SU elections 2025: Who could be your next International Students' Officer?

By Matilda Adesina, Second Year, Politics and International Relations

With this year's SU election well underway, let's take a look at the whopping fifteen candidates are running for the role of International Students' Officer.

The SU International Students' Officer ensures that international students are represented by the University's education and professional services. They support and collaborate with member-led groups and student leaders to champion issues related to international students. In this work, they engage closely with the International Office, other Full-time Officers and Student Community Organisers to ensure that international members have a positive experience at university.

The role is currently held by Bakhtawar Javed, who is not re-running this year. In her tenure, she has prioritised student visas, housing, the cost of living, community and belonging for international students.

But with Javed gone, who is in the running this year?

Aadesh Yadav

Yadav is a postgraduate Data Science student. His proposals include:

Using firsthand experience to expand peer mentorship program, simplifying pre-arrival information and surviving Bristol workshops
Building on inclusion to combat loneliness and celebrate diversity
Academic fairness for non-native English speakers

Bhumika Vaswara

Vaswara is a postgraduate student studying Economics with Data Science. Aside from this, little information is available on her campaign.

Ani Lacy

Lacy is an Art History PhD student. Their proposals include:

Using their own experience as a student understand others' experiences in navigating the academic system, finances and finding belonging in a new country.
Making sure that international students ‘receive the support, resources and recognition they deserve’.

Eman Salim

Salim is a postgraduate Law student. Her proposals include:

Introducing tailored career guidance in collaboration with the Careers Service
Creating a central and accessible walk-in hub for international students
Focussing on community and events that can help integrate international students into the Bristol community.

Jessie Yeung

Yeung is a Biology student. Her proposals include:

Implementing visa support before, during and after university
Engaging with 'real’ financial support through Think Big and other bursaries
Helping soothe homesickness through more free cultural activities and specialised support.

Jingyuan Du

Du is a final year Marketing student. Her proposals include:

Using her experiences as a peer mentor, SU officer and society member to connect with international students
Advocating for international students through enhancing mentorship and improving communication between students and support services
Using her passion for inclusion to create a ‘supportive, diverse and inclusive environment’.

Keneilwe Tlholoe

Tlholoe is an International Relations student. Her proposals include:

Integrating international students into the Bristol community
Ensuring all needs are met from academics to accommodation and wellbeing
Aiming for students to walk away with a holistic and fulfilling experience.

Kinjala Wala

Wala is a postgraduate Business Analytics student. Her proposals include:

Using experiences as a Course Representative, Postgraduate Ambassador and Think Big Scholar to bridge the gap between international students and the university
Familiarising people with opportunities, events and resources so they can ‘thrive academically, socially and professionally’.

Mariam Asim

Asim is a postgraduate International Development Student. Her proposals include:

Creating a supportive environment for international students
Introducing loyalty cards and discounted off-peak meals
Expanding B:Active and other subsidised sports memberships
Increasing contact hours and enforcing quicker academic feedback.

Rani (Wanqi Ling)

Rani is a PhD Education student. Her proposals include:

Using her experience of living in different regions of the UK to understand the challenges that international students face and offer support
Using her passion and resourcefulness, from food to travel, to enhance student life
Connecting, guiding and creating a welcoming community through friendliness and supportiveness.

Selina Lan Weng Hei

Weng Hei Lam is a postgraduate Sociology student. Her proposals include:

Championing inclusiveness for international students and campaigning against discrimination
Using collaboration, advocacy and proactive problem solving to ensure every international student feels valued, supported and empowered.

Sonal Agarwal

Agarwal is a postgraduate Data Science student. Her proposals include:

Tackling visa, financial, housing and employment issues, whilst supporting smoother transitions and a voice for international students in policies and student services
Fostering initiatives that promote cultural integration, diversity and connections (between domestic and international students), whilst standing against discrimination
Tailoring resources to address homesickness and academic pressures so that international students can thrive.

Thrisha Rajkumar

Rajkumar is a postgraduate Data Science student. Her proposals include:

Making sure that international students’ voices are heard and acting as a conduit to address people’s challenges
Collaborating with the International Office and other officers to ensure accessible and engaging activities
Prioritising people’s experiences in Union decision making.

Yuvraj Singh Sisodiya

Singh Sisodiya is a postraduate Marketing student. His proposals include:

Making the visa process clearer and supporting students with accessible information and resources
Ensuring housing options are fair and affordable and provide stronger support systems for job seeking
Championing cultural initiatives and networking events to help international students connect, share experiences and grow.

Zeina Al-Amad