RGSU International Student Survey Launch

Emina and Nico at the House of Lords dressed in formal attire

We are excited to have represented Imperial College Union at the Russell Group Students’ Union’s (RGSU’s) International Student Survey Launch last Wednesday at the House of Lords, an event supported by the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

The report presented the main challenges encountered by international students from Russell Group Universities across the UK, reflecting national trends as well as issues we know our Imperial international student community isn’t a stranger to.

Many of the report’s recommendations align closely with the ICU’s ongoing work over the past year, specifically around accommodation and increasing UKRI’s London allowance. With the recent White Paper release just last week, proposing, among other changes, a six-month reduction to the graduate visa, this report is a timely call to action for institutions to better support their international students.

We believe that supporting international student mobility and access to accommodation through governmental and university-wide policies is essential not just for the wellbeing of International students’ experience, but for our entire student body.

We are keen to work with the University on practical measures such as an accredited good landlords scheme to achieve this. There are also broader, long-term proposals, such as freezing tuition fees at the point of entry for international students, which while challenging to implement, would bring much-needed stability.

International students are not just part of the UK academic community, but essential contributors to it. Our universities would not be the same without the research, perspectives and vibrancy they bring to campus life. This makes it all the more important to ensure that they are equipped with the right tools and support for them to thrive in our spaces.

It was encouraging to stand alongside other SU reps from across the country and hear a collective call to action on such widespread concerns. We are looking forward to playing an active role in this work during our terms at the Union.

Finally, even if this might not affect you directly, it likely affects someone you study or work with. Take a moment to read the report, send it to your MP, and hold elected people in power—and us—accountable.

Got a question about this? We're always happy to chat! Get in touch with us...

Emina, Deputy President (Education) - dpe@imperial.ac.uk

Nico, Deputy President (Welfare) - dpw@imperial.ac.uk