29 August 2023

Westminster alumnus Aram Tufan for Times Higher Education on his transformative experience studying in London

Aram Tufan, a Business Management BA Honours and founder of Happy Student, has been interviewed by the Times Higher Education magazine about how his experience studying at the University of Westminster inspired him to help others.

Alumus Aram Tufun

In the article, Aram outlines his reasons for choosing to study in London and also some of the challenges he faced as an international student which led him to create his own app Happy Student which offers support to international students.

Speaking about some of the challenges he faced as an international student, he said: “It was a challenge when I moved to London to study as an international student. Establishing a new life away from my comfort zone, friends and family was difficult. I had to learn new etiquettes, rules and regulations, all while navigating a language barrier.”

On how he was supported in the creation of his app Happy Student at Westminster, he added: “As with every new idea, it was crucial to validate it through thorough research. I wanted to know if other students, beyond my immediate circle of friends, had the same difficulties. After discussing my idea with my personal tutor, I was advised to apply to the Students as Co-Creators programme to conduct further research.”

Finally, speaking about what the app offers to students, he commented: “At the moment, the app provides information such as how to register with the NHS, how to access mental health support services, how to set up utilities, how to open a bank account and how to navigate transportation. It also offers government resources for legal support, and assistance with the Biometric Residence Permit, internet connectivity, mobile phone contracts and more.”

Read the full article on the Times Higher Education magazine’s website.

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