University of Hull students head to London to discuss COP28

COP28 and the Houses of Parliament were all part of the schedule for University of Hull students and graduates on a trip to London this summer.

To start the day, students attended the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) headquarters. This provided the chance for them to share their views about COP28 in both English and their native language, as well as being able to hear about the opportunities and support for graduates at RICS. Students were given a tour of the institution as well as a wonderful opportunity to enjoy incredible views of the capital from their rooftop venue.

Later, they visited the Houses of Parliament to meet the Chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee, Dame Diana Ruth Johnson DBE PC. The group were invited to take part in a Q&A session at Portcullis House about the importance of international students in the UK – and their opinions may well influence future policy.

Dr Fannie Yeung, Senior Lecturer in Marketing and Director of Student Experience at Hull University Business School, said: “The RICS team loved the enthusiasm of our international students and everyone had a good time learning and discussing such an important issue.

“Events like these bring great benefits for our students in terms of future opportunities, enabling them to making connections with businesses and they really show how important international relations are too. Students are also able to learn about postgraduate options for them.”

Adedamola Adeniyi, who studied Logistics and Supply Chain Management, said: “The trip to RICS headquarter and interview on COP28 refreshed my memory on the reasons why nations come together to tackle climate change, and the importance of decarbonising the environment.”

In partnership with the University, the trip was organised by the Kexgill Group, which owns and operates student accommodation in the University Quarter in Hull, with a view to showing companies and organisations the value of international students to the UK and the importance of COP28.

Richard Stott, Managing Director for the Kexgill Group, said: “It’s always a pleasure to create opportunities like these for international students.

“Starting your studies in a new country can be daunting, but the contribution foreign students make to the life of the city is invaluable – both culturally and economically, so fostering these relationships with international students is really important to us.”

Ikenna Chukwukelu, who studied marketing management, said: “The visit to RICS and the lecture was an eye opener to the different pathways to becoming a member of the organisation – especially for those without a formal degree in Surveying – as well as the possible career opportunities. The visit to Parliament was truly remarkable as we had the opportunity to meet and speak with a senior member of parliament who makes significant input on policies.”

For Business Management student Victor Obazee, who was visiting London for the first time, particular highlights of the trip included walking through central London and seeing MPs in the Houses of Parliament. Other highlights for the students on the trip included: seeing MPs in the Houses of Parliament, the view from the RICS rooftop and an authentic Italian meal.

Damilola Ajeigbe, who studied Financial Management, said: “Apart from sharing great moments with highly intellectual international students, I enjoyed so much the engagement with RICS and also the experience of sharing thoughts with a Member of Parliament.”

Other events, organised by the Kexgill group in partnership with the University, have also provide a range of different experiences for international students. Earlier in the year, international students from Hull University Business School were guests of honour at a civic dinner at Hull’s Guildhall – at the invitation of the Lord Mayor and Admiral of the Humber. The civic dinner was attended by University of Hull students from a range of countries including India, Bangladesh, Nigeria and China.

This followed the success of a day trip to Castle Howard, Robin Hood’s Bay and Whitby last summer. This trip gave students the chance to experience Yorkshire life, including highlights such as fish and chips in Robin Hood’s Bay and a cream tea at Castle Howard.

Other events like a cultural gala have been hosted by Hull University Business School to help international students meet one another and to learn more about the city and region they’re studying in.

The University has also introduced a two-week summer programme Bridging the Gap that supports new international students to transition to studying at the University of Hull. It runs in the first weeks of September and is designed to give students the knowledge to help them adapt to student life and succeed in their studies.

The orientation programme introduces the University’s academic culture and aims to improve students’ understanding of how they will study in order to succeed in their primary degree programme by providing information on critical thinking, independent study and how to enjoy living in the city of Hull.

The University of Hull is home to students and staff from more than 100 countries and offers a friendly, inclusive environment to study.