Aishah Anjum

Hi, my name is Aishah and I’m a second-year medical student running for Working Class Officer!

Coming from a working-class background, I completely understand the feeling of alienation when surrounded by those from more privileged backgrounds, and the struggle of having my studies and mental health compromised by financial pressures. I also know that living in an expensive city like London makes things a lot harder, on top of the cost-of-living crisis and insufficient maintenance loans.

Having been on multiple society committees this year, plus serving as two representatives for the Horizons department last year, I’ve developed a wide range of skills including organising events, leadership, and investigating the needs of students via feedback. Using these experiences, I want to ensure that current and future Imperial students don't have to sacrifice opportunities, their mental health, nor academic success due to their financial situation.

If elected, I plan to achieve this through the following priorities:

• Increase awareness of financial support schemes e.g. bursaries, hardship funds, accomplishment groups.
• Implement further funding for course-related expenses e.g. textbooks and travel.
• Bridge the gap for career opportunities through a working-class alumni mentorship scheme, and advertise research opportunities and paid internships.
• Form a working-class and first-generation student network through Whatsapp, alongside social/informative events.
• Make society events and campus food prices more affordable.
• Sustain the actions of the previous Working Class Committee.

I’d love your vote so that we can create a much more accommodating environment for working-class and first-generation students.

Thank you!