#WeAreInternational Student of the Year: empathy, consistency and collaboration
March 19, 2026
5 minute read: Read on to find out how Ramitha’s creation of safe, welcoming spaces has transformed student experience at the University of Chester.
Our #WeAreInternational Student of the Year sets a powerful example of what compassionate, community-focused leadership can look like within a university environment.
Ramitha, a third year international Psychology student at the University of Chester, has made an exceptional contribution to student life, wellbeing, and cross-cultural inclusion.
Her work began with a simple idea: creating and hosting tea parties that offered a safe and welcoming space for students. Since October 2024 she has been leading over 15 themed tea parties which covered a wealth of topics; from LGBTQ+ inclusion and homesickness to women’s empowerment, wellbeing and academic skills.
These conversational spaces made it possible for students to openly explore sensitive or difficult topics that are often hard to discuss in formal university settings. The insights gathered have already had a notable impact.
We spoke to Ramitha about her experience and what advice she has for other students hoping to make a difference.
Create safe spaces for student voices and embed them into decision-making
One of the most impactful elements of Ramitha’s work was the intentional design of the themed tea parties as small, psychologically safe spaces. Students were encouraged to speak openly about belonging, mental health, cultural adjustment, housing, employability and academic pressure.
She says:
“Because the format was informal and relational, students shared experiences they might not raise in formal feedback systems.”
Key themes and feedback were documented and shared with relevant departments and Chester Students’ Union. Insights contributed to strengthening alcohol-free social programming, improving culturally inclusive engagement strategies, and encouraging earlier, preventative wellbeing interventions.
Ramitha adds:
“The initiative demonstrated that student voice is most powerful when it is continuous, dialogic and embedded into decision-making processes rather than limited to surveys.”
Institutional support is essential
Structural support from institutions plays a crucial role in helping international students settle into studying in the UK.
“The University of Chester International Student team really supported my transition to the UK. They provided essential guidance around visa processes, compliance requirements, orientation and practical settling-in support. That foundation gave me security and clarity at a time when everything felt new.”
But she also highlights that structured, institutional support alone is not enough, and student-led spaces must complement it to build and grow an engaged community. Her work filled social integration gaps, particularly around building peer connections and friendships.
“Structural support is vital, but student-led community spaces help bridge the emotional and cultural aspects of adjustment.”
Advice for students wanting to make a difference
We asked Ramitha what advice she’d give to other students who want to make a positive impact on campus life:
- Start with listening. Real change begins by understanding what students are actually experiencing.
- You don’t need a large budget or formal authority to make a difference, you need empathy, consistency and collaboration.
- Build partnerships early, document your impact, and design initiatives that can continue beyond your involvement.
- Sustainable change is about systems, not individuals.
“The most rewarding part of my work so far has been witnessing transformation in others. Seeing a student arrive alone, hesitant and unsure, then gradually build confidence, friendships and even step into leadership roles themselves is incredibly meaningful.
Knowing that simple, low-cost initiatives can genuinely reduce loneliness and improve wellbeing has reaffirmed my belief in preventative, community-based leadership.”
Inspired by Ramitha’s story?
Know an international student doing fantastic work? Nominations for the 2026 #WeAreInternational Awards will open in April!
