Earlier this month, your Students' Union (SU) officers, along with our Chief Executive, had the opportunity to meet with Worcester's newly elected Member of Parliament, Tom Collins (Labour).
It was a productive and positive discussion, focusing on a range of issues that directly impact your experience as students here at the University of Worcester. We raised concerns about the potential rise in tuition fees for home students, and how this could affect the accessibility and affordability of higher education. Tom listened attentively to our concerns and was interested in understanding more about the financial pressures that students face.
We also addressed the challenges that international students encounter when it comes to housing. Issues like finding suitable accommodation and meeting guarantor requirements can often be significant barriers for international students, making their time here more stressful than it should be. Tom acknowledged these concerns and expressed an openness to exploring possible solutions that could make housing more accessible and affordable. This was particularly encouraging, as it reflects a shared goal of ensuring that all students feel welcome and supported while studying in Worcester.
Another important topic we discussed was the Graduate Route visa, which allows international students to remain in the UK and work for two years after completing their degrees. While this presents a valuable opportunity for graduates to gain work experience, we highlighted the need for better support and guidance to help students navigate this process. Tom showed enthusiasm about the idea of helping international graduates stay connected to the local economy, recognizing the benefits this brings not only to the students but to the community as well.
Overall, it was a highly engaging and collaborative conversation. One of the most encouraging aspects of our meeting was Tom's openness and willingness to listen. He was honest about the challenges that lie ahead, but he made it clear that he is keen to work with the SU to address these issues. He emphasised the importance of gathering student feedback to gain a better understanding of the student experiences, and he is eager to continue this dialogue. This means your opinions, voices, and experiences are crucial in shaping the work that will be done in the future.
We are excited about the potential for further collaboration and will keep you updated on our progress.
Ruttuja Mane,
SU President