Building a community through events at Unite Students

This academic year, we’ve relaunched our Resident Ambassador programme. Being a Resident Ambassador gives students a paid opportunity to lead on events and help to build a vibrant community in their accommodation.

With the second term in full swing, we spoke to some of our Resident Ambassador Champions – who mentor the ambassadors – to find out more about some of the events that the ambassadors have run so far this academic year, and what they’ve got planned for the year ahead.

NEWCASTLE: Rob Smith (Service and Sales Advisor)

Q: What made you want to work as a Resident Ambassador Champion, and how has the experience been so far?

A: I wanted to help students build as many great memories as possible during their time with us before they graduate. The best part has been meeting some of the incredible students who have stepped up to do the role – not for the pay or the prestige, but because they simply want to help their fellow residents.

Tell us about some of the events you’ve supported the ambassadors with so far.

In December, we hosted our first Christmas market, with craft stalls run by students and staff, competitions, selfie areas and hot chocolate with marshmallows – we wanted to give our international students a taste of a traditional Christmas. More than 60 people attended and there was a lovely festive atmosphere.

The biggest thrill has been watching a lad from a studio flat turn up to every event we’ve run – we’ve watched his confidence and circle of friends grow over the months, and it’s been a delight to witness.

What plans do you have for events in 2022?

I really want to get focused on outdoor activities. We’re surrounded by beautiful beaches and forest here, and they’re perfect spots to help with students’ welfare needs. I also want to do Unite Fest, a mini outdoor music festival – so watch this space!

LEEDS: Zuzana Banikova (Service and Sales Advisor)

What made you want to work as a Resident Ambassador Champion, and how has the experience been so far?

I joined the company during lockdown, when we couldn’t organise face-to-face events for students, so I was very excited about the prospect of doing this as a Resident Ambassador Champion during this academic year. I’ve definitely improved my time management and organisation skills.

Tell us about some of the events you’ve supported the ambassadors with so far.

We’ve had successful movie nights for Halloween and Christmas, but the one event that stood out was a murder mystery night in The Priory, a historic building that was formerly a nunnery. Students had dinner together, then acted out the roles they’d been assigned in the story and had to decide who the ‘murderer’ was.

Feedback was incredible; the students really enjoyed it and some of them made new friends. We’re already planning to organise more game nights like this.

What plans do you have for events in 2022?

During this exam period, we’ve been trying to support students with smoothie stations and chill-out areas, and we’re looking to organise events for Chinese New Year and Easter as well.

BIRMINGHAM: Raja Ali (Service and Sales Advisor, Aston Student Village)

What made you want to work as a Resident Ambassador Champion, and how has the experience been so far?

I wanted to be a positive role model to students across the city, and to support ambassadors in creating a great student experience throughout the academic year. I’ve found it very rewarding and have enjoyed every moment of it – the ambassadors at Aston Student Village have been a delight to work with, coming up with lots of great ideas.

Tell us about some of the events you’ve supported the ambassadors with so far.

Activities were organised right from the very start of the year. We organised coaches to Ikea to help students get what they needed when they arrived at campus – which students were delighted with – and the Resident Ambassadors organised walking trips around Birmingham for new students, to show them all the important landmarks as well as the main nightlife venues in the city. We’ve also put on events celebrating Diwali and Black History Month.

At the end of 2021, we collaborated with Harvey Nichols to do a pop-up beauty event which went very well – Harvey Nicholas were so delighted that they wanted collaborate on a regular basis. Student were ecstatic that such a premium brand was visiting their building, and that alone spoke volumes. The ambassadors were also really excited and promoted it through their own social media channels.

Food-based activities are always popular with students! I’m really looking forward to what events we can put on in 2022.

PORTSMOUTH: Fenton Murphy (Service and Sales Advisor)

What made you want to work as a Resident Ambassador Champion, and how has the experience been so far?

I’m 20 years old – so I’m in the same demographic as our residents, giving me an advantage in relating to them and what they want. I saw the Champion role as an opportunity to get to know our residents better and cater to their needs, thereby improving their experience. It’s also a chance to enhance my role within the business. So far I’ve learned interview and recruitment skills, which are really valuable.

Tell us about some of the events you’ve supported the ambassadors with so far.

The ambassadors and I planned ‘Mullet Madness’ in the autumn, consisting of two local barbers visiting our properties to give free mullet haircuts for any resident who wanted it – mullets had been popular among our 2020/21 students. It was a great success, with plenty of residents participating and creating a ‘mullet tribe’ within the community.

What plans do you have for events in 2022?

We’ve put on a salsa night in January, as well as running Veganuary-inspired events.

SHEFFIELD: Addessa Forrester and Isobel O’Connor (Service and Sales Advisors)

What made you want to work as a Resident Ambassador Champion, and how has the experience been so far?

Addessa: I’ve been working on the Resident Ambassador programme for three years. It’s amazing to see how much talent there is out there – each ambassador has something different to bring to the table.

Isobel: I wanted to support students’ advancement, so thought taking part in the programme would be the best way to do this. I’ve enjoyed watching the ambassadors get stuck into all the events and hearing their ideas for the future.

Tell us about some of the events you’ve supported the ambassadors with so far.

Addessa: Unite Fright Night was our most exciting event: we had DJs, games, giveaways, men on stilts, members of staff dressed up, and a burger van. The event was run over two properties – The Forge and Exchange Works – and were a real success.

Isobel: One of our most well attended events was Karaoke Week! We bought a karaoke machine, 80s-themed decorations and snacks, and the ambassadors ran karaoke events with our support across the week at five different properties. We had some great feedback, particularly in buildings with a lot of international students, and the ambassadors particularly liked this event too – they found it a good way to bond with each other.

What plans do you have for events in 2022?

Addessa: We are trying to take a step back for 2022 and let the Resident Ambassadors run more events, as they have been working the events and they have more of an idea of what other students like. We’ll support them with their ideas and just make sure they are responsibly run.

Isobel: We have a ‘Club Tropicana’ party in the works with a local club, where students will bring their own decorations and DJ and create a ‘pre-party’ at our largest property.

Addessa: We’re also looking to hold a DJ workshop where students can audition to do a set at one of the city’s nightclubs. We have found this year we have a lot of aspiring DJs among our residents – so why not help them along with some opportunities?

To find out what events have been held for students in your city, get in touch with your local Unite Students representative. You can also hear from a student about what it’s like to be a Resident Ambassador here.