SU Spring Elections 2026 Interviews: Vaishnavi Ravi, VP Postgraduates

In the run-up to the Warwick Students’ Union (SU) Spring Elections, The Boar offered all Full-Time Officer (FTO) candidates the opportunity to be interviewed.

In this interview, VP Postgraduates candidate Vaishnavi Ravi discussed why she is running for the role, how she would work to make the SU more inclusive for postgraduates, and the changes she would like to see to support both home and international postgraduate students. She also set out plans to improve postgraduate spaces, strengthen representation for postgraduate teachers, and build on work she says began during her previous time in the role.

Why did you decide to run for this position and what makes you stand out from the other candidates?

Ravi said one of the main reasons she decided to run was her previous experience as VP Postgraduates in 2023, a role she said she “quite enjoyed”. She explained that she would welcome the opportunity to do more for students and to give more back to the Students’ Union.

Asked what makes her stand out from other candidates, Ravi pointed to that prior experience in the role. She said that having already organised events and launched initiatives for postgraduates gives her an advantage, adding that projects she started previously, such as PG Connections, are still continuing. She said she would like to build on that work through more inclusive events for postgraduate students.

Many postgraduate students feel disengaged from SU societies and many sports clubs. How would you make the SU more inclusive to postgrads?

Ravi said she would work closely with the Postgraduate Society and speak directly to postgraduates about “what they would want to see from the Students’ Union” and “what kind of events they’d like to see”. She also suggested working with societies introducing postgraduate officer roles and encouraging collaborations between societies to create more postgraduate-focused events. Ravi added that she would like to see more events held outside term time, so that when many undergraduates go home, there are still opportunities for postgraduates to engage.

What new services, provisions, or spaces would you aim to introduce to support postgraduate studying at Warwick?

Ravi mentioned that she wants to continue Research Refresh and expand it further. One of her main proposals is to add a fridge and microwave to the Wolfson Research Exchange area in the Library, so students who use the space regularly can store food, heat up lunch, and use it more comfortably throughout the week. She said this would also make it easier for postgraduates to meet informally, make drinks, and spend more time in the space.

She also said she wants to bring back PG Tips in the PG Hub to make it a more welcoming space for postgraduates. Ravi argued that while Research Refresh is useful, it is “not inclusive to PGT students”, and said she would like to introduce something similar “for PGT students and PGR students that everyone can get involved with.”

How would you ensure that postgraduate students who come to Warwick from different countries feel welcome and supported during their time here?

Ravi said international students should be given more information before arriving at Warwick, particularly as moving to a new country can be “quite a big culture shock”. She said students should have clearer information about what studying at Warwick is like, including what postgraduate groups and support are available, and more chances to attend open days or events before starting.

She also highlighted accommodation as a key issue for international students, who may struggle with guarantor requirements and identifying legitimate housing options. Ravi said she wants to work with the SU and the University on a scheme to help students find affordable accommodation and suitable places to live. She added that she would also push for cheaper university rent.

Many postgraduates also deliver teaching to undergraduates. How would you represent and protect these postgrads’ particular interests?

Ravi outlined how she would work closely with groups such as the PGR Collective, which she described as having previously fought for “better rights for those that have GTA (Graduate Teaching Assistant) contracts”. She said she wants to “ensure that they have their voices heard” in decision-making spaces such as the Graduate Board and among “the University members who are able to make these decisions affecting those graduates that teach”.

She also raised concerns about differences in pay between departments. Ravi argued that when postgraduates feel “they’re doing the same work, but they’re being paid less, it’s not really fair”. She said she would want to work to “ensure that everyone’s paid a fair wage”.

This interview, along with all other interviews for Full-Time Officer positions, can be watched in full using the link here.

You can also view a list of all candidates and their manifestos here.