Hello Westminster | Issue 6

Our cover was designed by one of our illustration graduates – Roberta Shavenko. See more of her work here: instagram.com/shavenko

24

From

26

Discover how

can enhance your CV by volunteering.

28 OUR GRADUATES

Check out what some of our graduates are up to now.

30 FIVE FAVOURITE SPOTS IN LONDON

Check out our students’ favourite places to visit around the city.

32 NEXT STEPS

You’ve received your offer –what’s next?

WE ARE UWSU – YOUR STUDENTS’ UNION AT WESTMINSTER!

We hope you’re excited to start your journey at the University of Westminster and find out more about how you can elevate your student experience with us, your Students’ Union! This magazine gives you a taste of what to expect at Westminster and the many ways you can get involved. Spoiler alert: it’s going to be amazing!

There’s so much to do and see while you’re a student living in London. As a students’ union, we’re here to represent your needs and interests, and support you throughout your time at Westminster. Whether that’s through hosting fun and inclusive events on and off campus, offering

free sports and societies, jobs and volunteering opportunities, or even guiding you through any academic concerns you might have, you can do it all, and more, with UWSU

We hope you enjoy the contents of this magazine and look forward to welcoming you on campus in September!

Follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok to stay updated on all things UWSU

WestminsterSU

OUR RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS

AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER, WE BREAK BARRIERS AND ARE ALWAYS STRIVING TO IMPROVE ON OUR SUCCESSES.

TEF 2023 SILVER

UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER

ACHIEVES SILVER IN THE 2023 TEACHING EXCELLENCE FRAMEWORK

The University of Westminster has been awarded Silver in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. We have been rated Silver overall, Silver for Student Experience and Silver for Student Outcomes, indicating a very high standard in these areas.

NOVUNA 2023 WINNER

UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER IN TOP 25 FOR PRODUCING COMPANY FOUNDERS

In a study of 121 UK universities and 9.7 million alumni profiles on LinkedIn from 2003 to 2022, Novuna Business Cash Flow ranks

Westminster 11th in producing company founders, highlighting the University of Westminster’s success in supporting influential business leaders.

CASE 2023 WINNER

UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER

WINS CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

Westminster Working Cultures UK (WWC), an employability skills programme designed for students, specifically those from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds, was awarded Gold in this year’s Council for Advancement and Support of Education’s (CASE) Circle of Excellence Awards. WWC UK features a series of employability programmes, skills development workshops and events which students can participate in throughout the year alongside their studies, giving them a chance to experience work insights and employment culture in the UK.

FORAGE 2023 WINNER

UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER

WINS UK UNIVERSITY AND EDUCATOR AWARDS FOR STUDENT EMPLOYABILITY INITIATIVES

The University of Westminster is ranked no. 1 in the UK University and Educator Awards by Forage, highlighting our commitment to integrating work-based learning into the curriculum for enhanced employability. This benefits students by increasing their confidence, skills and chances of securing graduate-level positions.

A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF MAGDALENA

ARcHITecTURe BA, THIRD YeAR

MONDAY

My Mondays start with me heading to campus for 10.30am. Living in outer London with my parents, I take the train from my local station into central London.

My trains are frequent, which makes it a very quick and easy commute. As an Architecture student, my timetable dedicates two days a week to my chosen Design Studio. These are either spent in the Architecture studios at our Marylebone campus or out on site visits and trips. Our Design Studio modules make up most of our final grade, so I like that I have two days dedicated to this module. The Design work we produce is used to form our portfolios.

TUESDAY

There is nothing scheduled in my timetable for Tuesdays, so I tend to use it as a day to catch up or continue with my academic work. I work part-time as a student ambassador for the University, offering advice and support to prospective students at a range of events. This Tuesday I worked at Create Your Future, a UCAS Fair at the London ExCel.

WEDNESDAY

Wednesdays are also a free day in my timetable, which I usually use to study from home. This week, I attended another event as a student ambassador. I typically wouldn’t work two days in a row. However, this was a much quieter event as it took place within a college, aimed at their students, for a few hours. I also chose to work this shift as the college is close to a location used in A Clockwork Orange a film I am currently writing about for my dissertation.

