Joshua's Autumn Term Update

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 11:35:48 Z

Hey Everyone!

What a term it has been, from doing Halloween to working on the Nook. I’ll be the first to admit, it has not been easy adjusting to a role like this, but it has been doable. More importantly I would never trade this role for the world. In this term I have gotten to know so many students and even the staff, and together I think we have all done a phenomenal job. On campus, we have all been working together to create a new brand and atmosphere for the students space ‘The Nook’ which I think has gone really well, with a workshop having been held incredibly recently with our very own furniture and product designers to design and construct brand new custom furniture.

It has been great to see the engagement with everyone be so high, whether it be through course reps, the welcome event, or HallowPrees; for the most part it has been wonderful to see so many different faces involving themselves directly in the Union, the fun, and the serious. Admittedly, I could have done better with the social media output, but that will hopefully change very soon. First we are breaking up for the Winter Holiday and it is time to look forward to what is to come.

In terms of looking forward, we not only have the art and furniture installation in ‘The Nook’, but we will have an opening of ‘The Cranny’ in Rochester House. They’re a great pair, and I hope to (with the help of all of you) transform both the Nook and Cranny into spaces you feel proud of as students. However, we can’t do that without your help. So this upcoming term will be a busy one, many big changes are hopefully coming with student input, artwork, and curation, but also more importantly everyone will be doing their big submissions.

So take care, enjoy the rest, and I will see you in the New Year!

Joshua Singh-Hill (President Canterbury 2025/26)

Meet Joshua, President Canterbury 2025/26!

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 10:13:07 +0100

Meet Joshua Singh-Hill, your newly elected Students' Union President representing you at the University for the Creative Arts Canterbury! Joshua has recently finished studing Architecture at UCA Canterbury, graduating recently in July 2025!

We asked Joshua a few questions about being elected as our Canterbury 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?

I have a small history with similar roles and thought that given my (at the time) involvement as a Campus Officer, that my experience and understanding could best be applied to help make changes for the students that I was unable to fulfil as only a campus officer. The role itself is a role that I find myself drawn to, I enjoy a lot of the aspects of the role that some may not, and being in a position to help even more students was something I didn’t want to pass up. I also really really like Hamilton. A lot.

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?

I, as a main goal, wish to transform the shared student spaces to feel more comfortable and inviting, as a lot of those spaces are underutilised by the student body. Not only do I hope to transform it but I aim to use the creativity and skills of the actual students to make these changes. I figure, if we are an arts university, our spaces should reflect that as close to the students as we can. Following that, I also want to focus on the multi-faith spaces used by our students of different beliefs and faiths so that they feel their ideals are accommodated in their place of study.

How can UCA students get involved with your campaigns?

Expect design competitions, full campus voting, practical creations, artwork curating. All of it. They can get involved to their hearts content. The aim is to utilise every field that the university provides, from Fine Art, to Interior Design, to Furniture Production. Whether it is physical involvement or having your say in the colour palette, this campaign aims to involve everyone. Student voices decide student spaces.

What advice would you give to our new intake of students to ensure they get the best from their university experience?

My advice to the new students is the comments always left by graduating students; get more involved. 100%. Remember that everyone is in the same boat of not knowing anyone, so get to know people! Join those societies! Attend those events! Do it all, because time in university goes a lot quicker than I think any of us can give credit for, you may have just arrived here but before you know it you will be flying forward into your chosen future. Also read your emails. Please.

Finally, what are you looking forward to most about the coming academic year?

I am MOST looking forward to seeing the influx of new work. The new ideas, the new paintings, films, buildings, posters, zines, and the rest. Seeing the creative output of students has been, and will continue to always be my favourite part of being a member of this wonderful community that is UCA.