Dinemis Balkaroglu

Why did you choose the University of Westminster?

I attended the University of Westminster for my undergraduate degree over a decade ago. I completed a degree in Architecture, and the education I received has opened many doors that have enabled me to have fantastic career opportunities. Having this experience made it a natural choice, as I was confident of the high education level I would receive from the Interior Architecture MA. On top of that, the Central London campus location made it extremely attractive to return to the city.

What have you particularly enjoyed about your course?

I particularly enjoyed the diverse structure of the programme, which equipped me with both practical and theoretical knowledge moving forward in my career. Another aspect was the way the course approached the final thesis process. It was well constructed, so we had ample time to get inspired and think about our end goal.

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

The brilliant thing about this degree was that the head of our year was also highly involved in our day-to-day studies and overall progress, so it was reassuring to know that any help would be given to us when needed, fast and efficiently.

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

As a design student, I found the Fabrication Lab to be the most valuable and entertaining facility on campus. I also want to highlight how well-equipped and maintained the library facilities are.

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

I would say get involved in activities and clubs since there are so many niche societies that would surely spark one of your interests. They will make you feel part of the community and ensure you will never feel lonely in the big city.

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

The comradeship and sense of family I built with fellow students was the best! I wouldn't take this for granted because of the time-consuming aspect of design degrees.

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

I was most surprised and challenged by my tutors and the interior design briefs I worked on throughout the degree. They taught me things about myself as a person and designer and gave me lots of practical knowledge.

I already knew this coming from an undergraduate degree. However, seeing how many fellow alumni you would later meet in professional settings is still surprising. It shows that the University of Westminster produces well-rounded graduates who are very good at their jobs.