Diya Johar - Vice President Communities

An AI chatbot to help you find  your society based on your interests.

There are 200+ societies at Southampton, each catering to different hobbies,passions and interest, but finding the right one can be overwhelming. To make this easier, I want to introduce an AI-powered chatbot that takes your interests and hobbies as input and recommends the best societies for you. This will help students connect with like-minded people, discover new opportunities, and make the most of their university experience. 

More funding  for socities 

I will work to secure more funding for societies by advocating for increased SUSU grants, developing sponsorship opportunities, and making university resources more accessible. Every society should have the financial support they need to grow and thrive.

Helping students with their hosuing needs 

Many students struggle with housing issues, including high rent, hidden fees, poor living conditions, unresponsive landlords, and a lack of clear guidance on tenant rights. These challenges make finding safe and affordable accommodation stressful, especially for those new to renting.I will  work to strengthen university partnerships with local landlords and agencies to ensure fair rental agreements and better living conditions. Additionally, I will advocate for greater transparency in housing costs and legal protections, ensuring students have the knowledge and support they need to secure safe, affordable accommodation.

More engagement and representation for socities 

Societies are at the heart of student life, and I want to ensure they receive the recognition, support, and platform they deserve. I will work to increase society engagement by providing more opportunities for them to showcase their work through university-wide events, cross-society collaborations, and stronger digital promotion. To ensure societies have a greater voice in decision-making, I will advocate for their needs in key university and SUSU discussions, making sure their concerns and ideas are heard. By establishing regular feedback channels and enhancing direct support, I will create a more connected and engaged community where societies can thrive and make an even bigger impact. 

More events and activities for the students!

I want to create more events and activities that bring students together, enhance society engagement, and make university life more exciting. This includes bigger, more inclusive society fairs, cross-society collaborations, and themed festivals that celebrate different cultures, talents, and interests. I will also push for more interactive, student-led events, such as networking sessions, skill-building workshops, and fun social gatherings. By making events more accessible, frequent, and engaging, I will ensure that every student has the opportunity to connect, participate, and make the most of their university experience.

Many societies take part in competitions and events beyond campus. I want to help societies represent Southampton at a bigger level, ensuring they have the resources to showcase their talents and achievements on a bigger stage.

Societies need a dedicated space to plan, collaborate, and grow. I want to create a Society Hub—a space where societies can hold meetings, network, and organize activities more easily.