VP Welfare

Ashpreet Kaur Tiwana

su-vpwelfare@qmul.ac.uk

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

Hi! I am Ashpreet Kaur Tiwana, but everyone calls me Ash, so you can too. I am incredibly excited to be your Vice-President Welfare this year. I came to Queen Mary from India in September 2022 as an 18-year-old international student with two suitcases, no family in London, and absolutely no idea what university life would be like. Like many students, especially those moving countries, I had to figure things out as I went along. Over the past four years, Queen Mary has helped me grow into someone I never imagined I could be.

I have always believed that the best way to make university feel like home is to get involved. During my time here, I worked across five different QMSU societies, founded and served as President of the Queen Mary Human Rights Society, became a Course Representative, and had the opportunity to support students in different capacities across campus. I also completed a placement year at the Government Legal Department, which taught me so much about communication, responsibility, and supporting people.

All of those experiences have shaped how I see this role. As your VP Welfare, I want every student to feel they belong here, to know they have someone who will listen, and to understand that their wellbeing matters just as much as their academic success. Whether you're having the best week of your life or a really difficult one, I want you to know that the Students' Union is here for you, and so am I.

Favourite spot on any of our campuses?

Ground Café (I promise I am not biased!) has always been one of my favourite places to sit, catch up with friends or get some work done. And if I really need to focus, you will almost always find me on the fourth floor of the library.

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

Societies, without a doubt.

Joining societies completely changed my university experience. They are one of the easiest ways to meet people, try something you have never done before, and build friendships that last long after graduation. Whether you are into sports, culture, volunteering, or something completely niche, there is genuinely something for everyone.

Top study tip?

Your approach should change as you move through university.

If you are in first year, don't put too much pressure on yourself. University is a huge adjustment, and it is okay to take your time settling in, making friends and finding a routine that works for you.

If you are in your final year... start studying early! Stay consistent throughout the semester instead of leaving everything until exam season. Trust me, in future you will be very grateful.

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

I absolutely love travelling. Last year, I somehow managed to be in a different country almost every month, and I loved every minute of it.

Travelling reminds me how much there is to learn from different people, cultures and places. Every trip teaches me something new, whether it is trying food I have never heard of, getting completely lost in a new city, or meeting people whose lives are so different from mine. It always leaves me feeling inspired.

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

Canalside.

Whether it is grabbing lunch with friends, catching up after lectures, or sitting outside with my laptop when the weather is nice, it has become one of those places that always makes campus feel a little more like home.

What’s your ideal day out in London?

Food hopping through central London, trying as many different places as possible, followed by a long walk through Hyde Park with an iced caramel matcha from Gail's in hand. That is pretty much my perfect day.

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

Make the most of your time here.

If you have moved away from home, especially if you are new to London, it can feel overwhelming at first. I completely understand, because that was me four years ago. I arrived as someone who was quite sheltered, knew very few people, and was not particularly confident speaking to strangers.

One of the best decisions I ever made was taking a part-time job at a café in Stratford during my first year. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, as I had no choice but to talk to new people every day. Looking back, that experience changed everything.

From there, I joined societies, became a Course Rep, founded the Human Rights Society, worked with an NGO, secured a placement at the Government Legal Department, made lifelong friends, and discovered opportunities I never thought I would have.

London slowly stopped feeling like somewhere I was studying and began to feel like home.

So, say yes to opportunities. Get involved. Explore the city while the sun shines. Meet new people. University is not just about getting a degree; it is about becoming the person you will be when you leave.

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

Teleportation.

As an international student, I wish I could go home anytime without concerns about flights, time, or distance. I also believe every international student should have this ability, because nothing compares to hugging your family whenever you miss them.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

I am most looking forward to meeting as many students as possible and making a real difference to their experience at Queen Mary.

Whether that is improving wellbeing support, creating more opportunities for students to connect with each other, or simply being someone people feel comfortable talking to, I want this year to have a positive impact. I am excited to listen, learn, and work alongside students to make Queen Mary an even better place for everyone.