Meet Shayaike Hassan, your newly elected Students' Union President representing you at the University for the Creative Arts Epsom! Shayaike has recently completed his 2nd year studying Digital Marketing and Social Media at UCA Epsom!
We asked Shayaike a few questions about being elected as our Epsom Students' Union President, their journey to becoming president, their vision for the future, and even a few fun facts you probably didn’t know. So, grab your coffee, settle in, and get ready to get to know the person who’s working hard to make our university experience unforgettable.
What made you want to run for election as a president at UCA Students’ Union?
My journey to becoming President started even before I was a Campus Officer. It began when I was a Course Rep myself, right from my foundation year. I continued as a Course Rep in my first year, and I was even named the Epsom Course Rep of the Year!
Being a Course Rep was important because it showed me just how much student voices can make a difference. It was during that time that I realised there were some issues with our Course Rep system. I saw that it could be much clearer and more helpful for students. Because of this, when I ran for Campus Officer last year, my main goal (my "manifesto point") was to make the Course Rep system better.
After being elected as Campus Officer, I worked hard with the Students' Union and the then-President, and we successfully updated the system! It's not perfect yet, but we're always working to make it even better.
That experience was a real eye-opener. It showed me what we, as students, are capable of achieving when we work together. Building on that success, I felt a strong pull to step up and make even bigger, more positive changes for all students as President. I wanted to keep that good energy going and make an even larger impact.
As you’ve been voted in based on your manifesto – what campaigns will you have this year, and what will you be aiming to achieve during your time as president?
This year, my main focus will be on two big plans, and both are designed to directly help students like you and make your experience at UCA much, much better.
First, I'm dedicated to making sure every student feels empowered and supported. This plan will be especially helpful for students who've come from other countries to study here. To make this happen, we'll be starting a Student Forum. Think of this as a dedicated space where all students can come together to talk, share their thoughts, and get the support they need. It’s a place for your voice to be heard. At the same time, I’ll be starting a Buddy System. The idea here is to help new students feel settled and connected to the UCA community right from the start. We want to make sure everyone feels welcome, supported, and like they belong here. Running or current students can also join the Buddy System as a volunteer, which is a great way to develop key skills like communication and leadership, and build friendships from all over the world. You’ll gain amazing knowledge of different cultures.
Second, I’m putting a lot of effort into helping students find jobs and manage their money while they're studying. We all know that university life can be expensive. That’s why we will be holding a special Job Fair specifically for part-time jobs. This fair will connect you directly with companies looking to hire students for part-time work, helping you earn money to cover your living costs. Also, I will be hosting an Internship Fair. This event is all about connecting our students with valuable real- world work experiences through internships. These experiences are so important for your future careers, giving you a real edge when you graduate.
How can UCA students get involved with your campaigns?
Your involvement is super important! My vision for UCA is all about what students want and need. While my main goals will guide everything I do, how successful these plans are, and even the direction they take, will depend on your ideas and actions.
For example, as part of our efforts to empower all students, you can play a big part by joining our upcoming Buddy System. You can offer your support to help new students, especially those just starting at UCA, feel integrated and comfortable in our community. I encourage all students to get involved with the Students' Union and share their thoughts. Keep an eye out for official messages from the Students' Union and my updates for ways to give feedback and help develop these campaigns. My office door will always be open for discussions on how we can all work together to make UCA the best possible place for you.
What advice would you give to our new intake of students to ensure they get the best from their university experience?
My best advice for anyone just starting at UCA is to jump into every opportunity the university offers. Think of yourselves as important parts of this amazing community. Don't be shy about using all the help and support systems that are available. We have resources in place to make sure you feel welcomed and supported.
Whether you're a local student or coming from another country, it's super important to know where to find support. This includes things like academic help for your studies, knowing about the student support services if you're feeling down or need advice, and getting involved in clubs or societies to meet new people. If you're an international student, it's also really helpful to learn about local transport, how to set up banking, and understand new cultural differences.
Most importantly, always remember that UCA is your campus, and your voice has a lot of power. Get involved, share your insights, and help us create a place where you feel heard, supported, and fully ready for your future.
Finally, what are you looking forward to most about the coming academic year?
More than anything, I'm looking forward to seeing the real impact of our plans. I want to see how they truly empower and benefit all the different students we have here. I can't wait to see students actively using the Student Forum and Buddy System. I’m excited to see students securing valuable part-time jobs through the Job Fair and gaining important experience from the Internship Fair. My biggest hope and expectation is to make sure that every single student feels genuinely represented, gets all the support they need, and is completely prepared for their future beyond UCA.