Term 2 has ended, and I honestly don’t think we’ve stopped for a second. It feels like we’ve done a lot, but also like there’s still so much more to do.
I’ve been busy, but not in a way that just looks good on paper. The kind of work that actually impacts you.
Let’s start with the big one
We went to the UK Parliament as part of national student campaigning on student loans.
And now there’s officially an inquiry into student loans.
That means the government is reviewing the system, and I’m currently working on submitting AUB students’ experiences directly to Parliament.
So if you’ve ever been confused, stressed, or just tired of how student finance works, this is your chance to shape it.
Here’s the survey: Student Loan Experiences: AUBSU Submission to Parliament – Fill out form
If you want to share your experience, please do. I’ll be using your responses to build our submission as a union.
Making money make sense
Behind the scenes, I’ve been working with the University’s CFO on financial transparency.
This is about making sure you can actually understand where your money is going, rather than it just being numbers that don’t mean anything.
This will finally be released in May with support from the university marketing team, so keep an eye out.
Cost of living and transport
You’ve been telling us that transport is expensive, unreliable, and frustrating.
We’ve been collecting your responses and taking them directly to Jessica Toale (MP) and MoreBus, pushing for change.
Here is the survey link: Student Transport Survey (Cost of Living) – Fill out form
The survey is open until 30 April. After that, I’ll be analysing the data and putting together a report with real student experiences, which will be shared with decision-makers.
This work is ongoing and not something we are dropping.
Your voice in decisions
We held our Student Assembly, where your ideas directly shape what we do next.
We are now planning the AGM, which is your opportunity to hold us accountable and be part of those decisions.
Student safety
On 8 May, we are bringing people into the same room to talk about student safety.
This includes your local MP, Dorset Police, and university representatives.
Your survey responses are shaping that conversation. I will be analysing them and building the agenda to make sure the concerns you raise are reflected clearly.
Here is the survey link: Student Safety in Bournemouth: What needs to Change? – Fill out form
The creative side
This has been one of the most creative periods so far.
I co-curated three exhibitions:
The International Collective Exhibition was one of the most meaningful projects. Seeing international students feel seen and valued through their work is exactly what this role should do.
The Enlightenment Exhibition in the church created a quieter, reflective space. It gave students a moment to pause and engage differently.
The Mascot Exhibition in the BUG Gallery brought a more playful energy and had a really positive response from students.
Creating opportunities
We have also been supporting Seegull Magazine, which is launching soon on 5th May.
We’ve connected students with Poole Museum for real opportunities.
We are also continuing conversations with the university around future campus changes. We will be bringing those conversations to you so you can be part of them.
This is about creating access, not just ideas.
And yes, some fun things too
But still based on what you’ve asked for.
We’ve launched a design competition for Market Day and Mini Market to give you more opportunities to create and see your work used.
Link to submit: AUBSU Market Branding Competition Submission – Fill out form
We are working on the Yard Party and Floral Festival, building something for the end of term that gives you a break from deadlines. You could also help in designing its branding by submitting a flower stamp.
Link to submit: Flower Stamp Submission 🌸 – Fill out form
I have also created a new AUBSU banner so we are more visible across campus. Keep your eye out for that!
And we are also exploring bringing back RAG, because many of you want to engage with social issues and give back beyond your course.
Representing you beyond AUB
We attended the Southern Union Conference, connecting with other Students’ Unions and sharing our work.
I also delivered a session on leadership and the AI referendum, focusing on how we handle disagreement and ensure student voice is still represented.
Link to our Instagram reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVtA1UljOoI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Representation matters
I also contributed to AUB press around the LGBTQ+ student community, which was a reminder of how important visibility and representation are within our university.
Link to the article: https://aub.ac.uk/latest/aub-has-highest-percentage-of-queer-students-in-england
So, where does that leave us
A mix of:
fighting for you nationally
pushing things internally
creating spaces for you
making sure your voice is heard
Not just within AUB, but in the rooms where decisions are made.
SOooo, if you’ve got ideas, frustrations, or just want to know what’s going on, come and talk to me.
Always open to it.
Aditi Chotra
Union President
achotra@aub.ac.uk
