Agata Berent

Why did you choose the University of Westminster?

University of Westminster was my first and only choice. My sister studied at Westminster and her positive experience and the welcoming community she described, confirmed my decision. Ensuring a supportive environment that allowed personal growth was crucial for me, especially as an estranged immigrant student. The university's diversity eliminates discrimination based on ethnicity, culture, or financial status, fostering a sense of inclusion. You can meet people from all around the world studying here so I never feel lonely or alienated. Westminster offers a lot of help for students like me and thanks to that I can focus on my studies without any worries.  

I wanted to join a university where lecturers are experienced and passionate and where I can create connections with professionals within my industry. After attending the experience day, it became clear that this is the university I was looking for.    

How has your experience been studying in London?

Studying in London as an estranged student, initially I thought it would be a daunting experience, however it has turned out to be incredibly rewarding. Attending lectures fills me with gratitude for the opportunity to educate myself, and after class, I always enjoy spending time with the friends I've made at university.

London, with its incredible cultural diversity, has proven to be an amazing city. It offers everything imaginable, from diverse cuisines to opportunities to explore new hobbies and attend unusual and exciting events. Situated in the heart of central London, my campus is conveniently located within walking distance from SoHo, Chinatown, Regent Street, parks, bars, and restaurants. The vibrant atmosphere ensures that there's always something to do, making my time in London, particularly while studying at the University of Westminster, an exceptionally enjoyable experience.

Tell us about your course and what have you particularly enjoyed?

I am currently enrolled on the Computer Games Development course. The curriculum covers various game engines and coding languages crucial for future game programmers. It also covers essential aspects like mathematics and physics, game enterprise, and 3D asset creation. What has particularly stood out for me during this course is the opportunity to collaborate with actual game programmers right from the beginning. During one of our lectures, we were introduced to mentors from various gaming companies. These professionals not only evaluated our game ideas but also selected groups to mentor. This hands-on engagement provided us with valuable connections in the competitive gaming industry, offering insights and tips to enhance our projects throughout the year.

I appreciate the balance struck between lectures and tutorials on our course. Half of our time is dedicated to absorbing theoretical knowledge through lectures, while the other half is devoted to hands-on experience. This practical aspect involves coding, creating assets, and honing our skills, contributing to a comprehensive learning experience.

Overall, the Computer Games Development course has not only equipped me with the necessary technical knowledge but also facilitated real-world connections and a practical skill set, making it an engaging and rewarding educational journey.

How have you found academic support as part of your studies?

The academic support has been the most impactful aspect of my journey since the beginning of my course. Our lecturers are very knowledgeable and passionate and they explain things in a way that is easy to understand. They make the lectures extremely interesting and engaging and I always look forward to attending them. Our course is quite challenging, so sometimes there are things that may be hard for us students to understand. The lecturers are always happy to explain things further outside of class to ensure we understand the topics covered. They offer to schedule one-to-one or group sessions if we need more help and I know If I have any issues or concerns, I can always turn to my course leader. The trust I have in my lecturers makes my studying experience feel secure, and I feel fortunate to have a supportive environment that boosts my confidence. The academic staff are always happy to help whether you need help with your CV, applying for exchange programs or just need someone to talk to, you will always get the support you need.    

Are there any stand-out facilities associated with your course?

One of the most notable facilities associated with my course is our state-of-the-art VR lab. This facility has motion capture technology, expansive screens, and a diverse array of gaming headsets and equipment essential for mastering VR development. The immersive nature of the VR lab enhances our learning experience, providing practical insights into working with virtual reality.

Additionally, our computer labs stand out as another facility. They are all new and equipped with high-speed computers, comfortable seating, and amazing interiors. The labs create an optimal environment for our coursework. We work with computers on our course pretty much all the time, so it's important for us to feel comfortable and enjoy our environment while working on our projects.

Have you used the University Careers and Employability Service? If yes tell us about your experience

I have worked at our university on the Open Days and Experience Days as a student ambassador. I'm a very open and talkative person so I loved speaking with future students about my experience and answering their questions about Westminster. I got all the necessary training and I really enjoyed working with other students and staff members. I made loads of new friends and I will continue to work on Open Days in the future.        

Tell us about any activities that you have undertaken outside of your course
I am a course representative and also a student helper. I attended many workshops, networking events, webinars and seminars connected to our industry thanks to free British Computer Society (BCS) membership included with our course.    

What would your advice be to someone considering studying at Westminster?

Just do it! Choosing Westminster means never feeling excluded or looked down upon. You'll meet the best people, make amazing friendships, and receive all the support you might need. Joining the University of Westminster is a decision I've never regretted and I am extremely happy to study here.  

What's the best aspect of being a University of Westminster student?

The best aspect of being a University of Westminster student is the fact that I am a part of this huge community full of diverse people, from all around the world. I can learn about cultures and try something new every day.    

The most rewarding aspect of being a University of Westminster student is being a part of a community, filled with diverse individuals from across the globe. Every day, I have the opportunity to immerse myself in various cultures and embrace new experiences.

What’s the most surprising or unexpected aspect of your Westminster experience?

I think the most surprising part is how much effort the staff members put into ensuring we (students) have a successful future. I have friends in universities around London, and I've heard many stories about the lack of initiatives and support on offer. However, at Westminster there is so much support and understanding from both academic and professional support staff. Whenever I'm unsure of something, have a problem or when I'm stuck with my assignments, I always have the help I need. Sometimes, the support is extended even before I ask for it. It's genuinely surprising how much they care about us. Despite having hundreds of students, each lecturer consistently treats everyone individually and with respect.