THURSDAY

Thursday is the second day of the week dedicated to my Design Studio. This Thursday, all members of my studio and tutors visited Stevenage, a town which is the site for our project this semester. We explored the town in the morning, followed by an afternoon visiting buildings of interest. We also used this visit to observe the infrastructure and urban landscape of the area, the inhabitants and how they interact with the spaces around them.

FRIDAY

On Fridays I have a seminar for my dissertation from 10am to 1pm.

SATURDAY

My weeks are usually very busy, so I enjoy chilled laid-back weekends. I tend to meet up with friends and attend social events during the week as I am already in central London for uni. I spend time at home on the weekends. On Saturday, I watched and analysed the movie Akira, as research for my dissertation, and spent the rest of the day with my family, playing card and board games. Personally, I think it’s very important to have a good university, work and personal life balance to avoid becoming overwhelmed.

I showed my tutor my images from the film location, and I continue to work with my tutor's guidance. In the break between my seminar and lecture I had lunch with my friends, and we used the opportunity to catch up. At 2pm we headed together to our lecture for our Technical Studies module, where we were informed about various materials and their uses. After the lecture, I had a quick meeting with some of my classmates for a group project. We organised ourselves, dividing up roles and tasks to complete before our next meeting. After our meeting I headed home and had a quiet evening reading a book, which was well needed after a busy week.

SUNDAY

On Sunday, I did a few hours of university work.

One of our tasks after our visit to Stevenage was to put together a piece about the neighbourhoods we visited and think of ways to implement a new means of transport in the town. I spent the morning designing and brainstorming ideas to show my tutor. I enjoy baking, so I spent the rest of the day baking for my family. I made a pasta frola, a sweet tart that is common in Argentina, where I am originally from.

YOUR SOCIAL CAMPUS

OUR CAMPUSES HAVE A VARIETY OF SOCIAL SPACES AND AREAS FOR STUDENTS TO ENJOY. THE SPACES HAVE ALL BEEN DESIGNED WITH THE WESTMINSTER STUDENT IN MIND AND ARE CENTRED AROUND SOCIALISING, LEARNING AND IMPROVING THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE.

REGENT

The Hideaway is our multipurpose space where students can socialise with friends but also use as a study space. The space has a discounted coffee shop that turns into a bar when the Students' Union hosts fun student-themed nights.

The Gallery Coffee Shop is a vibrant space open to students, staff and the public. This unique space allows Westminster students to showcase and sell their diverse creations, from paintings and illustrations to photography, clothing, music and more. All the proceeds go directly to our talented student creators.

HARROW

The Forum is a large, shared space, where students meet to study and socialise. The area includes a giant beanbag staircase, which is a popular area for students to relax.

The Undercroft is a hidden treasure and vibrant social hub. While it's known for its lively and popular Messy Mondays, you can also join in on quiz nights or treat yourself to live music performances by Westminster's own talented students.

CAVENDISH

Our vibrant Students' Union shop features University of Westminster branded items. The shop is ideal for students who are looking for a memento of their time at Westminster or want to support our sports teams, the Dragons. All the money raised by the shop goes back into supporting students. The shop also offers an employment opportunies to our students.

Our award-winning innovation space is a dynamic multipurpose hub. The area hosts state-of-the-art computers and displays, writing walls for students to brainstorm ideas, a flexible meeting space for collaboration and an exhibition area to showcase and present work.

westminster.ac.uk/study/ open-days-and-events

MARYLEBONE

The Hangout is an activity, gaming and social space designed for students to socialise, interact and work together on projects. The space incorporates a variety of seating and working styles and provides outlets for students to connect their personal devices to the range of displays. The social activity space was co-designed by students from our Interior Architecture BA and MA courses.

The wellbeing space, based within our Marylebone Library, has been created as a little oasis of calm. The area hosts a collection of wellbeing books for students to browse at their leisure while taking the time out to relax and unplug.

TOP TIPS FOR THE TRANSITION TO UNI LIFE

THE TRANSITION TO UNIVERSITY AFTER STUDYING AT SIXTH FORM OR COLLEGE MIGHT FEEL A BIT DAUNTING, BUT WE’RE HERE TO MAKE THE PROCESS AS EASY AND ENJOYABLE AS POSSIBLE.

