Say hello to Naomi Weston, UCL Senior Student Funding Advisor, dedicated to helping students get the financial support they need to thrive.
What is your role and what does it involve?
I am a Senior Student Funding Advisor in the Student Funding Team. I advise students on scholarships, bursaries, loans, and other financial opportunities to ensure they are receiving all the funding they are entitled to. My team and I have regular contact with students and support them to be financially informed so they can get the most out of their university experience.
How long have you been at UCL and what was your previous role?
I’m still fairly new to UCL; I joined in May this year after five years in a similar role at the University of Brighton.
What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?
I’m proud whenever I’m able to support a student in getting the funding they need, staying on course, and reaching graduation, especially when circumstances are challenging.
Tell us about a project which has recently been top of your to-do list
Welcome Week was a big one - it’s always a busy, fun time! Our team ran a stall with activities and prizes, attended talks to support new students, and answered lots of queries from students, parents and carers.
What is your favourite album, film and novel?
Album: Exile on Main Street, The Rolling Stones
Film: The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Novel: The Secret History, Donna Tartt
What is your favourite joke (pre-watershed)?
I always struggle to remember jokes, but you can’t beat Tim Vine for a good pre-watershed joke:
"I had a dream last night that I was cutting carrots with the Grim Reaper - dicing with death!"
Who would be your dream dinner guests?
Dolly Parton, Katherine Ryan, Iggy Pop, and Anthony Bourdain - music, laughter, and great food!
What advice would you give your younger self?
The fact that the Year 7 disco wasn’t ready for the shiny camouflage flares is on them, not you!
What would it surprise people to know about you?
I am (very reluctantly) the manager of a youth rugby team.
What is your favourite place?
When the sun is shining, sitting in my garden with a glass of something and a good book is hard to beat.
- University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT (0) 20 7679 2000