As a first-generation student, I entered university with ambition, but without a roadmap. While others seemed to understand how the system worked, I had to figure everything out myself: where to find support, how to study effectively, and who to turn to when things did not go as planned. That journey made one thing clear: the university offers a lot, but not everything is equally visible or accessible.
Even before joining the University Student Council, I could already see areas that needed improvement. For students who are the first in their families to attend university, the threshold is often higher. Not because we are less motivated, but because we are less familiar with the unwritten rules of academic life. That is exactly why it is essential that support is not only available, but also easy to find and understand.
Within the student council, I work to help bridge that gap. It starts with clear communication. What support is available? How can you access it? And when should you reach out? This kind of information should not feel like something students have to search for, but should be readily available and actively shared.
In addition, I have advocated for more study spaces on campus. For many students, it’s not a given that they have a quiet place to study at home or elsewhere. They rely on the university to be able to do their work. A shortage of study spaces directly affects academic performance and wellbeing, and therefore impacts equal opportunities.
What also gives me hope is the development we are seeing within student participation itself. In the most recent elections, we succeeded in attracting a more diverse group of students to the University Student Council. This is essential, as a representative council brings broader perspectives and leads to better policy.
For me personally, this involvement has also been a journey of growth. I started as a general council member and have since progressed to Coordinator of Education and Research. This role allows me to contribute more directly to the quality and accessibility of our education.
What drives me is the belief that the university should be there for all students. Equal opportunities are not about treating everyone the same, but about giving everyone what they need to succeed: ‘Equity over equality’.
By sharing these experiences, I hope to contribute to a university where everyone can find their way.