PREPARE FOR THE WORLD OF WORK

While you focus on your studies, it’s also important to start thinking about your future career and what will come next after graduation. At Westminster you’ll have access to a range of tools to help you stand out to employers and enhance your CV. Take part in the Westminster Employability Award to get experience and develop key skills that employers want you to have, while earning recognition for your extra-curricular experience. You can use our Engage platform to find temporary and part-time jobs, plus book workshops, events and careers fairs where you can meet potential employers and get advice about graduate opportunities. Our Westminster Working Cultures programme can give you an insight into working life in the UK or abroad and even the chance to see parts of the world you’ve never visited before.

GET INVOLVED WITH THE STUDENTS' UNION

The University of Westminster Students’ Union (UWSU) will also be running a variety of studentled events to welcome you to the University. These include Welcome Fairs, where you can join sports clubs and societies and make new friends.

ENGAGE WITH THE SUPPORT ON OFFER

We have a range of tools and resources to help you achieve the best possible grades. All students are assigned a personal tutor to help you fulfil your academic and personal potential; they’ll help you plan and select the best modules for you and can help to signpost any opportunities or support you might benefit from. There are also plenty of resources to enhance your study skills, ranging from workshops and appointments with academics or librarians, to dissertation writing workshops and online guides and courses to help you develop your skills.

We’ve put together some of our top tips to support you to settle into uni life and help you get the best out of your experience at Westminster.

ATTEND YOUR INDUCTION

When you arrive, you’ll first need to attend your course induction. Each course runs its own induction schedule – a series of events where you’ll meet your tutors and your fellow students. This will be a great opportunity to find out everything you need to know about studying on your course.

JOIN THE WELCOME EVENTS

We organise a wide range of fun events and activities to help you settle into university life, meet other like-minded students and learn new skills. We also run dedicated events for new international students. You can also visit our website to watch prerecorded sessions at your leisure.

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

FOR MANY STUDENTS, LIVING IN HALLS OF RESIDENCE IS THEIR FIRST EXPERIENCE OF LIVING AWAY FROM HOME. IT MAY FEEL DAUNTING, BUT IT’S A GREAT WAY TO SOCIALISE WITH FELLOW STUDENTS AND FEEL AT HOME.

OLYMPIC WAY

Students at our central London campuses can apply for a place in Olympic Way, managed by our partner Unite Students. Living at Olympic Way means you are just a five-minute walk from Wembley Park tube station, so you can be in central London in just 20 minutes, but you also have so much to do right on your doorstep. Wembley Park has plenty of shops and restaurants at the London Designer Outlet, and is home to the iconic Wembley Stadium and SSE Arena. Olympic Way is also right opposite BoxPark Wembley, where you can enjoy a drink, street food and the various events they host.

You’ll live in an en suite bedroom, sharing a communal kitchen and living area, and also have access to TV rooms, a games area and two separate study spaces. There’s a garden terrace on the second floor, and you can enjoy epic views from the 17th-floor terraces.

HARROW HALL

If you’ll be studying at our Harrow Campus, you can apply to live in Harrow Hall. Living on-site at Harrow Campus means you have just a short walk to your lectures, the library and studio spaces and are a 20-minute tube journey from central London. Harrow Hall consists of self-contained units arranged in small, purpose-built, low-rise blocks, all surrounded by green space. You’ll have your own en suite room and a shared kitchen, as well as access to our common room with football table, games consoles and plenty of space to hang out with your friends.

ALTERNATIVES

We work in partnership with a number of private accommodation providers throughout London, so there are plenty of options if you choose not to live in one of our main halls and wish to live closer to the West End campuses. Our Student Accommodation team can also provide you with a list of student landlords and provide guidance and advice if you’re finding your own private accommodation.

FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION

westminster.ac.uk/ accomm-2024

MANAGING YOUR MONEY

SECURE YOUR FUNDING

If you’re intending to apply for a student loan from Student Finance England, whether it’s to pay your fees, a maintenance loan or both, make sure you submit your application as soon as possible. You can apply before you have your results and know for sure which university you’re going to; it’s better to apply as early as possible to guarantee your funding arrives in time at the start of the academic year. Don’t forget to explore other funding opportunities too. At Westminster, we offer a number of scholarships for students holding an offer for a place on a degree course with us, so be sure to check the scholarships page on the website in case there’s something you could be eligible for.

