Dennis Montagano

Why did you choose the University of Westminster?

I chose Westminster because of its multiculturality. I just loved the idea of interacting daily with people of different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, which is also one of the reasons why I decided to study in London. Another reason why I chose Westminster is because of the high quality of their language courses.

How has your experience been studying in London?

It has been overwhelmingly positive – I grew a lot academically, professionally (thanks to the many projects I was involved in during my time at Westminster), and most importantly for me, personally. I matured during my three years at Westminster, thanks to the challenges of moving from my family home in Italy, the sheer number of fantastic people I met and the daily experiences I had both in and out of university. This growth has left me feeling much more optimistic about myself and my future than when I first arrived in London.

What have you particularly enjoyed about your course?

I found my course super useful, well-structured and interesting. I enjoyed every single moment of it, and am a bit sad that I’m about to graduate. The thing I enjoyed the most is that it didn’t just help me to develop as an aspiring translator, but as a human too. We used the language of study, Spanish, to discuss modern everyday points of discussion with our lecturer and fellow classmates, improving our language fluency while also developing soft skills like debating.

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

I found it very useful, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when everything was online. We were given all the tools needed to succeed and more. I particularly liked that the lecturers often organised cultural events and suggested activities and media material to use to improve our knowledge of the Spanish language and culture.

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

There are many stand-out facilities at Westminster, but I would say my favourite one is "the hideaway". The hideaway is a social venue located at the Harrow Campus with a Starbucks where they often organise social events, like the weekly Wednesday's karaoke, at which I’m a regular. I met some of my best friends there, and made some of my best university memories. And, it's always nice to sit on the couches drinking coffee with friends after a lesson.

Tell us about your experience of using the University Careers and Employability Service

I received a gold level Employability Award through using the University Careers and Employability Service. The Westminster Employability Award formally recognises the extra-curricular activities you complete during your time at university. The services provided have been very useful in increasing my awareness of the job market, and thanks to the many activities offered, I feel I became much more attractive to potential employers. At the moment, I am using the service to search for part-time or freelance job vacancies, to do alongside my Masters from September.

Tell us about any activities that you have undertaken outside of your course

I have done many extra-curricular activities, too many to mention all of them, but my most memorable was when I went to the Department of Education representing the university and met Will Quince – a member of parliament. Another memorable accomplishment for me was the time I went to the Royal Courts of Justice.

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

I would say just enjoy every second and every moment of it, and to allow yourself to be scared, without being ashamed of it, because it's normal and it's a thing that will be remembered fondly near graduation. It's part of the experience of being a student, and something that all students can relate to and bond with each other over, especially international students like me.

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

The sense of belonging to a community, and all the social aspects that come with it. I made deep life-long friendships with people from all over the world during my studies. The Students' Union and University always organise interesting activities, and there's a student-run society for basically any interest. It feels so good to come to University and see plenty of familiar face.

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

I would say the teaching method. I’ll be honest, I didn't know what to expect from it, I just wanted to go on an adventure. I thought it would be similar to the Italian's teaching method, but it couldn't be more different, and in my opinion much better, as it's more practical and encourages students to develop critical thought. The relationship with the teaching staff is also much more informal than I had expected – one of my first cultural shocks was during my first Spanish lesson, when I addressed the teacher with the formal "you" in Spanish, only to be told to address her by name.

Your thoughts

My time spent at Westminster was sincerely the best three years of my life, and I couldn't be happier to have made this decision. I’m honestly sad that soon I will graduate, but at the same time so grateful for everything – the memories made, the experiences I had, my awesome lecturers that taught me, the friends I made, and my path of self-growth. I was scared initially, but now I understand it's also part of this experience I will cherish forever, and my suggestion is to not let fear or self-doubt stop you, as this is the best life choice you could make.