Manifesto & Priorities

As someone who has made SOAS my home away from home, I know firsthand how rewarding and challenging international student life can be. I want every international student here to feel supported, heard and empowered to make the most of their time at SOAS. Beyond the excitement, international students face real challenges: visa troubles, confusing admin, language barriers and the stress of affording rent and the rising cost of living. My aim is to turn these challenges into opportunities for support, community and positive change.

• Advocate for better support with visas and paperwork. Navigating student visas and university admin can be overwhelming, especially when policies change or information is unclear. I will push for simpler, more accessible guidance and stand up for sensible visa rules that put students first.
• Prioritise wellbeing and mental health. Many students feel homesick, isolated or under pressure to keep up academically. I want to ensure that SOAS offers mental health support that understands cultural differences, addresses homesickness and promotes community through buddy schemes and regular gatherings.
• Work for fair working opportunities. With living costs rising, part-time work is essential for many international students. I will advocate for clearer advice on finding fair employment and practical support to help students gain postgraduate opportunities.
• Help bridge the cultural and language gap. Settling into a new country can be isolating. I will organise language exchange sessions, cultural celebrations and peer mentoring to help everyone find their community and thrive academically and socially.
• Challenge administrative barriers. From course registration to getting transcripts, SOAS admin can be confusing and slow. I will gather your feedback and work with staff to make these processes more transparent, efficient and responsive.

Through regular updates, open forums and constant listening, I promise to keep your priorities at the centre of every decision. With your support, together we can make SOAS a true home away from home.