Welcome to my Priority 8 progress update, a reflection on a busy and formative Term One, and a look ahead to the work still to come.
Dearest reader,
Welcome to my Priority 8 progress update, a reflection on a busy and formative Term One, and a look ahead to the work still to come.
Term One has truly been a period of learning, adapting, and building strong foundations. While I’ve been involved in a range of campaigns and community initiatives across the Students’ Union, my core focus has remained Priority 8: improving affordability and accessibility for students through food and local transport.
As we move into Term Two, this work is beginning to take clearer shape, and I’m excited to share the progress so far.
More Affordable Food on Campus
One of the key strands of Priority 8 has been tackling the cost and accessibility of food on campus.
More Affordable Food Options
I am currently working closely with several University departments to explore a proposal for a voucher system, designed to support students struggling with food costs. My aim is for this to be a genuinely collaborative project between the Students’ Union and the University, ensuring it is both sustainable and impactful.
Halal Food Accessibility
Alongside affordability, inclusivity remains central to this work. I have been focusing on raising awareness of halal food options already available on campus, while also actively researching potential vendors who could supply raw halal meat directly on or near campus.
At present, many Muslim students face additional time, travel, and financial costs sourcing these essentials off-campus. By identifying the right vendors, those who align with both operational needs and long-term goals, I hope to make everyday access to halal food easier and more affordable.
Cheaper & Frequent Local Transport
Transport continues to be one of the most consistent concerns raised by students, and this term has been about listening, researching, and laying the groundwork for change.
Improving the Student Transport Experience
Under the themes of timing, heating, realignment, and funding, I’ve been examining how local transport can better serve students. One practical step I am currently advocating for is the installation of a digital display board at the Church Road bus stop, to provide real-time bus information and reduce uncertainty around travel.
Wider Engagement & Long-Term Solutions
In order to better understand the structural challenges behind these issues, I have initiated conversations with both the NUS and Runnymede Borough Council. These discussions are helping to broaden the scope of potential solutions and ensure student voices are represented at multiple levels.
Looking ahead, I plan to release an Education Paper next term. This will outline key transport-related priorities, explain recurring issues, and provide clarity for students where information has previously been limited or unclear.
Looking Ahead
While Term One has been about gathering insight, building relationships, and understanding systems, Term Two is where momentum truly begins. With stronger knowledge, clearer direction, and growing collaborations in place, I’m entering the next term with renewed focus and confidence.
I remain committed to advancing Priority 8, strengthening student support, and driving meaningful change that improves everyday student life, whether that’s through more affordable food, inclusive provision, or a smoother journey to and from campus.
Until next time,
Vaishnavi