Lord Mayor’s Student Welcome Part 1: The Couch Stall - August 2, 2014

For the first time ever the semi-annual event, the Lord Mayor’s Student Welcome, was held at The Couch. The event was so massive, that we need to split it up into three parts by three authors!

Our first article is by Linah Tan, who was mostly based at the entrance to The Couch, greeting new students.

My experience at the Lord Mayor’s Student Welcome started when I arrived at The Couch and found myself amidst a hive of students, volunteers, models, exhibitors and, above it all, Gary and Peter commandeering the masses. There were many new faces that I had not previously seen but I was taken aback by how helpful and friendly everyone was, especially as I was greeted with 'Hello, you must one of the models! Please go over there to where the models are.' As flattered as I was, I considered against joining the models in the end.

Other volunteers from The Couch took up the offer.

After rousing talks by Gary, Peter and the different volunteer team leaders, the doors were opened and the first trickle of visitors arrived. I was stationed at The Couch stall alongside other seasoned Couch veterans such as Behrooz, Jim, Juan, Robin and Roon.  Enthusiasm and energy levels were high as we accosted everyone who walked into the door with marketable lines such as 'Do you know about The Couch?', 'Look at me, I’m pretty awesome, so you should come to The Couch', and 'Are you Malaysian? Come to The Couch lah!' People seemed to be impressed by the services and atmosphere of The Couch and our flyers and newsletters went like hotcakes.

The Couch stall

It wasn't until Veronica arrived to take over my position that I realized how tired I was from standing and talking for four hours! Nonetheless, I was amazed to see how many people had attended and I really felt that The Couch team had made an impact on increasing its awareness within the International Student community. Overall, it was a fantastic day and I’m sure it will return even bigger and better in 2015.

Leah and Nicki with the coffee van! Photo is copyright Jelly Huong.

More photos in the album.