Lads Without Labels: How Oscar Bloom is Changing the Conversation on Campus
written by Sadie Williams - Media and Communication Student, R&R 2025
From R&R’s Wilson 3 to leading one of UC’s most influential student run charities, Oscar Bloom embodies what it means to take community spirit beyond the hall. His story shows that leadership isn’t measured by position, but by the impact you leave on the people around you.
A proud Christchurch local and former St Andrew’s College student, Oscar moved into Wilson 3 at R&R during his first year at UC. He remembers his time in the hall as something truly special, especially the sense of unity that emerged during the Covid year. “It was such a weird time,” he laughs, “but we really leaned on each other. That sense of community was everything.”
Now in his fourth year, Oscar is studying Law and a Bachelor of Arts, doubling majoring in Political Science and International Relations and Media and Communication, all while playing a major role in one of UC’s most impactful student-led mental health movements: Lads Without Labels (Lads).
Finding Purpose Beyond Study
Oscar’s path into UC’s club scene began naturally; he’d always been involved in leadership at school and wanted to keep building community on campus. “I wasn’t fulfilled with just study,” he says. “Being part of something bigger - something that connects people - that’s where I found purpose.”
Ironically, his journey with Lads began with rejection. “I didn’t make it onto the exec the first time I applied,” he recalls. “But I believed in what the club was doing and wanted to be part of it, so I tried again the next year.”
That persistence paid off. After joining as one of the Community Events Leads in 2023, Oscar helped bring to life some of Lads’ most popular initiatives, including Life Skills, Wellness Wednesdays, and the much-loved Party Waves. By 2025, he had stepped into the role of Co-President, alongside another R&R Alumni Zack Waite (2022), where they both lead one of UC’s most dynamic student organisations.
Changing the Definition of a “Lad”
Under Oscar’s leadership, Lads Without Labels has evolved from its grassroots beginnings into a powerful, inclusive movement that spans across the entire Canterbury region. What started as a small group of students focused on men’s mental health has grown into a community where everyone is welcome.
“You don’t have to be conventionally ‘one of the boys’ to be a lad,” Oscar says. “It’s about creating a space where you can be yourself - whatever type of guy you want to be - and know that you belong.”
Through partnerships with local businesses like Bacon Bros and Supreme Coffee, and the introduction of initiatives like Flat Chats and the Support Fund, the club’s impact has been huge. “Our Support Fund saw a 500% increase in uptake this year,” Oscar shares. “It shows how real the need is,” and further, that people are gaining more understanding of where to get help.
The Impact
Beyond the numbers, what drives Oscar most is the feedback he’s received from students whose lives have been changed by the club’s work. “Sometimes people tell us that an event, a chat, or just knowing Lads exists shifted their trajectory,” he says. “That’s the kind of impact you can’t measure, and it’s deeply humbling to know you’ve played even a small role in that.”
Oscar speaks candidly about the ongoing challenge of balancing study, leadership, and mental wellbeing. “I’ve learned how important sleep is,” he says with a grin. “And taking time for myself.” The philosophy that you can’t pour from an empty cup captures his leadership style perfectly. He encourages his team to reach out for support early and view wellbeing as something to nurture, not just repair.
Further, His approach to leadership is grounded in compassion and realism. “If there’s something I can do that serves others (even if it means my grades slip a bit) I’m okay with that,” he says. “For me, fulfilment doesn’t just come from academics. It comes from making a difference.”
Looking Ahead
As Oscar moves into his final year, he’s taking on a new challenge as Patron of the Board/Director of Lads Without Labels. He hopes to guide the club’s growth beyond UC, expanding to campuses like Ara and the University of Otago, and exploring how their support fund can make an even greater difference in the South Island.
Beyond that, he hopes to take his passion for community and advocacy overseas. “I’ve got about a year and a half left of study,” he says. “After that, I’d love to move around overseas, but Lads will always be close to my heart.”
Words of Wisdom
For current students at RnR, Oscar’s message is simple: get involved.
“Join a club. Go to an event. Say yes to opportunities that scare you a little. The best uni experiences come from the people you meet and the communities you build. Have faith that things will work out - they always do.”
Quickfire with Oscar
Most important lesson learned: “People crave connection. Loneliness is real, and we all have the power to make someone feel seen.”
Next big thing: Run72 2026 - watch this space!