Published: 3 September 2024
Brimming with enthusiasm for the year ahead and a real desire to enhance student engagement, we speak to new London Students’ Union President, Felicia Udofia, who commenced her term on 1 July.
Even before joining the MSc International Business Management course at the University of Sunderland in London (UoSiL), in December 2022, Felicia was already supporting students. This included setting up an information and practical support group for fellow Nigerian students who, like her, were about to take the next step forward in their educational journey by studying in London.
“I wanted to help people, be selfless, and live up to the meaning of my name – Happiness; to make people ‘happy.’,” explains Felicia.
As a course representative and then member of the SU Crew, Felicia’s talents in engagement and understanding the needs and concerns of students were quickly noticed. With Katherine Cooper, Students’ Union CEO, - having only then just met Felicia - encouraging her to think about standing for London SU President.
“People believed in me, and I received a lot of encouragement from fellow students. I could not let them down, so I built upon that, and things then just fell into place.”
A strong base for success
Settling into her first week as President, Felicia explains how having the expectations of the thousands of students of many nationalities, who have entrusted her to represent and speak for them, is rather daunting.
Felicia’s ambitious plan for the year ahead, though, provides a strong base for success. Key themes include enhancing the partnership between the University and the Students’ Union, improving one-to-one student support, and developing post-graduation student resources and networking opportunities.
Her term as President will also include the opening of the university’s new campus building, in early 2025. “The move to the new Harbour Exchange campus will mean more space, more possibilities for students, and increased ownership and pride in studying at UoSiL.”
‘A University that gives back to students’
Reflecting on her studying experience at UoSiL, Felicia explains how the location, resources, and academic staff made for an excellent combination.
“Being right beside Canary Wharf, UoSiL is in an amazing, inspiring, and motivational location. The lecturers, including Dr Manesha Peiris, were engaging, and provided excellent feedback – they really opened my eyes across a range of subject areas covered during my MSc International Business Management course.”
“With a broad range of easy-to-access welfare and employability skills resources on offer as well, UoSiL really is university that gives back to students.”.