One term down, and what a term it’s been.
Hi everyone,
When I began this role, I had strong ambitions for change. Thanks to your feedback, engagement, student assemblies, and over 700,000 views on our Instagram content, the priorities are now clearer than ever, and so is the direction AUBSU will take next.
What’s Coming Next: Campaigns for Term 2
These are the big pieces of work I’ll be launching next term, based on what you told me matters:
1, Financial Transparency & Campus Hours
“Where does your £££ go?” I’m working with Chief Financial and Operating Officer, Mehjabeen and the Vice-Chancellor to make AUB’s spending easier to understand, for everyone. Expect clear, visual breakdowns of AUB’s income, spending, and course costs up on billboards! I’ve also received continued feedback on campus opening hours, particularly regarding access to studios and workshops, and we’re seeking creative, balanced solutions.
2, Student Rights, Explained
I’ve also been reading Wonkhe, OIA and Office for Students guidance, so I can translate your student rights & consumer rights into plain language. I’m preparing a “Know Your Rights” series. From housing and renters’ rights to course quality expectations, complaint routes, academic and well-being support entitlements, and the basics of consumer law, you’ll soon start seeing this information in infographics, zines, and creative exhibitions (yes, you’ll help shape these).
3, AI Conversations
AI is shaping your learning, your careers, and your creative practice. This term, I’ve been opening conversations with SLT, industry guests and you about what “acceptable AI use” really means right now. From academic misconduct worries, to whether AI is stealing jobs or creating new ones, to cultural bias, future skills, and even environmental, “Is AI just plastic?”, we’re building a space where the discussion is honest, accessible and student-led.
4, International Student Safety & Belonging
I’ve tried to listen closely to international students this term. The stories about favouritism, housing struggles, racism, visa stress, feeling unsafe or isolated. These concerns are real, and they’re urgent. Next term, we’ll be launching targeted campaigns focused on safety, belonging initiatives, clearer escalation routes, and more community-led cultural events that genuinely reflect who you are.
What We’ve Launched this Term
This term has been all about showing up for students. We visited Home Park, Madeira Road and FAD halls to meet students directly and hear what their first weeks were really like. We also helped students secure paid creative gigs through collaborations with BU and other external charities, opening more doors for student talent.
SEEGULL Magazine (Issue 2)
Our student-led magazine is officially back. The new team has been formed, and empowered, entirely shaped by their voices and creativity.
Have a Brew with the SU
We’ve done two of these already! Get a free drink and chat to us. Let us know any feedback you have, something you’d like to see happen, or just come hear about what your SU is up to.
16 Days of Activism Exhibition
Supported Soroptimist International Bournemouth in their exhibition on anti-violence campaign by designing materials and attending the exhibition alongside influential community leaders.
Cost of Living Support
Our Student Pantry continues to run, restocked every 6–8 weeks and our Cost of Living Fair for more free resources to access.
Community Celebrations
We’ve amplified cultural events that come directly from your ideas. From Diwali Celebrations with AUB International and Henna Society, the Christmas Santa Express is reaching your homes and promoting Hanukkah celebrations.
Freshers’ Week 2025
We launched two new signature events: Slay the Stage, our Freshers of the Year Awards, and Tipsy Life Drawing, which sold out completely. Freshers set the tone for the year, putting student groups, clubs and societies at the heart of it, full of energy, creativity and real community. A huge highlight for me was designing the entire Freshers’ campaign: from the editorial guide, posters, calendars, and the experience.
Leadership, Training & Personal Growth
1. SOS-UK Lead and Change + Ethical Finance
These sessions strengthened my leadership on ethical decision-making and financial transparency, helping align AUBSU’s actions with sustainability and student values, while connecting with other SU Presidents and officers across the UK.
2. Wellbeing & Self-Assessment with Steve Coole
This training improved my self-awareness and resilience, helping me lead with empathy and represent student voices effectively, while also strengthening my working relationship with Amelia as we built our SU working agreement.
3. Chair & Trustee Board Training with Nick Smith
Equipped me with strong governance and leadership skills, helping me confidently chair the Trustee Board and structure meetings effectively, keeping discussions engaging and student-focused.
Partnerships & Advocacy
We’ve set termly meetings with Jessica Toale MP (Labour, Bournemouth West), and when we met this term, we discussed student housing and renter rights, immigration and racism in Bournemouth and plans for a student roundtable at AUB around youth crime and safety and for her to answer questions from students.
Nationally, I joined GuildHE, where I was selected as Co-Chair of the GuildHE Student Network, representing small and specialist creative universities in national policy conversations. Currently helping shape the GuildHE SU Handbook for national use.
Representing you
I sit across several university committees to make sure the student voice is always in the room:
• Board of Governors – presenting updates and representing student priorities.
• Academic Committee – discussing the quality of learning and teaching.
• Finance Committee – questioning how your £££ are spent.
• EDI Committee – ensuring equality and representation.
• Health & Safety Committee – focusing on student wellbeing, security and safeguarding.
I also represent you in working groups including:
• Curriculum Innovation Group,
• AI Working Group,
• Student Executive Working Group,
• Safeguarding Committee.
I constantly question systems, highlight overlooked perspectives, and push for accountability, because that’s what representation should be.
What’s Next
It’s been an intense but rewarding few months, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come already. Term 1 was about listening, understanding, and building foundations. Term 2 will be about action, transparency, and student power. I follow the student flow, and your concerns shape my priorities. If you ever want to chat, collaborate or raise an issue:
Email achotra@aub.ac.uk
DM @aubsu
