Spotlight On... Eloise McWilliam

What is your role and what does it involve?

My role is Student Support & Wellbeing Manager for the Development, Campaigns and Projects team. The role is extremely varied, which I find very interesting. As a team, we lead yearly Wellbeing campaigns, our three for 22/23 are:

1. Creating a Suicide Prevention Strategy
2. Updating the current UCL Drugs and Alcohol policy to have a more harm reduction/educational approach, and
3. Creating a residential life strategy in UCL managed halls.

Additionally, as a team we put on numerous events throughout the academic year to promote SSW services, foster a sense of belonging between all students across campus, giving them an opportunity to unwind, share and belong. Our team also updates and manages all the SSW social media channels and web pages. Finally, my team manages SSW’s partnerships with external organisations and training for SSW colleagues. My role specifically manages the team and ensures we keep on track with our many projects.

How long have you been at UCL and what was your previous role?

I joined UCL in March 2022, so still a newbie(ish). Previously, I worked at King’s College London for six years, in various roles, managing faculty external partnerships and creating and implementing the student undergraduate placement programmes.

 What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

At 21, I ran for and was successfully elected as University of Nottingham Student Union President. I ran against 9 male candidates and became the first female president in fifteen years and the third in the Union's hundred-year history. 

Tell us about a project you are working on now which is top of your to-do list?

A long-term project I am leading on, is our Alcohol and Drugs policy update, working alongside academics, external addiction charities and NUS. 

A shorter-term project is to deliver and survive my first UCL Welcome and Induction period, especially having a successful Health & Wellbeing Hub. Wish me luck!   

What is your favourite album, film and novel?

• Album – Maroon 5, 'Songs About Jane' – the only album we had whilst driving to France on a childhood family holiday, we listened on repeat, very nostalgic and I know every word. 
• Film – 'Good Will Hunting' – love the underdog victory
• Novel – 'Where the Crawdads Sing' – LOVED IT, a must holiday read! 

What is your favourite joke (pre-watershed)?

Honestly, I do not have one. I prefer sarcasm, the highest form of wit, in my humble opinion.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Go on more holidays!! There will be a time when you are locked in and can only look at your own four walls.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I have recently hung up my rugby boots – too many black eyes, bruises, and broken limbs. 

What is your favourite place?

Herm Island. I have been going to this tiny channel island oasis yearly with my family since I was 11. It's a mile by a mile and half wide, with no cars, beautiful beaches, and it's in the UK.

*Beautiful weather is not always guaranteed.

Further Information: 

• Student Support and Wellbeing 
• Visit the Student Health and Wellbeing Hub