Sociology BA – 2023
You really need to make the most of being at Westminster because you will miss it once you’ve left. The presence of academic support was always felt. The Sociology team at Westminster are incredibly compassionate, and I always felt supported in and outside of class. This helped to create trusting relationships between myself and my lecturers and an environment where I felt comfortable being myself.
Why did you choose the University of Westminster?
Before visiting the University, I had heard great things about teaching and social life from friends and social media. When I attended an open day for the Sociology and Criminology department, I was drawn in by the warmness of the lecturers, and I could feel their genuine desire to meet new students and teach what they were passionate about. The environment made me feel comfortable, and I didn’t feel the pressure that I had felt at other university open days, which was important for me because I wanted a university experience which balanced learning and fun.
How was your experience studying in London?
I loved studying in London, particularly in central London. The best thing about it was having endless options for lunch breaks on your doorstep, and the electrifying atmosphere always motivated me to make the most of my time at the university. As a student commuting from home, I was initially worried about my social life being limited, but having a campus situated in central London only enhanced my social life as there were so many places to go during and after university hours with my friends.
What did you particularly enjoy about your course?
My favourite thing about the Sociology course was the wide range of modules available to choose from. It was exciting to have so many options as I could choose modules suited to my career and modules for my other interests. I also thoroughly enjoyed the group discussions and open discussions led by the lecturers in seminars, as they encouraged us to learn from each other, not only from the content of the course.
How did you find academic support as part of your studies?
The presence of academic support was always felt. The Sociology team at Westminster are incredibly compassionate, and I always felt supported in and outside of class. This helped to create trusting relationships between myself and my lecturers and an environment where I felt comfortable being myself.
Tell us about your experience of using the University Careers and Employability Service.
The Talent Bank service was particularly useful for finding part-time work within the university and my department. Through the service, I got a job as a student research intern, which catered to my schedule and helped me to develop transferrable skills. I also think it is great that we still get access to the Careers and Employability Service after leaving Westminster.
What would your advice be to someone considering studying at Westminster?
My advice would be to go for it – it really is a great environment to learn in and to make friends. You really need to make the most of being at Westminster because you will miss it once you’ve left.
What was the best aspect of being a University of Westminster student?
Meeting so many inspiring people has to be the best aspect of being a University of Westminster student. I have made friends for life on my course and have connected with staff who have really helped to boost my career prospects and have given me exciting opportunities that I am so grateful for, such as hosting workshops, presenting my work, and visiting conferences at other universities.
What was the most surprising or unexpected aspect of your Westminster experience?
As a new first-year student, I wasn’t expecting to leave Westminster with so much work experience and to have significantly enhanced my positive mindset about my studies and future. I am a lot more confident and independent than I was before my degree, and I have developed even more of a passion for learning after being enlightened by the transformative work happening at the university.
What have you done since graduation, and what are you doing now?
After graduation, I decided that I wanted to continue studying, and I am currently undertaking a part-time degree in MA Cultural Studies at SOAS. I am also still connected to Westminster through being a member of the Steering Group for the Pedagogies for Social Justice project and I am extremely excited about what is next to come for the project.