Maryam Zafar

Why did you choose the University of Westminster?  

Westminster's strong reputation for Criminology was a major draw for me - it definitely earned its spot at the top of my preference list! The location was also perfect, being right in central London. This made it incredibly convenient for commuting home or meeting friends after lectures - you could get practically anywhere! 

How has your experience been studying in London?  

Even though I'd lived in London most of my life, university gave me a completely new perspective on the city. The independence that came with university life led me to discover hidden gems I'd never known about before - like peaceful little parks perfect for summer study sessions with friends, or the Regent Street Cinema that we could easily access as Westminster students. 

What have you particularly enjoyed about your course?  

The breadth of topics we covered was fascinating, even when we had to study online initially (due to Covid-19). I particularly loved how the course challenged us to think about crime and criminality from different angles. The interactive elements - like group discussions and debates - really brought these theoretical concepts to life and opened my mind to new perspectives! 

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

The academic support has been excellent throughout my entire degree. All my lecturers and professors were approachable and genuinely friendly from day one. I always felt comfortable seeking advice during class or in their office hours. During my final year, my dissertation supervisor was particularly supportive - they were like an anchor I could always return to whenever I needed guidance. 

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

Our library was a real highlight, with its excellent resources and incredibly helpful staff. The Criminology course also offered amazing opportunities for field trips - both internationally and around London. The visits to places like the Bow Street Police Museum were particularly valuable as they helped connect our theoretical learning to real-world contexts. 

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

While there was a bit of a wait for consultations (which really just shows how popular and valuable the service is!), the career advice I received was incredibly helpful in planning my post-university journey. 

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

While I was mainly focused on my studies, work, and volunteering, I know many students who got involved with the university's societies and sports clubs and loved them. For me, the course-related field trips were particularly valuable - they brought our classroom learning to life and gave us practical insights into the theories we were studying. 

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

Definitely go for it! Westminster offers everything you could want from a university experience - high-quality courses, supportive professors, great opportunities to make friends, and an ideal location for enjoying student life. What more could you ask for? 

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

University is often this unique time between teenage life and becoming a working adult - it can feel overwhelming at times. What I really appreciated about Westminster was how they helped ease this transition. They supported us not just academically, but also in preparing for life after graduation. 

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

Having our entire first year online due to Covid-19 was definitely unexpected! Despite the challenges of this completely new way of learning, the Westminster staff went above and beyond to make sure we still felt connected to the university community. They worked incredibly hard to make that first year run smoothly - and they succeeded!