President Epsom

Shayaike's Spring Term Update

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:06:52 +0100

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)

Shayaike's Autumn Term Update

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:01:07 Z

Hi everyone, it’s Shayaike, your Epsom Students' Union President.

As Term 1 comes to an end, I’ve been reflecting on what has been a fast-paced, busy and meaningful start to the year as Epsom Students' Union President. Stepping into this role has challenged me, inspired me and given me a strong sense of purpose. From the beginning, my focus has been clear: supporting international students, improving employability, strengthening student voice and helping to build a welcoming campus community.

Since the start of the academic year, a significant part of my work as President has focused on supporting international students both socially and practically. We began the year with a Diwali celebration that brought students together through sweets, music and creative activities, helping many students feel a sense of belonging and connection on campus.

Alongside this, I have worked directly with senior university staff on structural and financial issues affecting international students. I successfully negotiated a change to tuition fee payment plans, moving from two instalments to three to provide greater flexibility. Please note that this is not automatically applied to tuition fees, and students must contact the Finance team directly to request approval before accessing a third instalment option. I continue to advocate for the final instalment deadline to move from 1 April to 1 May, as I understand the impact this has on visa timelines and financial stability. I have also supported students facing visa communication issues and helped them navigate complex processes.

Another key priority for me this term has been employability. I completed the full planning for the Epsom Job Fair event at the end of February to ensure it is accessible for students and employers. Alongside this, I am developing an Employability Week that will take place across the same week at the end of February. This week will focus on practical career support, including CV guidance, portfolio support, cover letter writing, interview preparation and drop-in advice sessions. I aim to create a dedicated week where students can access everything they need to feel more confident and prepared for life beyond university.

In addition, I began planning a Global Buddy System aimed at supporting international students as they transition into both academic and social life. This work will continue into the next term as the initiative is further developed.

I have also supported students experiencing academic difficulties, financial hardship and visa delays. These one-to-one conversations continue to highlight the importance of accessible leadership and clear advocacy for students. A large part of my role has involved supporting students on an individual basis. When the £2 hot meal offer was removed over the summer, I raised this issue with senior leadership and supported its reinstatement at £2.50.

Looking ahead, my priorities for Term 2 include delivering Employability Week, launching the February Job Fair, progressing the Global Buddy System and continuing to strengthen student representation. I will continue advocating for improved tuition fee deadlines and clearer communication around visa processes. Supporting international students and addressing academic concerns will remain at the centre of my work.

Thank you to everyone who has shared feedback, raised concerns and engaged with me throughout Term 1. I look forward to building on this progress and continuing to work closely with students in the new year. Wishing you all a restful break and a positive start to Term 2!

Shayaike Hassan

Epsom Students' Union President 2025/26

Meet Shayaike, President Epsom 2025/26!

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 10:19:28 +0100

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.