Forge Press sat down with Molly Holland, who is running for the role of President in this year’s Student Union officer elections
For Molly Holland, the decision to run for SU President was less a lightning bolt moment and more a gradual nudge from those around her. “Enough people asked me if I was considering it that eventually I was like, what’s the worst that could happen?” she laughs. Now in her fourth year at Sheffield, Molly has spent much of her time at university deeply embedded in student life, most notably through the walking club (who received a shout out) and says that experience has shaped exactly why she wants the top job.
The issue she keeps coming back to is cost of living. It’s the cornerstone of her campaign and, she argues, one the SU hasn’t done enough to address. “Back when I started uni we had 80p bus and tram tickets,” she says. “The SU should be doing more to support students in this.” Her manifesto reflects that urgency across three main areas: affordable campus food, cheaper accommodation, and accessible education.
On food, Molly is refreshingly specific. Her first act as President? Overhaul the meal options at the SU. “Cheap, nutritious things. People are busy and some students commute, we could have options like 50p beans on toast”. Beyond campus, Molly wants to lobby for reduced rent prices in university-owned accommodation and push to bring back cheaper public transport options.
She’s also passionate about the bigger picture of education funding. “We should be doing more to campaign for free, fair and accessible education, with meaningful maintenance grants and a little transparency about where the money is all going.” Given an unlimited budget, she’d go further still: free education for all. “Students here, students coming over from other countries escaping genocide. The power of education is so important to me,” she says.
The third strand of her vision is perhaps the most ambitious. She wants to bring Sheffield the city into the university, forging stronger links between students and the place they call home for three or more years. As for her campaign, Molly is keeping it grassroots. “Lots of people have been very nice and offered to help me. I want to make sure that I am visible on campus.” And if she could have any celebrity play her in the film of her campaign? “Cheryl Cole would be quite funny,” she grins.
Whether or not Cheryl shows up, Molly Holland is making her presence known. And she has a clear message for Sheffield students. The SU can, and should, do more.
