Humans of Warwick - Evelin Sanderson-Nichols

Evelin Sanderson-Nichols

Sustainability Coordinator, Energy and Sustainability Team

“I met my husband when we both worked in the same restaurant, then we studied and graduated together as well.”

“I came to the UK from Hungary when I was 18. At the time, I didn’t want to move, it was my parents’ decision to relocate our family. Looking back now, I realise it was the best decision they ever made for us. We made the journey in my dad’s car. It only takes 26 hours to drive here!

After working in and managing restaurants for five years, I decided that I needed to go back into education. So, I came to Warwick as a mature student to do Philosophy and Literature which I loved. One of my literature modules was on environmental ecology, that was what inspired me to look at sustainability and learn more. I got involved with the Student Union’s environmental committee and volunteered with other organisations, which really gave me a fresh perspective and some great hands-on experience.

After graduation I took a role in the Energy and Sustainability team. I get involved in lots of green campus initiatives as we work to become a more sustainable university. But, one of my favourite projects is the Donation Drive, which we run at the end of the academic year as students leave their accommodation. This project is a real team effort that grew out of discussions on how to reduce waste at the end of the academic year, enabling students to donate their items instead of disposing of them when they can’t take them home.

We ran it for the first time last year and it’s been a huge success. We collected over eight tonnes of items, and this year we introduced the big yellow donation bunkers across campus, you really can’t miss them! We’re still sorting through the items, so final figures are to be confirmed. We run the Kitchen Kit Market as well, items from the donation drive are sold on a pay as you feel basis. It’s a great opportunity for students to get all essentials at a minimal cost. We’ve had some great feedback.

We also work with brilliant local charities and food banks to distribute what we can’t reuse on campus. Thank you to everyone who gets involved and supports the donation drive, we can’t do it without you and it’s making a real difference. If you want to find out more or get involved next year, just let me know.

My life now is in the UK. I finally got used to all the roundabouts and I’m lucky to have my family here with me. My mum makes the most delicious Hungarian pastries, so I don’t really miss the food. I have a two-year-old daughter as well. She loves coming to the campus and enjoys the green spaces that we have here. Having a little one makes you think of their future, and how we can all find ways to make a difference to our environment and reduce our impact on the planet.”