Get to know your security team: Ahmed Monsor

Ahmed Monsor, Security Supervisor 

If you have spent any time at UCL East, chances are you have seen Monsor going about his shift with a hot chocolate in hand and a smile on his face.  

Now in his fourth year of working at UCL, Monsor has become an expert on all things Marshgate and knows the campus inside out. Having lived in east London nearly all his life, he has deep roots in the area, “I love the diversity and how colourful it is. It feels like home.” 

That strong sense of community is something he values most about his role at UCL,

“Helping students stay safe is a big responsibility and it’s so important, because these kids are the future,” he says.  

Working in security is never boring and Monsor’s team makes sure of it. Once a month, him and his colleagues plan something fun together and bowling is a favourite.  

There’s just one catch, “I am terrible at bowling”, he admits, “We usually have four or five of us team up and bowl together to make up the highest score.” 

Monsor’s favourite UCL story also involves a bit of friendly competition. He recalls a memorable night when a student challenged one of his colleagues to a race mid-dinner.  

“He still managed to win twice,” Monsor laughs, “but he pulled a muscle in the process. It was hilarious, and the student thought it was the funniest thing ever.” 

His role also lets him meet people from across the globe, which has made him want to travel more. He really enjoys interacting with the residents, students and staff at One Pool Street and Marshgate, both of which are always lively.  
 
Additionally, while Monsor has an IT background and would love to study Robotics or Computer Science at UCL, he has a strong passion for languages.  

He speaks Bengali and English fluently and enjoys picking up words and phrases from different languages whenever he can. He’s already learnt bits of Spanish and Mandarin and believes,

even a hello goes a long way,” when you’re part of a global community of staff and students. 

Outside of work, Monsor loves spending time with his family and especially his daughter, who always brings a huge smile to his face when he talks about her. He also enjoys going out with colleagues and trying out new activities. 

Above all, as a self-proclaimed foodie, he is always on the lookout for new restaurants and cuisines; his current favourites are Turkish and Asian food.  

Recently, he tried hot-pot, “I overcooked the food, but it was still amazing.” And if you ask him what fuels him during his shifts, “a mocha or hot chocolate,” is the instant reply. 

He is also a massive sports fan. As a loyal Manchester United supporter he says, “although they are not doing so well lately...but I like to think they’re just giving other teams a chance to catch up.” 

Given UCL East’s home at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, if he could compete in an Olympic event, he’d pick football or athletics. “Back in school I used to run the 100 and 200 metres for my school year” he says. 

The next time you’re at UCL East, and spot someone with a mocha and a big smile say hi to Monsor. Perhaps you could teach him how to say hello in your language; he'll love it.