Everything we do as a students’ association is about improving the student experience. In my opinion, one of the most valuable aspects of the student experience is taking part in student organised activity. You learn new skills, meet new people and have some of the best fun you can have at university. The debate about the value of a university degree is growing and employers are looking for people to have more on their CV’s than just a good degree.

With this in mind, HWUSA is looking to provide more opportunities for our students to get involved in volunteering. Whether that be with the Students’ Association, in the local community or further afield. We launched our "Target 50" campaign during freshers’ week where we aim to have 50% of our students volunteering in some way, shape or form.

Unfortunately students these days have more pressures on their time than just their academic studies. Many Heriot-Watt students are forced to work part-time to subsidise their student loans. Adequate student funding is a huge problem and desperately needs to be addressed. The poverty line in Scotland is £7000, yet the maximum financial support a student from the lowest income bracket (a family that earns under £18,820) can receive is £4510. This is absolutely unacceptable. It forces students to use their overdrafts, credit cards and work long hours. This not only reduces the hours they can study but prevents them from getting involved in student activity and gaining valuable points for their CV. University is an opportunity that everyone deserves to enjoy fully and they should not be prevented by their financial situation. HWUSA is joining NUS Scotland and Students’ Associations around the country in lobbying the government on this issue.

On top of all these financial pressures, the government is currently looking to introduce a local income tax. Those students that work over approx. 20 hours will be taxed under the new system, hitting the poorest students the hardest. For every £5 a student is taxed, they will have to work an extra hour to make up for it. That’s an extra hour taken away from their studies and an extra hour taken away from enjoying other aspects of the student experience.

Heriot-Watt University faces a number of challenges in particular this year. We have just moved to a semester system and there are a lot of adjustments to be made. Our Vice-President of Education and Welfare, Louise Moncrieff, and all our School Officers will be working very hard to make sure this change brings real benefits to our students.

Finally, I will also be campaigning on environmental issues, something I feel particularly passionate about. Heriot-Watt launched its new strategic plan last year, with 3 of its 5 key themes linking directly to environmental issues. Embarrassingly, Heriot-Watt came a measley 67th in the People & Planet Green League this year, only managing to attain a 2:2 classification: "Must try harder." The University seriously needs to address its environmental practices if it can legitimately advertise courses in these areas to prospective students.