Widening Participation Networks

Welcome to the Widening Participation Black Student Network!

We aim to build community, offer advice and support, and address barriers faced by students from widening participation backgrounds in SMLC and across the Arts Faculty - join our WhatsApp group and follow @warwicksmlc_wp

My name is Zakiyyah Osman, and I am in my final year studying Politics and International Studies (PAIS) with French. Studying at Warwick has been a really positive experience for me, it’s a place where I’ve felt welcomed, supported, and encouraged to grow both personally and academically. That sense of belonging has made a huge difference to my confidence, and it’s something I want every student, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to experience as well.

Inclusion is something I care deeply about, particularly because of my own experiences coming from a background where it’s easy to feel out of place or overlooked. I understand how important it is to create spaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and confident enough to share their voice. For me, inclusion isn’t just about representation, it’s about belonging and ensuring that everyone has the same opportunities to thrive, regardless of their background or identity.

This year, I’d like to focus on student wellbeing and connection within the SMLC and the Faculty. One idea is to create a “Check-In Corner”, an informal drop-in space (perhaps monthly) where students can share challenges, tips, or just chat over coffee, a way to ease stress and build community beyond academics. I’d also like to help develop a student-led resource hub with advice on study abroad, balancing workload, and navigating university life from different backgrounds.

Ultimately, I want to help make sure every student feels they have a place here and that their unique experiences are recognised and appreciated.

Hi, I’m Sharon, I’m in my final year of German and Theatre Studies. I’m super excited to be joining the Arts Faculty as the 2025/26 co-lead for the Widening Participation (WP) Network at the SMLC!

This year, the Widening Participation network hopes to support as broad a range of students as we can by working in conjunction with existing societies and other officers in Networks across the Faculty to remove barriers to our students excelling in their studies and in university life.

In the SMLC, support can range from encouraging student-led wellness networks to providing means to access the resources and the exchange of ideas which bridge gaps in prior learning, particularly in our familiarity with the essential cultural and historical dimensions of language study. In the case of joint degrees, this is even more important; we hope to expand the opportunity for first- and second-year students to engage with those nearing the end of their degrees, as well as inviting academic and careers advice speakers.

In particular, for students on a year abroad course, the WP Network plans for an advice podcast and termly mixers with fourth-year students and cultural societies, which will ensure students can be genuinely informed and confident throughout the process about the pragmatic details of, for instance, arranging accommodation, managing finances abroad, and navigating the bursaries available, both at Warwick and their host universities.