We are a small and friendly team. Our two Advisers each work part-time and are qualified to provide help and support on academic related issues as well as financial, debt and housing advice. Our Receptionist, Sam, is also able to give some information particularly on finding accommodation in Birmingham.
All advice and help given is confidential. If you would like to book an appointment with one of our Advisers, please contact Sam.
Allow us to introduce ourselves....
Liz Larkin came to work at Aston Students Union in May 2011 and is now senior adviser. She comes from a social housing background and has eighteen years’ experience in advising on benefits and housing law, including eight years of research and policy into housing. Prior to this she did a MSc in housing at the London School of Economics and has a first degree, so she has been a student herself. Outside of work she enjoys going to the gym and spending time with her children.
Educated to postgraduate level in Modern Languages (French and German), Andrea worked as Translator/Interpreter for 6 years before having her son, who is now a lecturer in Law. After a short career break she moved into education administration, and worked as Information and Advice Centre Manager and International Recruitment Manager in 3 colleges before starting at Aston in 2009. Andrea's first role here was as International Student Adviser for 2 years, before taking up her current post in the Advice and Representation Centre in March 2013.
Qualified in Advice and Guidance as well as Customer Service, she has a wealth of experience from 30 years in UK education. Andrea has served her community for 5 years as a Justice of the Peace. Her education and professional occupation have taken Andrea to 27 countries, from the Far East and Central Asia, to Africa, the Middle East and Europe.
When she is not working, Andrea is generally to be found in her garden or allotment, where she and her husband grow fruit and vegetables organically – and she enjoys cooking them as well! Andrea's other main interests are reading, usually with one or two of her 8 cats on her lap, and local history, especially of the Black Country, where she lives.
Sam first came to work at Aston Students’ Union over 2 years ago. Sam has since become the face of The ARC working as the main Receptionist and Administrative Assistant. Sam graduated with a 2:1 in Dental Sciences from The University of Birmingham in 2007.
Sam faced many challenges whilst at University which enables her to empathise well with students who come to The ARC. If you need an appointment or have a general query then Sam is your first port of call.
Sam also manages StudentPad where accommodation that is specifically aimed at Aston students is all advertised in one place! If you need house hunting information or tenancy agreements checked then Sam can assist you. Sam can do some advice work but it depends on the situation. In her spare time she enjoys dancing and going on adventure challenges with her friends, such as, abseiling and free falling.
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Agnes Jacobs Vice President of Education & Welfare |
Zain Nathu Cover Receptionist |
Nedko Duchev Cover Receptionist |
Besma Whayeb Cover Receptionist |
