Hansnii Aukhjee

Why did you choose the University of Westminster?

I choose to study at the University of Westminster due to its impressive facilities and the close connection to central London.

How has your experience been studying in London?

My experience studying Fine Art with Mixed Media at the Harrow campus has been an enjoyable experience. Surrounded by greenery, the campus itself offers a quiet and spacious environment. Moreover, the convenience of an easy commute to central London has allowed students like me to explore galleries, exhibitions, installations, and immerse ourselves in a diverse range of artworks, art fairs, and events.

What have you particularly enjoyed about your course?

The Fine Art Mixed Media course at the University of Westminster is designed to be highly independent. This has granted me the freedom to explore and work with a wide array of materials and subjects that align with my personal interests and artistic practice. Over the past three years, I've had the opportunity to experiment with a diverse range of mediums, including paintings, sculptures, video production, electronics, printmaking, and textiles. This experience has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, challenge myself, and create art that I never thought I would attempt. It pushed me to explore new concepts, experiment with unconventional techniques, and express ideas in unique ways.

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

The academic support I've received from my tutors and academic staff has been good. The Fine Art academic staff not only possess profound knowledge but are also friendly and supportive. They go beyond their roles to assist with various issues, which has been truly amazing. I found the Engage platform to be particularly helpful when I needed extra guidance on my essays.

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

My Fine Art with Mixed Media course is closely associated with the 3D Workshop, where many Fine Art students access a wide array of facilities, including ceramics, sculpture, metalwork, woodwork, and laser cutting. These facilities extend their services to the Emerging Media Space (EMS), Photography, and Printmaking departments. The 3D Workshop is a standout space, staffed by friendly, highly skilled individuals always willing to assist. I wholeheartedly recommend students to explore these facilities. The diverse equipment and materials available enabled me to create sculptures cast in plaster, resin, and wax. Being part of the 3D Workshop provided me with the necessary space, tools, and support to expand my artistic horizons and create a diverse body of work.

Have you used the University Careers and Employability Service?

I highly recommend students to make use of services such as Talent Bank and Westminster Working Cultures, as they offer excellent opportunities for career advancement and professional development. Personally, I benefited from Talent Bank, as it led me to an internship that ultimately resulted in a contract job. Additionally, I completed the Westminster Enterprise Champion Journey and Westminster Employability Award at the Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. The tasks within these levels immensely improved my skills and allowed me to engage in activities outside of my course, enhancing my CV.

Tell us about any activities that you have undertaken outside of your course (e.g. course related trips, study abroad, sports clubs, societies and any competitions)?

In addition to my academic studies, I engaged in numerous extracurricular activities. I served as a Wellbeing Ambassador for the university, where I designed and created leaflets, posters, and articles to promote student wellbeing. This experience allowed me to make a positive impact on the wellbeing of fellow students. Furthermore, I participated in the Future Ready Mentoring program for six months, where I was paired with an alumni mentor who provided valuable guidance and support in developing a business plan. This mentorship was incredibly beneficial, providing me with first-hand advice from a professional with experience in my field of interest. Additionally, I volunteered as a panel member for the Student Experience and Opinion Panel for three years, allowing me to share student feedback with the student union and interact with students from various courses and campuses. These extracurricular activities enriched my university experience by equipping me with a diverse set of skills that I can apply in the future.

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

For someone contemplating studying at Westminster, I would like to emphasise the strong support network available, including academic staff, course staff, and fellow students. The university offers a wide range of support services, from academic assistance to counselling services, as well as social events to help you connect with other students. I strongly recommend participating in activities:

1. Westminster Working Cultures (WCC) to network and travel abroad
2. Forage Virtual Internships to gain virtual work experience and enhance your CV
3. Westminster Employability Award (WEA).

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

The best aspect of being a University of Westminster student is the abundance of opportunities that contribute to both personal and academic growth. The university offers a diverse range of societies and professional activities.