and just graduated this July! I am very passionate about promoting wellbeing and diversity which is why I decided to run for the role. I am excited to start working with you all and to ensure everyone feels supported, represented, and valued on campus.

My main aims

• To plan events and activities such as cultural fairs, speaker events, and workshops that highlight the experiences of underrepresented student groups such as disabled, BAME, and LGBTQ+ students.
• To regularly seek feedback from underrepresented student groups to understand their experiences and identify any areas for improvement.
• To work with the University to develop targeted outreach and recruitment programmes aimed at underrepresented student groups.
• To campaign for student rights by working closely with the University to make sure that students' interests are effectively represented.
• To enhance and expand mental health support to make the service more accessible.
• I will also work to raise awareness and remove the stigma around mental health through awareness campaigns/events around campus.

Why I ran for the role

I am aware of how important a student’s sense of belonging and wellbeing is on campus, and I want to help ensure all students feel happy, included, and safe.

What I’m most excited for

I am excited to make a positive contribution and difference to student wellbeing and inclusion at Royal Holloway. I am also excited to work alongside students to make sure their voices and interests are heard!

Summer update

We have been busy over the summer! The officers took part in a two-week induction where we had lots of training on the role, how to work as a team and relevant issues that affect students such as mental health and the cost of living crisis. Since then, we have also been away at NUS Lead and Change and attended a Surrey sabbatical officer meet-up where we got to meet other sabbatical officers to share ideas and to see where we can collab on manifesto points. I have also started to meet with people from different University departments such as volunteering and wellbeing and started attending some University meetings such as the Residential Steering Group (RSG) which discusses the accessibility and inclusivity of campus. I have also been busy planning for the year ahead by starting to work on manifesto plans and organising campaigns. 

Top tips for new students

• Feeling homesick is okay - moving to university is a huge thing so try to be proud of yourself!
• Get to know the area
• Try to stay organised so you don’t get overwhelmed
• Try not to be scared - everyone is in the same boat
• Take advantage of the resources that the University provides such as social events, the library, the Careers Service and CeDAS
• Use your student discounts
• One of the most important - look after your mental health by ensuring you make time for yourself!

Ways to look after yourself

• Make time to hang out with friends
• Make time to go outside to get some fresh air and sunshine (if there is any in England)
• Try to exercise regularly as this can boost your mood (you could join a student sports group or just go for a walk)
• Try to focus on the positives rather than the negatives
• Make sure you get enough sleep

Get in touch

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch by email or via @RHSUWellbeing on Instagram, if you have any questions, need support, or want to get involved in any campaigns/events!