Your VP Welfare and Diversity, Willow Wong discusses her success on lobbying College to guarantee accommodations for Postgraduate students.
Life has been busy since I’ve started my position as VP Welfare & Diversity!
Although I am planning for exciting events for the upcoming Freshers’ Festival, I have actually spent a significant part of my work time attending college committee meetings. There is a purpose in why I attend these college meetings: your welfare is crucial for your academic performance and social integration on campus.
Guaranteed accommodation for Postgraduate students
As your VP Welfare & Diversity, I aim to advocate for every one of our student’s welfare so that the student voice is represented and considered with value at every step of the college’s decision-making process.
One of my discussions with the college is regarding accommodation for new postgraduates studying here at Royal Holloway.
For many students, going to university can be a daunting experience. Studying for a degree means having to move away from home and resettling into an unfamiliar environment. Regardless of your age or what you study, the process of finding your feet in a new place can be quite stressful – which is why guaranteed accommodation is so important for students who are spending their first years (both UG and PG) at Royal Holloway.
In the past, only undergraduate students were eligible for guaranteed accommodation in halls. After meeting with the college, I am proud to say that postgraduate students will now receive this benefit too!
Every student who starts their course of study this September can now receive a guaranteed place in halls – simply apply for accommodation by 5pm on 22 August.
It’s wonderful to see how the college has acknowledged and responded quickly to the needs of postgraduates students – I’m beyond excited to continue advocating for the welfare benefits of all students here at Royal Holloway!
As always feel free to contact me at vpwelfare@su.rhul.ac.uk with any questions, ideas, queries or feedback.
Willow Wong
Vice-President, Welfare and Diversity