Ethan Chiu

Ethan Chiu: A future for UoS. A future for SUSU. 

I've been at Southampton for three years and so have come to understand the concerns of students here: two terms as a student senator, scrutinising the actions and policies of our elected Presidents, and President of the Politics and International Relations department, working to improve the relationship between students and the university, shows me that SUSU needs improving more than ever. Therefore, I am putting myself forward to be your Student Union President. 

Pubs should be at the heart of any student community. The changes to Stags and the loss of The Stile has meant that students have increasingly fewer options close to our University hub. The Stags is now more akin to a cheap cafe than a pub, and therefore we should promote a new, 'traditional' drinking environment. This would promote a way for new students to meet and create a sense of community at our University. This needn't be expensive: a couple of taps and glasses, and we would be able to create a great student vibe. 

The current price of campus produce is of increasing concern. The prices in the SUSU shop are extortionate, especially given the current cost of living crisis. I would bring back deals such as the coffee and pastry for £2 and affordable meal deals to ensure that students utilise this brilliant asset. The external traders who set up on Redbrick are also charging students unreasonable prices, and so I would create a 'blacklist' of such traders: if they are found to be unreasonable, they will not return. 

The safety of our female peers whilst they're out and about in the City is one of my major concerns. Those at the council who decided to turn off our streetlights and said it would not have an impact on women's safety in our city were wrong: they are less safe, and at a greater risk when out at night. I would communicate robustly with the 'Labour'-run council to ensure that the concerns of students are known: we should never take any risk when it comes to the safety of our student body. 

Concerned about the direction of SUSU student social events, I will run a non-compulsory survey every semester to see what events students want and get events that students really want. I will also introduce more free events in SUSU buildings and utilise our assets across all our campuses. 

Another important issue for students presently is the cost of living crisis. I would ensure that students have sufficient access to support and guidance to develop long-term financial skills. I know it can be tricky to budget as a student, so SUSU should be front and centre at providing this support. Under my Presidency students will have access to outstanding, long-term support, to see them from University, into working lives and beyond. 

My plan to improve Southampton's student community is simple yet effective. I hope to earn your vote later this term.