If I had to summarise the past few months in one sentence: “It looked calm from the outside, but behind the scenes… absolute graft.”
My main focus since December has been organising the Job Fair. Sounds simple, right? Email some companies, they say yes, everyone shows up, success. Yeah… not quite.
The reality? A lot of companies weren’t available on the original dates, which meant rescheduling, re-planning, and re-sending emails (and yes, following up again). Even after adjusting plans, we’ve continued to face the same challenge.
Because of this, the Job Fair has had to be postponed — and I want to sincerely apologise for that. I know many of you were looking forward to it, and I understand the frustration.
A Small Win We Needed
Not everything over the past few months has been stressful, and it’s important to recognise that. There has been some genuinely positive progress, especially for international students, which many of you have been waiting for.
A large number of students are now receiving their third instalment, and the deadline has officially been extended until 29th April. This has been an ongoing concern for quite some time, so seeing this movement is significant.
It may not seem like a huge announcement at first glance, but for those affected, it reduces a lot of stress and uncertainty (and a few sleepless nights).
Easter to Summer: Where It Gets Interesting
After everything happening behind the scenes, the period between Easter and Summer is where things begin to feel more visible and engaging. This is where plans start turning into actual experiences for students, not just ideas sitting in someone’s notes app.
Movie Nights (Finally, Some Chill Time)
We now have a projector in the canteen, which opens up the opportunity to create something simple but enjoyable. I am planning to organise weekly movie nights where students can come together, relax, and take a break from academic pressure.
There is no complicated structure to it. Just a space to unwind, connect, and pretend deadlines do not exist for a couple of hours.
Union Awards
The Union Awards are coming up, and this is something that relies heavily on student participation. It is your opportunity to recognise the people who genuinely contribute to your university experience.
?? WED 13 MAY
? 4 PM – 6 PM
?? Canteen Stage Area
You can nominate until Monday, 20 April (2 PM), so try not to forget at 1:59 PM. Whether it’s someone who supports others, leads initiatives, or simply makes campus life better, this is your chance to make sure their efforts are seen and appreciated.
The Idea That Might Be the Best One Yet
One of the most interesting and meaningful ideas recently came directly from students, which is exactly how change should happen within a student community.
Several students shared the idea of a Traditional Dress Day. The concept is simple but powerful. Our campus is made up of people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, and this would be an opportunity to celebrate that visibly and inclusively.
The idea is to have a day where both students and staff wear their traditional clothing, representing their culture and identity, while coming together as a community. It’s not just about outfits. It’s about pride, identity, and actually seeing the diversity we talk about so often.
However, this idea can only become something impactful if students actively support it. It needs participation, energy, and people willing to show up and be part of it.
Final Thoughts
Not everything has gone perfectly over the past few months, especially with the Job Fair, which has tested patience more than once. But progress isn’t always smooth, and that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. There are still improvements being made, important issues being addressed, and new ideas being developed. The next few months have real potential. What happens next depends on how much students choose to get involved.
So whether it’s showing up to an event, nominating someone, or supporting a new idea. it all matters. Let’s make it count
Shayaike Hassan (President Epsom 2025/26)