I’m Dhan the Union President, I started off as an academic rep and then I was a faculty rep and an NUS Delegate, I ran because students in Aberystwyth have been telling me for years what they like about their time here and what could be improved. My priorities strongly align with what the student body needs and wants from their University and Union.
I just graduated from the Faculty of Business and Physical Sciences with a joint honours degree in BSc Business Management with Computer Science. I love watersports, go out pretty regularly, love playing video games, watching Netflix and I order take away a lot.
What would be your top 3 tips for any new students starting at Aberystwyth in September?
1. Get to know people: Everyone in Aber is friendly and students here are all in the same boat so don’t be shy and just talk to people. Join societies and take part in sports clubs, go to the socials, go to events, have a laugh and make the most of it!
2. Get some good shoes: You should definitely attend as many lectures as possible and do things on campus and in town, so you’ll probably end up walking a lot, BE PREPARED, Aber is full of hills so get some decent boots or shoes and your feet will thank you.
3. Get some supplies: Stock up on things like dry foods, canned stuff and frozen stuff; makes it easy to have quick meals when you’re in a rush. Also don’t forget about washing up liquid, toilet paper and bin bags, avoid being stuck with no loo roll in the house when you need it.
What are some causes you care about?
I care a lot about the environment; that’s why I’d like to see us truly be a plastic free university. I’d like to see compost bins on campus and I’d like the Uni and Union to adopt a bike to work scheme for staff and students. We’re working on making the University reduce the amount of palm oil products it uses and to avoid palm oil entirely.
I’m passionate about student welfare; I think student income is not high enough and I want to help improve things for students, like improving the quality of their accommodation or getting rid of the cost of circuit laundry. I think too many students end up maxing out their overdraft and that’s a lot of stress to deal with.
If you could change one thing at Aberystwyth University, what would it be?
I’d increase funding for societies and clubs, so that they can afford to hold events or go on trips or get better equipment. The university experience is about more than just studying. So I’d support that as well as providing better services through the union for mental health support and wellbeing.
Choose three words that best describe you.
Calm. Reasonable. Fun.
What is your favourite meal?
Lasagne. Plenty of cheese.
Do you have any hobbies or interests?
Play instruments and make music for fun. I like going kayaking, sailing or rowing when I can. Love watching rugby and football and playing it when I get the chance. I’m interested in other cultures and languages and I like to travel.
What is your favourite Aberystwyth hangout?
Academy is pretty good for watching football or rugby. Coffee #1 is a great place to chill. Sophie’s for breakfast.
Name a favourite place you have visited and why.
New York is my favourite city, it feels alive and buzzing and there’s so much to see and do and there’s always something happening. Its been amazing every time I’ve been.
But the best place I’ve gone to just escape and relax is Sweden. It’s beautiful and so chill.
If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?
Teleportation. Also to be able to stop time.