Author: Yasmin Mortuza (Page 1 of 3)

Are you interested in joining us as an RA for 2017/18? Recruitment is now open, head to our recruitment web pages for more info!

‘This year has been my second go around with having the honorary role of Resident Advisor.  Back, like way back, in my undergraduate career in the United States, I had the privilege of serving in this position and I’m so glad to be back doing it again. This time around I think I’m able to relate even more to my residents.  Being an international postgrad student in a mostly international and post grad student residence a lot of us are in similar shoes which makes this experience even more meaningful. 

In our international residence halls, I’ve been able to meet people from countries all over the world. Learning bits of information about new cultures and customs. And slowly building my list of new places visit (double checking with people that I have a place to stay when I come of course).

Angel Lane to me is a warm and inclusive home attributed to the hard work and dedication of the other RAs and Wardens on my team.  By hosting brunches themed around the different cultural areas our residents represent, to making our selves visible with cup cake decorating RA drop-in sessions and just being silly during Karaoke and dance parties, Angel Lane is a home I’m proud to be an RA of.

For those that don’t know, I use to be a teacher.  An actual elementary school (or as they say here, Primary School) teacher.  Although I think that experience has truly shaped me into the person I am today, I believe the role of an RA has continued to strengthen my skills in communications, organisation and of course leadership.  To make Angel Lane as inviting as we can, as RAs we must put ourselves out there and make ourselves visible and available to residents.  That means stepping outside of my comfort zone, knowing that I may not know everything there is to know about London, but having the confidence to still intentionally check-in and speak with residents. This means having conversations in not the most conventional of places, such as the lifts, laundry rooms, vending machines, etc. I’m also challenging myself to have difficult conversations with residents who may have issues within their flat/with flat mates to build a better community.  This of course,  builds my confidence in speaking with diverse groups of people outside of Angel Lane as well which is a skill I believe we all can benefit from. 

And can I just say, my social media skills have increased tremendously since being an RA.  In this day and age (said by oldies everywhere) social media is one of the largest modes of communication.  And I find myself informing residents of King’s and Resilife events on a regular through social media as well as getting groups together to explore the city of London. I’ve also used it to inform residents about things I care a lot about like ways to stay involved with recent pollical issues and even organise residents to come with me to Calais France to volunteer and help with the Refugee Crisis.

As an RA I’m building new relationships with so many different people and continuing to grow as a professional. I’ve had such great and memorable experiences during my time here in London so far and many are in part due to being an RA.  I can’t wait to see what else this next semester has in store!’

This week we start our Societies in Residences series. Brought to you by King’s Wellbeing and KCLSU, the Societies in Residences series showcases five of the most popular societies at King’s College London. All sessions are free and open to all residents, no matter where you live!

Find the sessions here. 

Bhangra

‘The winner of Best New Activity group 2015/2016 and the society with the runner up for President of the year 2015/2016 is looking to be bigger and better in 2016/2017.

KCL Bhangra Soc teach student members of the society about Bhangra. Our classes are run for all levels of experience and are free for our members!

Loose clothing and plenty of water are advised when coming down to a session, check us out!’

31 January | Great Dover Street Apartments Common Room |6:30pm
31 January | Moonraker Point Study Room | 8pm

Fitness Feat

‘We are a community of Fitness inspired students, here to support you achieve your Health goals – ALL physical, mental and social: We run weekly activity sessions and separate events that include: HIIT (High intensity interval training), Circuit training, Pads/sparring, Yoga, Dance workouts, City running, sport-specific drills and much more. Seminars on health, nutrition, motivation, meditation and mental well-being.’

31 January | Champion Hill Common Room | 6:30pm

ThinkMental

‘The ThinkMental Society is a proactive society dedicated to both lifting the stigma that surrounds mental health conditions as well as engaging all students to further understand mental health, the importance of a healthy mind and finally, to raise awareness (both within King’s College London and the wider community) so that the subject is more widely acknowledged.’

7 February | Wolfson House Common Room  | 6:30pm 

Meditation Society

‘We are a society that aims to promote the practice of mindfulness meditation. The society is open to everyone with an interest in meditation. We will be hosting meditation workshops, guided meditation sessions and meditation based lectures.’

7 February | Great Dover Street Apartments Common Room |  6:30pm

Sexpression

‘KCL Sexpression is a branch of a national network of students from universities across the country that is passionate about implementing comprehensive relationships and sex education in schools. We work mostly with schools in Lambeth and Southwark – boroughs that have the highest rates of teenage pregnancy in England.

Our base of highly trained and experienced members provide basic teaching about issues including, but not limited to, sexual health, the practicalities of sex, relationships and self esteem.’

16 February | Great Dover Street Apartments Common Room | 7:45pm