Shah Md Emdadul Islam - BA (Hons) Marketing with Advertising
My LSBU Journey: From Sylhet, Bangladesh to South Bank
Hello! I’m Shah Emdad, currently serving as the Vice President of Education at South Bank Students' Union. I recently completed my placement year in marketing at London South Bank University (LSBU), and I’m excited to share a bit about my journey with you.
I’m originally from Sylhet, Bangladesh, a place known for its breathtaking natural beauty and expansive rivers. Like many, I dreamed of studying abroad, and when I was accepted into LSBU, it felt like I was one step closer to realising that dream. The UK, with its world-renowned education system, seemed like the perfect place to broaden my horizons.
At LSBU, I've worn many hats. One of the roles I cherished the most was being the President of the LSBU Bangladeshi Society during the 2023/24 academic year. I also served as a Student Trustee (Director) at the South Bank Students' Union (2022-2024), a Student Ambassador, a Sports Ambassador, and an International Student Buddy.
My involvement with the LSBU Bangladeshi Society started as a way to stay connected with my roots, but it quickly evolved into something much bigger. Over the past two years, I’ve had the honour of leading the society as President, organising various events that have brought our community together. From lively meet-and-greets and Cultural Nights that attracted over 100 students, celebrating Independence Day and hosting cricket tournaments, we’ve built a strong, supportive Bangladeshi community at LSBU.
My passion for student representation deepened in 2022 when I was elected as a Student Trustee at the South Bank Students' Union. This role has given me the incredible opportunity to advocate for LSBU students at the board level, ensuring that our voices and needs are always considered.
Professionally, I’ve had the privilege of working as a Student Ambassador, where I collaborated with the Marketing, Events, Outreach, and Admissions teams. This experience has been invaluable in sharpening my skills and expanding my network.
As a Sports Ambassador, I also took the lead in introducing the "Just Play Cricket" initiative. Within a year, our team proudly represented LSBU in our first competitive match against Greenwich University at the Varsity tournament.
Now, as the Vice President of Education at South Bank Students' Union, I’m focused on ensuring that every student's educational and academic experience is as enriching as possible. I’m committed to advocating for your needs and making sure your voice is heard, to enhance the student experience for everyone at LSBU.
Joining LSBU has been nothing short of transformative. It’s not just about academic growth—I've found a true sense of belonging and community here. I’ve developed leadership skills, made lifelong friends, and had some of the best experiences of my life. LSBU offers so much, and I’ve embraced every opportunity that came my way.
I’m excited to continue this journey, contributing to our community and helping to shape an enriching academic environment for all. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me!