Urwa Shirazi

Urwa Shirazi 

Candidate for Vice President - Humanities & Social Sciences

Why I’m running

Humanities and Social Sciences students ask the biggest questions about society, politics, culture, and the world around us.

But too often, students feel disconnected from decisions that affect their academic experience.

Feedback can feel like it disappears. Opportunities can feel difficult to navigate. And sometimes the systems meant to support students feel unclear.

As a law student, I’ve learned how important it is to question systems, represent people’s interests, and hold institutions accountable.

That’s why I’m running: to make sure Humanities & Social Sciences students are heard, supported, and properly represented.

My priorities

Making student voices count

Students should feel confident that their concerns are taken seriously.

Queen Mary already has course reps and feedback channels, but many students still feel their voices don’t lead to real change.

I want to strengthen communication between students, course representatives, and faculty leadership so that feedback leads to visible action and accountability.

Representation should mean more than just meetings, it should mean results.

Stronger academic support

University should challenge us, but it shouldn’t leave students unsure of where they stand.

Clear expectations around assessments, better feedback, and accessible academic support can make a real difference to student confidence and success.

I want to work with departments to ensure students feel supported throughout their studies and understand what is expected of them academically.

Connecting degrees to careers

Many Humanities and Social Sciences students worry about what comes after graduation.

Queen Mary offers excellent careers services and opportunities, but students don’t always feel confident navigating them.

I want to help strengthen connections between students, alumni, and employers so that HSS students feel prepared and confident about their future.

Strengthening the HSS student community

Humanities and Social Sciences students come from many disciplines; law, politics, economics, business, arts, and more.

We should feel like part of a strong academic community.

I want to support initiatives that encourage collaboration across societies, departments, and student groups so that students can connect, share ideas, and learn from each other.

What I bring

As a law student, I understand the importance of representation, accountability, and clear communication.

I believe student representatives should be approachable, proactive, and committed to listening.

If elected, I will work to ensure Humanities and Social Sciences students feel:

heard in decisions

supported in their studies

and confident about their future.