President

Vishwajeet Singh Deora

su-president@qmul.ac.uk

Tell us a bit about yourself, your role and your time at Queen Mary

Hi everyone, I'm Vishwajeet (Vish) Singh Deora, your Queen Mary Students' Union President. I'm originally from Rajasthan, India and moved to the UK in 2022, starting out on a foundation year before going on to study BSc Geography and Business. Before QM, I was at boarding school, which is probably where my love of getting stuck into campus life and community first started! During my degree I was a Course Rep, a Student Ambassador for the School of Geography, and a Uni Buddy Ambassador, and I was also actively involved with the Business Society. Outside of all that, you'll usually find me on a football pitch or a padel court, or just out socialising with friends. I genuinely believe some of the best ideas and friendships happen outside the lecture hall. All of that experience is what pushed me to run for President, and I couldn't be more excited to be starting this year in the role.

Favourite spot on any of our campuses?

Geography Square, hands down. It's where I spent so much time during my degree, and it's always been a place that gives me a real sense of strength and peace whether I needed a quiet moment between lectures or a spot to catch up with course mates.

If you could recommend one thing the Students’ Union has on offer for students to get involved in, what would it be?

Get involved in as many societies as you can! It's the fastest way to find your people and try things you'd never normally get the chance to. And don't sleep on the Careers service either pop in for advice throughout the year, not just when you're panicking in final year.

Top study tip?

Education is a tool for change, so whatever field you're in, find the biggest challenge in it and think about how you'd solve it. Coming at your studies with a problem-solving mindset is what turns information into real learning.

Tell us about a hobby you do and why you love it?

I love to paint it's my way of switching off and letting my mind wander when everything else feels fast-paced. On the flip side, I'm also always out playing football and padel, which give me the exact opposite: fast, competitive energy and a great way to stay close with friends. Between the two, I've got a nice balance of calm and chaos!

What’s one thing at Queen Mary that you couldn’t live without? ?

My peers and the food and drinks we share along the way. Some of my favourite QM memories have just been sitting around a table with people I care about.

What’s your ideal day out in London?

An ideal day starts with brunch in Mayfair and doesn't really have an end time, just good food, good company, and drinks whenever the moment feels right.

What’s a piece of advice you’d give students?

Reach out to people, talk, and don't be afraid to put yourself out there. And remember your President is always available, so come and talk to me about anything, big or small. Get involved, soak up everything uni life has to offer, and make as many friends as you can, because this time really doesn't come back.

If you could have one superhero power, what would it be?

Super speed, mostly so I could get from Mile End to the SU building in about two seconds flat and never be "just five minutes away" again.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

Making sure this year the SU feels like it's actually made for you, not just something happening around you. Let's make it a good one.