Serving as the President of the Student Council at the University of Southampton Delhi has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my academic journey. This role has allowed me to contribute to campus life in multiple ways from managing major events to supporting students with their day-to-day concerns. Each responsibility has helped me grow as a leader and strengthened my commitment to making our campus a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive environment.

One of the most memorable events I helped to organize this year was the Diwali Party, a celebration our entire campus was looking forward to. Coordinating such a large cultural gathering required detailed planning, clear communication, and strict time management. My priority was ensuring that preparations from decor and performances to logistics and safety were completed on schedule. Seeing students enjoy the celebration together made all the effort worthwhile and reinforced the importance of teamwork within the council.

Time management was equally crucial during our Industry Sessions, where the Student Council played a key role in maintaining structure and professionalism. Our duty was to welcome participants, assist speakers, manage seating, and ensure students arrived on time. These sessions are valuable opportunities for academic enrichment and career insight, and we worked hard to ensure the experience was smooth, engaging, and organised.

Another major milestone this year was hosting a Book Launch Event, where the Governor of Haryana graced our campus to launch a book authored by IPS and IAS officers. This event was an honour for the university and a defining moment for me personally. I had the privilege of meeting the Governor and representing the student body during the event. Assisting with the coordination, managing student participation, and ensuring the event stayed on schedule gave me valuable experience in high-level event management. It was a proud moment for all of us, and one that reinforced the importance of leadership, discipline, and teamwork.

Beyond organising events, a major part of my responsibility involves addressing student issues from hostel concerns to facility requirements. Whether it is arranging something as simple as a vending machine or handling more serious matters affecting well-being, I ensure every concern is acknowledged and directed to the appropriate department. Being approachable and dependable is central to my role, and I take pride in being someone students can rely on for support and solutions.

I learned early lessons about managing people and responsibilities by helping my family business. I oversaw staff work, made sure it was finished on schedule, and kept everyone on the same page. Managing conflict and the pressure of a heavy workload enabled me to become a composed, solution-focused leader. I gained knowledge about effective delegation, clear communication, and inspiring others. My confidence in managing teams and exercising patient, accountable leadership has been shaped by these experiences.

As I continue my time as Student Council President, my goal remains the same: to create an environment where students can grow, explore, and feel a genuine sense of belonging. I hope to inspire others to take initiative and engage actively in shaping our university community.

Author: Harsh Rana, First year MSc International Management

Date: Thursday 27 November 2025

This article reflects the thoughts, opinions and experiences of the author, and do not necessarily represent the official view of University of Southampton Delhi. You should confirm and check factual information presented in this article before making decisions based on its content.