Bilal Ijaz
BA Accounting and Finance, 2019
FORMER PRESIDENT, GREENWICH STUDENTS’ UNION, 2020-2021
“There are lots of things I will miss about Greenwich, in particular the incredibly talented staff who will do anything to support our students and make sure they enjoy their time at university”
“My experience, like former students before me, has been totally unique because this place has so much to give. Greenwich has made me look at the world from a very different perspective – and a better one.”
Bilal Ijaz completed his BA Accounting and Finance degree in 2019, before spending two terms as a Greenwich Students’ Union (GSU) Officer, the final as President.
Bilal grew up in Pakistan before moving to study at Greenwich. “Getting out of your comfort zone is always going to be hard but I knew back then that I am prepared to take on whatever comes my way.” There were many reasons why he chose Greenwich, none more so than its location. “Just standing in the middle of the Greenwich campus and admiring how beautiful this place is, I will miss that.”
But starting university education in a new country didn’t come without its challenges. “In the beginning it was challenging but I didn’t expect anything less. Staff were so understanding of me as an international student; they helped me first with the language and then with studies. I was signposted towards services such as the Library Team and Business School Employability Office who helped with my coursework and finding employment in the UK.”
Getting involved in GSU felt like a natural step once he got his feet under the table. Reflecting on his first experience of student politics, running for an International Officer position, it was “the best decision as it allowed me to be involved in GSU from my first year. I met so many people and learnt a lot of about the services which the Union offers.” Bilal reserves particular praise for John Schless, Chief Executive of GSU. “After running for International Officer in my first year, John welcomed me in way that was so humble and empowering. He encourages students to be their best possible selves.”
There are many achievements during his time with GSU that Bilal is proud of. “There’s been so many positive changes at Avery Hill Campus, including new signage, the new campus library, and massive development of The Dome. I’ve also been really proud to see the launch of a dedicated Greenwich Global Centre to support international students who come to study at Greenwich.”
Following the end of his term as President, Bilal is looking forward to new challenges. “I want to make this world a better place for everyone, however I’m especially passionate about working with EU students to ensure they are supported to study in the UK in a post-Brexit world.”
“There is lots that I will miss about Greenwich, but thanks to the memories and friendships I have made, I can say with certainty that Greenwich will never leave me.”
Bilal Ijaz
BA Accounting and Finance, 2019
FORMER PRESIDENT, GREENWICH STUDENTS’ UNION, 2020-2021
“There are lots of things I will miss about Greenwich, in particular the incredibly talented staff who will do anything to support our students and make sure they enjoy their time at university”
“My experience, like former students before me, has been totally unique because this place has so much to give. Greenwich has made me look at the world from a very different perspective– and a better one.”
Bilal Ijaz completed his BA Accounting and Finance degree in 2019, before spending two terms as a Greenwich Students’ Union (GSU) Officer, the final as President.
Bilal grew up in Pakistan before moving to study at Greenwich. “Getting out of your comfort zone is always going to be hard but I knew back then that I am prepared to take on whatever comes my way.” There were many reasons why he chose Greenwich, none more so than its location. “Just standing in the middle of the Greenwich campus and admiring how beautiful this place is, I will miss that.”
But starting university education in a new country didn’t come without its challenges. “In the beginning it was challenging but I didn’t expect anything less. Staff were so understanding of me as an international student; they helped me first with the language and then with studies. I was signposted towards services such as the Library Team and Business School Employability Office who helped with my coursework and finding employment in the UK.”
Getting involved in GSU felt like a natural step once he got his feet under the table. Reflecting on his first experience of student politics, running for an International Officer position, it was “the best decision as it allowed me to be involved in GSU from my first year. I met so many people and learnt a lot of about the services which the Union offers.” Bilal reserves particular praise for John Schless, Chief Executive of GSU. “After running for International Officer in my first year, John welcomed me in way that was so humble and empowering. He encourages students to be their best possible selves.”
There are many achievements during his time with GSU that Bilal is proud of. “There’s been so many positive changes at Avery Hill Campus, including new signage, the new campus library, and massive development of The Dome. I’ve also been really proud to see the launch of a dedicated Greenwich Global Centre to support international students who come to study at Greenwich.”
Following the end of his term as President, Bilal is looking forward to new challenges. “I want to make this world a better place for everyone, however I’m especially passionate about working with EU students to ensure they are supported to study in the UK in a post-Brexit world.”
“There is lots that I will miss about Greenwich, but thanks to the memories and friendships I have made, I can say with certainty that Greenwich will never leave me.”
