Shakshi Gupta
su-vplip@qmul.ac.uk
Tell us a bit about yourself, your role and your time at Queen Mary
Hi everyone, I’m Shakshi. I completed my undergraduate law degree in India, where I am also enrolled as an advocate. I came to Queen Mary to pursue my master's degree in international business law, which I will complete in September.
I have always been an active and curious student. I love exploring new things, learning from different people, and taking up opportunities that allow me to grow. I am naturally friendly and talkative, so I am always happy to have a conversation with anyone who comes up to me. My friends are a very important part of my life, and I always try to be there for them whenever they need me.
Outside of university, I enjoy cooking, particularly vegetarian food. I often cook for myself, but I love cooking for my friends even more. I also love coffee, having good conversations and finding reasons to stay positive. One slightly unusual thing about me is that I try not to stress too much. I believe that approaching difficult situations calmly often makes them easier to manage.
As Vice President for Liberation and International Postgraduate Students, I want to make students’ lives easier and ensure that they feel supported, heard and represented. I encourage every student to take the opportunities that come their way, because sometimes an unexpected opportunity can lead you exactly where you are meant to be.
My semesters at Queen Mary were academically demanding, so much of my time was spent on coursework. However, whenever I had free time, I spent it with the wonderful friends I made here. Some of my best memories are simply of us sitting together, talking, laughing and taking a break from university life.
I am always open to conversations, so students should feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns, or ideas.
Favourite spot on any of our campuses?
As a postgraduate law student, I spent much of my time at Queen Mary’s central London law campus. I love its location because you can step outside, walk around central London, explore the surrounding streets, and, most importantly, find a good cup of coffee.
At Mile End, my favourite places are the Student Social for relaxing with friends, the canal side on calm and sunny days, and the Ground Café whenever I need coffee.
If you could recommend one thing the Students’ Union has on offer for students to get involved in, what would it be?
I would definitely recommend joining one of the many societies offered by Queen Mary Students’ Union. Societies are a great way to meet people, explore new interests and develop your existing skills.
Whether you want to learn something completely new or improve a skill you already have, there is likely to be a society that suits you. Joining one can also make university feel less overwhelming, particularly when you are new and still finding your community.
I would also recommend using the Students’ Union gym. Regular exercise can make a real difference to your physical and mental wellbeing over time.
Top study tip?
Take notes during your classes and review them within the same week while the material is still fresh in your mind. Keep your notes organised by module and topic so that revision does not become overwhelming later.
Focus on genuinely understanding the concepts rather than simply memorising information. Make sure you cover the entire syllabus and do not ignore topics just because they initially seem difficult. You can also use approved digital tools and academic resources to simplify complicated ideas, provided that you follow the university’s academic-integrity guidance.
Most importantly, do not panic. Prepare consistently, trust the work you have done and go into your exam ready to give it your best.
Tell us about a hobby you do and why you love it
I love reading novels and writing poetry. Reading gives me both knowledge and entertainment, while also allowing me to explore different perspectives, cultures and ideas. It improves the way I think, gives me interesting topics to discuss with others and helps me express myself more precisely.
I love writing poetry because it gives me a creative way to process my emotions. Even after a difficult day, I can put everything I am feeling onto paper: what happened, how it affected me and what I learned from it. Poetry allows me to turn complicated feelings into something meaningful and, occasionally, something that sounds much fancier than the original problem!
What’s one thing at Queen Mary that you couldn’t live without?
The friends I made at Queen Mary have been the most important part of my experience. I could probably live without them, technically, but I certainly would not want to!
They have supported me through stressful periods, celebrated the good moments with me and made everyday university life much more enjoyable. And, on a more practical level, I also could not live without good food.
What’s your ideal day out in London?
My ideal day in London would begin with a dance class in the morning, followed by a good cup of coffee. I would then spend some time walking around and exploring a part of the city that I had not properly seen before.
Later, I would try a new restaurant or cuisine, because discovering new food is always one of my favourite parts of being in London. I would probably end the day with my friends and a nice cocktail.
What’s a piece of advice you’d give to students?
Try not to let stress control your university experience. I know that saying “do not stress” is much easier than actually doing it, but learning to approach situations calmly can genuinely change the way you deal with challenges.
Do not overthink every setback or uncertainty. Focus on what you can control, work consistently towards what you want and allow the rest to unfold in its own time. Being calm does not mean that you do not care; it means that you are protecting your energy so that you can respond more effectively.
Whenever things begin to feel too heavy, speak to someone you trust. When talking feels difficult, journaling can also help. Write freely without worrying about grammar, structure or how it sounds. Queen Mary also provides wellbeing and support services, and there is no shame in using them when you need help.
If you could have one superhero power, what would it be?
My superpower would be the ability to make anything I imagine possible. I would use it to remove unnecessary barriers, create opportunities and turn positive ideas into reality for myself and for the people around me.
What are you looking forward to most this year?
I am most looking forward to working for the betterment of students. As an international student, I have personally experienced uncertainty, practical difficulties and situations where it was not immediately clear where to seek help.
I want to make that experience easier for others. Students should know whom to approach, feel comfortable asking questions and receive support without having to struggle through complicated systems alone.
I want to ensure that international and postgraduate students feel heard, represented and included in the Queen Mary community. Even if I cannot resolve every problem immediately, I want students to know that they have someone who will listen, guide them and genuinely try to help.
View my manifesto