Welcome to Glasgow!

I'm sure for many of you it has been a long and winding road to get here, and I hope you are feeling ready to board the chaotic and exhilirating rollercoaster that is Art School. 

My name is Alicia and I am your Student President and lead representative for this year. I'm a designer and sociologist specialising in creating inclusive, queer spaces, and hopefully you will come along to a few of these at this year's Freshers' Week. As Student President, my job this year is to be an advocate for your voice and ensure that you all feel supported, so if you have any questions, brilliant ideas, or if you're just feeling a bit lost and overwhelmed, my door is always open. 

Throughout the year, you'll hear about all of the opportunities to get involved in the Students' Association where you can join a society, join our board of Student Trustees or become a Liberation Rep. We also have lots of extravagant events planned for this year including student markets, a Halloween club night and a brand-new mentoring programme. 

More than anything, though, we are super excited to have you here! Your energy, enthusiasm and passion will bring new ideas and help spark all types of learning in the coming year. So, explore your new surroundings, whether it's adjusting to the bright green walls of Margaret Macdonald House or foraging for new friends in the wilds of Glasgow's nightlife. 

This year will be full of twists and turns, but each and every one of you is here for a reason and you are definitely up to the challenge. Settling into a new city takes time and sometimes it can feel like you need to be doing everything at once, but remember to take time to enjoy the small AND the big moments (beceause there will be a lot of those in the coming year). 

So, jump in, grab something to hold onto and buckle up for the next few years which are going to bring newfound challenges, joy and excitement. I can't wait to meet you all!

Xoxo

Alicia

Excerpt from Your 2024 Guide to GSASA (designed and illustrated by Josh Hale)