Tahmid Khan
su-vpwelfare@qmul.ac.uk
Tell us a bit about yourself, your role and your time at Queen Mary
I am an Aerospace Engineering student, and this year will be my fourth at Queen Mary. Prior to coming to QMUL, I undertook a foundation year at Swansea University, where I became the VP of the Islamic Society. Although I was a little thrown in the deep end by the role, it was a great introduction into the (often perplexing) world of student representation.
My first experience with QMSU was as an NUS Delegate, submitting a policy to the NUS National Conference on improving university timetabling practices. I then became a Student Trustee, where I saw first-hand the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on the Union and our student community. This led me to run to be your Vice-President Welfare.
Favourite spot on any of our campuses?
The Multi-Faith Centre (MFC) in the Students’ Union Building is my go-to. When exam stress is building up and your coursework group has become unresponsive, the MFC is a really nice space to rest, pray and think.
If you could recommend one thing the Students’ Union has on offer for students to get involved in, what would it be?
Join a society (or many)! QMSU has loads and they’re a great space to make friends, build skills or to just have fun.
Top study tip?
Make a plan! Even if it’s 48 hours to your coursework deadline, do it. Breaking down your project into small achievable tasks lets you process things quicker. Spending an hour planning is better than wasting several hours panicking.
Tell us about a hobby you do and why you love it
Coin-collecting. Coins tell us the story of nations, show the extent of their power (or lack thereof), and explain the journey of their people. My favourite coin in my collection is a Danish 5 Kroner coin, mainly because it has a hole in the middle of it.
What’s one thing at Queen Mary that you couldn’t live without?
Can I say the MFC (Multi-Faith Centre) again?
What’s your ideal day out in London?
Erm, I’m more of an indoorsy person so this question is a bit of a struggle to answer. Grabbing food* with friends after Friday Prayer is good vibes though.
*food typically being the local cuisine, PFC.
What’s a piece of advice you’d give to students?
Take regular walks. As with most of you, I spent much of my degree sitting in a chair staring into a screen, losing all concept of time. I found that a quick walk helps to refresh the mind and allows you to think more clearly.
If you could have one superhero power, what would it be?
Teleportation, although a surprisingly high number of my predecessors mention mind-reading… But they knew I would say that.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
I’m really excited about working with our amazing SU staff on new policy ideas!
View my manifesto