Photo of Marcus Tan

Marcus Tan

Malaysian: Welfare Officer

Motivation
During the first few weeks of arriving in the UK, I remember feeling incredibly lonely and overwhelmed. Joining ICUMS and being a part of MNight gave me new people and a family, a home away from home. Ever since, I have been inspired to keep the closeness within the community and aim to make sure nobody ever feels alone and has access to support at all times.

Freshers Camp
I would keep the fresher’s camp, and the offer-holder’s online meeting. However I feel more can be done.

  • Focus on Lifestyle Changes
    • The previous welfare officer provided freshers with information on ICUMS sponsors and UK student bodies. But we should also include more “adulting” information:
      • How to register for a NHS GP
      • Advice from seniors of the same courses by group chats
      • Guide on accomodation halls and second year housing

Well-being Events
- Musicals and Plays
- Outings like picnics, Winter Wonderland during Christmas, potlucks, Amazing Race, London Zoo visit
- Exam care packages

  • Smaller, low pressure socials
    • Coffee Runs: 1 senior with 3-4 freshers with casual chats
    • Board games for people who find high-energy events draining
  • Free Dinners
    • Provided at South Kensington campus

Induction activities
Freshers can sign up to randomly be given a senior (that also signs up for this) to "perform" to (e.g. dance, sing, etc.) and hang out with after. The event would be at a certain place (e.g. Beit hall) where people can watch. This would incentivise junior-senior bonding and friendships across different years and make for a fun event.