Hi everyone! It’s been an incredibly busy and exciting start to the academic year, and I wanted to take a moment to share what I’ve been up to this September, all on your behalf. Every conversation, meeting, and action has been with one aim: to make your student experience better.

Here's a quick round-up of what's been happening:

Student Finance: Fighting For You

• I’ve had multiple meetings with the Student Finance team to lobby for:
  • Unblocking StudyNet access for students
  • Advocating for a payment plan system
  • Extend registration and assignment submission deadlines for those currently blocked
• We’re pushing hard to make sure finances don’t become a barrier to your success.

Meeting with Local MP

• I met with our local MP, Andrew Lewin, to raise the issues you’ve shared around housing and part-time job access. These are major concerns, and we’re making sure your voice is heard beyond the University too.

No Posters, More Sustainability

• I’ve made the choice not to print any posters of our SU officers this year. This small step is part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability. Our Marketing Team is fully on board, and I hope we can all continue thinking about how we reduce our environmental footprint across campus.

Freshers Week & Freshers Fair

• Freshers' Week this year was unforgettable, packed with events like the SU Market, Forum Nights, Cultural Carnival and the Freshers’ Fair. Huge thanks to the incredible SU staff and volunteers who made it all happen. And of course, to you, the students, for bringing the energy!

Catch-Up with the Vice Chancellor

• I had a productive catch-up with our Honourable VC, Anthony Woodman, where I raised real student issues from the ground level. He’s taken them seriously and has promised to act quickly, especially around improving day-to-day challenges many of you are facing. We've talked about catering, accommodation costs and campus activity and I have been raising all the concerns you've been sharing with me.

Student Forum - Your Voice Matters

• We’re currently planning the Student Forums. These are your space to share concerns, give feedback, and help shape real changes at a school level. Keep an eye on your emails and please, join us and speak up!

Freshers Inductions

• It’s been a blast welcoming all our new students! I’ve been out meeting so many of you. It’s been amazing to see your enthusiasm and excitement for getting involved in SU activities, which are all great for your personal and professional growth.

Constant Feedback

• Throughout everything, I’ve been listening. Whether you’re a fresher or a returning student, I’ve been collecting feedback on your challenges and experiences, and I promise to keep pushing for change the University level.

What's Coming Up

UNO Buses & Campus Safety

• One key issue I’ve been hearing from many of you is around UNO bus timings and frequency. We're aware of how frustrating delays and long wait times can be, especially when you're trying to get to lectures or home after a long day. I’m actively working with the relevant teams to push for improvements, and your feedback is vital, so please keep it coming!
• A huge thank you to the Socialist Society for raising another important concern: some streetlights on and around campus not working. I’ve personally gone out to check the areas reported, taken photos, and raised the issue with the right teams to get them fixed as soon as possible. A well-lit campus is a safer campus, and your safety is always a top priority.

Got Issues on Campus?

• If you’re struggling with living, learning, or anything else at Herts, please fill out our short survey here. It’s one of the best ways to make your voice heard, and your Union is always here to listen and act.

As always, I’m your President, working for YOU. You’ll see me around campus, at events, in your lectures, or just having a chat. Come say hi, share your thoughts, and remember: your voice truly matters.

All the best,