Sara Lala Gul

Why did you choose the University of Westminster? 

One of the key reasons was that it’s in London, so I could commute instead of paying for accommodation. I’ve always loved the bustling city atmosphere when visiting London, so it felt like the perfect place to study. The University also had clearing spaces for the course I was interested in, and I liked the structure of the modules and the learning opportunities they offered. When I looked up the lecturer profiles, I was impressed by the exciting work they’d done - being taught by passionate scientists was a big draw for me. 

A memorable moment was speaking to a student who was working on the phone team during my clearing call - they were so reassuring and helpful that I felt confident about applying right away. Having friendly and supportive people around is such an important part of the university experience, and Westminster immediately gave me that impression. 

How has your experience been studying at University of Westminster? 

My first year at Westminster has been amazing! I love that the campus gym is free and just a short walk from my classes. It’s made it easier to stay active and build a routine after long study sessions. If study rooms at Cavendish Campus are fully booked, I can easily reserve a room at another campus, which is incredibly convenient. The library is also well-equipped, with plenty of computers and study spaces for both group work and quiet study. 

The Student Centre has been a fantastic resource whenever I’ve faced challenges - they’ve provided clear and helpful advice every time. Westminster is really focused on employability, offering part-time roles like Friends of Arriving New Students (FANS) and Student Ambassadors, which have been great opportunities to develop skills, gain experience and earn money. 

I’ve also had the chance to attend talks by external speakers, who shared their inspiring career stories and valuable lessons. The social spaces on campus are perfect for catching up with friends over lunch, and the university societies host plenty of activities each semester. These events are a great way to take a break from studying and meet students from different courses. 

Being in London has opened up unique opportunities too - like visiting the Francis Crick Institute's brain exhibition with the Biomedical Science Society, where I learned about neuroscience and the diversity of brain structures in animals. 

What have you particularly enjoyed about your course?

I’ve really enjoyed working with classmates in the lab to complete experiments. These hands-on sessions bring theoretical knowledge to life and help cement concepts in my mind. It’s also been exciting to use lab equipment I’d only seen in pictures before joining university. 

The balance between lectures and tutorials is great - tutorials are a chance to dive deeper into what we’ve learned, ask questions, and clarify assignments. One highlight has been working with virtual cadavers to explore anatomy and physiology, linking the structure and function of organs within their systems. The course is designed to build on knowledge progressively across semesters, which has been key to my learning. 

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

The academic services team has been invaluable for reviewing assignment drafts and providing feedback on how to improve my work. They also host webinars with useful materials, which they share afterward for extra support. 

The lecturers and module leaders have been incredibly understanding as I’ve navigated this new chapter in my life. Whenever I had questions, I never felt like I was pestering them - they were always kind, patient, and eager to help. The course leader has been especially empathetic, always taking the time to address subject-wide concerns and support us. 

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

The Cavendish campus has four floors of laboratories, each tailored to different types of experiments - from growing bacterial cultures to measuring muscle size and performance. The labs are equipped with a wide range of tools, like spectrophotometers and devices that analyse breathing patterns, as well as technology for batch assays. 

The library is stocked with an extensive collection of life sciences literature, and most lectures take place in the Large Lecture Theatre, which seats over 200 people. The lecture theatre has dual screens for better visibility, device charging ports, and audio systems that allow lectures to be recorded for later review. 

Have you used the University Careers and Employability Service? 

Yes, I’ve used it to explore volunteering opportunities in London and attend a workshop about the industry placement year. The workshop provided valuable insights into how placements work and the long-term benefits for my studies and skills. I’m now considering applying for a placement year and plan to use the Careers and Employability Service more to progress with the Westminster Employability Award. 

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

I joined several societies, including the Biomedical Science (BMS) Society, Medical Society (Med Soc), and Harry Potter Society (HP Soc). The BMS Society hosted a fun games night where we tested our trivia knowledge and even did karaoke! We also visited the Francis Crick Institute’s brain exhibition, which was fascinating. 

The Med Soc invited an alumnus now studying medicine to share their journey through university and into a medical programme, which was really insightful. With the HP Soc, I went on a discounted trip to the Harry Potter Studio Tour - a dream come true as a Harry Potter fan! I have so many cherished memories and photos from that day. 

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

Make the most of everything available to you. If you’re struggling with assignments, academic services can help. If you want to earn money and build skills, look out for student job opportunities. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to the Students’ Union, your personal tutor, or the counselling services - there’s always someone to support you. 

If there’s something you’re eligible for, like a role or opportunity, go for it! Don’t hesitate, because others will be aiming for it too - stay determined. 

Get involved with society committees - they have roles to suit everyone, whether you’re interested in event planning, finances, or leadership. Most importantly, have fun and make this time your own! 

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

The university offers so much choice and support to students. The democratic processes, like society committee elections and student officer roles, ensure everyone has a voice. 

I’m proud to be a Student Ambassador at a university that genuinely cares about equity and equal opportunities. The diverse community here is incredible - I’ve had the chance to meet and learn from people from so many backgrounds, which has been one of the most enriching parts of my experience. 

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

The biggest surprise was securing my place and having such a fulfilling first year. After losing an offer from another university on results day, Westminster opened up an exciting new path for me, filled with amazing experiences and connections. 

I didn’t visit the university before enrolling, so learning interesting facts about its history through my work as an ambassador has been a pleasant surprise. For example, Westminster organised the opening and closing ceremonies for the 1908 Olympics! 

Your Thoughts 

I love the variety across the campuses - from the marble grandeur of Regent Street to the modern design of Marylebone campus. The social spaces have been newly refurbished, offering plenty of places to relax and enjoy student life. Each campus has its own unique vibe, and I’ve enjoyed exploring them all.