Aaron Purba is running for the Student Representative Council (SRC) position of Home Students Officer in the upcoming SRC spring election. As a 4th year Modern Languages and home student, Aaron understands how hard it can be balancing commuting, work, and financial pressures as well as academic demands, and he knows the effect this can have on students’ daily life.
As Home Students Officer, Purba wants to ensure home students are consistently represented at Council and University level. “The university offers some funding schemes, I want to make them more accessible… I want to make it very simple” Purba said in regards to the funding allotted to home students and how accessible it is.
He plans to prioritize three areas. First, he aims to advocate for commuter-conscious timetabling. Second, he seeks to push for practical on-campus improvements such as accessible commuter study spaces and clearer welfare signposting so students can easily access the support available to them. “I want to have a space for home students on campus…even [to] dump bags” Purba said. Third, Purba intends to establish structured feedback channels with home and commuting students to ensure representation is evidence-based and continuous. Purba plans on regularly working with VP Student support, relative societies, and university committees to ensure that the goals and needs of home students are met.
You can read his manifesto here:
“The home student experience at Glasgow is diverse and often complex. As a home student myself, I understand how balancing commuting, part-time work, and financial pressures alongside academic demands can shape day-to-day university life. There is also a common misconception that living at home removes financial strain, yet many home students contribute to household costs or support their families while studying. These concerns often fall outside academic representation but significantly affect student wellbeing. As Home Students Officer, I will ensure they are consistently represented at Council and University level.
I will prioritise three areas. First, advocating for commuter-conscious timetabling principles that reduce unnecessary single-hour days and excessive gaps, recognising the realities of travel time and cost. Second, pushing for practical on-campus improvements such as accessible commuter study spaces and clearer welfare signposting so students can easily access the support available to them. Third, establishing structured feedback channels with home and commuting students to ensure representation is evidence-based and continuous.
I will liaise closely with the VP Student Support, relevant student groups, and University committees to ensure concerns are raised constructively and followed through.
My approach will be professional, solution-focused, and accountable: clear priorities, realistic advocacy, and consistent representation.”
