News Editors at The Student sat down with several successful EUSA (Edinburgh University Students Association) candidates to discuss their plans for next year.
The first part of the interview considered the most challenging obstacles they would face to achieve their manifesto promises.
Kat, the Education Vice President, said the most significant obstacle would be “convincing the university that their money can be spent on students and not on Peter Madison’s heating bill.”
Ash, the EUSA President, agreed that finances would be an issue. They said this would make “investment” in students more difficult.
Newly elected Welfare VP, Syjil argued that the treatment of Scottish students and international students would be a priority in this climate.
John, the activities and services VP, said, “It’s always a battle for the Student Union and student representatives to argue to change things”, especially amidst budget cats. But, they added that they have “a crack team” that would seek to prioritise Scottish students.
Lobbying, effective advocacy, and representation are the tools EUSA have at their disposal.
Ash argued that reallocation and sustainable innovation was necessary when considering the student budget. They pointed out that the University wastes “a lot of food because it’s not getting eaten in… conferences.”
Syjil suggested that reprioritisation was also important. Students would have to be the “top priority”. With the University being the largest landowner in Edinburgh, “liquidating… assets” could be examined.
Kat highlighted her experience in dealing with bureaucracy from a young age. She said you must sometimes “plant yourself like a tree” to win.
The conversation then turned to how they would further the student body’s engagement in EUSA’s activities. Voter turnout has been a long-standing issue for EUSA, but EUSA representatives were optimistic that this year’s turnout had increased substantially.
John pointed out that campaigning was “reinvigorating” because it allowed them to let students know that someone represented them. Other representatives agreed.
Ash said this was especially important when considering other campuses. Students at the King’s Building and Easter Bush campuses often felt isolated because they were far from the central campus.
Syjil and Kat added that incentives like free breakfast massively increased student engagement.
Ash then argued that free breakfasts were helpful because, amidst the cost-of-living crisis, it was essential to let students know certain services were free and accessible.
The interview finished with a few headline shoutouts.
Katia wanted to express solidarity with the Eastern European societies.
John also wanted The Student to highlight that University of Edinburgh students can enjoy a free breakfast at Potterrow every Wednesday morning from 8 to 11 am.
“Old College of Edinburgh University” by Kim Traynor is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.