The BSc Nutrition and Health programme at the University of Roehampton provides students with many opportunities to develop different skills and build an extensive CV post-graduation. In the first year of the degree, the Professional Practice for Nutritionists module requires students to come up with a health solution idea for the university community.
Following data collection via a student-based survey, first year students Bells and Eksha found that many students wanted to feel better supported with their health and gain a sense of community within the life sciences programmes, so they pledged the idea of creating a student-led nutrition and health society as part of their assignment. The idea was received with great interest and, with support from department lecturers, the students approached the Student Union and began the process of collecting signatures to demonstrate the society would be a success. After completing risk assessments and putting plans in place, a new society was born! Since attending the first Freshers’ Fair in 2022, the society has hosted student-led talks on subjects such as gut health and polyphenols, led cooking workshops highlighting the importance of healthy eating, and arranged guest speaker events with inspirational professionals such as registered dietitian Sophie Medlin.
In 2023, the society was invited onto Nualtra’s ‘The Dietitian Café RD2B’ podcast to discuss setting up and running a society and a gut-focused baking session was shortlisted for the National Societies and Volunteering Awards for Best Event!
The society has encouraged students from different degree programmes to come together, learn, and share knowledge about food and nutrition. It has sparked many new friendships and inspired others to consider a healthy, balanced diet. The society is a great asset to the Nutrition and Health course and creates a brilliant sense of community and camaraderie among students.
Bells Hann was shortlisted for the 2024 Complete Nutrition Student Award. Read more and vote for Bells here.
To find out more about Roehampton’s BSc Nutrition and Health programme, visit our website.