EARN MONEY ALONGSIDE YOUR STUDIES

Getting a part-time job alongside your studies can be a great way to boost your finances while gaining valuable work experience at the same time. Our Careers and Employability Service offers job fairs and the online Engage portal where you can find parttime roles. There are also plenty of opportunities for work on campus, whether that be working in one of the Students’ Union bars or shops, the campus gyms and libraries or becoming a Student Ambassador and supporting recruitment events like open days and school visits.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF STUDENT DISCOUNTS

One of the perks of being a university student is the number of discount opportunities available to you. Once you have enrolled on your full-time course you can apply for a Student Oyster card, saving you 30 per cent on adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Pass season tickets. You can save extra on off-peak fares by adding a 16–25 Railcard or 26–30 Railcard to your 18+ Student Oyster photocard to travel on the Tube, London Overground, Elizabeth line and most National Rail services. To save money when shopping, be sure to sign up to a student discount service like UniDays, Student Beans or TOTUM. Not sure where to start?

Our Students’ Union will have plenty of information about the various student discount schemes available during arrivals

FOR MANY PEOPLE, STUDYING AT UNIVERSITY IS THE FIRST TIME THEY MANAGE THEIR OWN MONEY. WE‘VE PUT TOGETHER SOME HANDY ADVICE TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A GOOD HANDLE ON MANAGING FEES AND FUNDING AND HELP WITH THE CHALLENGES OF THE CURRENT COST OF LIVING CRISIS.

DON’T FORGET TO ASK FOR ADVICE

Our Student Advice Team are available to assist you in a variety of areas related to funding. Our advisers can help you determine exactly what financial support you could be eligible for, and what level of tuition fees you should be paying. They can also signpost you to organisations and resources that can help with budgeting.

SET UP A STUDENT BANK ACCOUNT

Once you’ve secured your funding you’ll need somewhere to put it. Most banks offer student bank accounts that come with lower interest rates and often guaranteed fee-free overdrafts and a range of extra incentives.

The Money Saving Expert website has a whole section dedicated to students, including tips on how to identify the best student bank account for you.

SET A BUDGET

It’s a good idea to set yourself a budget per month or week once you have an idea of your funding and expenses, so you can see what you have left over for everything else once you’ve paid for food and bills. UCAS has a handy budget calculator to help you figure this out.

WESTMINSTER’S FIVE WAYS TO WELLBEING

WE RECOGNISE THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH, SO WE WANT TO ENSURE YOU FEEL SUPPORTED WHILE STUDYING WITH US.

RESEARCH BY THE NEW ECONOMICS FOUNDATION SHOWS THAT THERE ARE A FEW SIMPLE THINGS WE CAN DO AS PART OF OUR DAILY LIVES TO IMPROVE OUR MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING. THESE ARE CALLED THE ‘FIVE WAYS TO WELLBEING’ SO, WHAT ARE THE FIVE WAYS?

2 TAKE NOTICE of the world around you. It’s easy for our minds to be anywhere but the present – worrying about the future, mulling over the past or wishing we were elsewhere as we scroll through Instagram – but paying attention to the present moment can improve our mental wellbeing.

WAYS TO TAKE NOTICE

There are lots of steps you can take to become more mindful. Why not take a trip to a park or check out a local art gallery? There are plenty of parks a short walk from our campuses, not to mention the nearby galleries and museums.

1 CONNECT

When it comes to wellbeing, other people matter. Evidence shows that good relationships with family, friends and even the wider community are all important for our mental wellbeing.

Alongside our existing relationships, making new ones can be incredibly rewarding and can help build your confidence – and starting at university is a great opportunity to meet new people!

WAYS TO CONNECT

From the moment you arrive at Westminster, we aim to make it easy for you to connect with like-minded people. Whether through a club, society or social event, we’re sure that there will be something that suits you. If you are an international student, we offer New to the UK sessions, where you will be able to meet other new students and learn about London.

3 BE ACTIVE

There is so much evidence telling us that exercise is good for overall wellbeing. It improves physical and mental health, helps us sleep, and means that we feel more energetic during the day.

Exercising in a group in particular gives people a sense of motivation that extends to other areas of their life, strengthens feelings of belonging and connectedness, and can just be fun!

WAYS TO BE ACTIVE

Our Students’ Union has a range of clubs you can join, from netball and football to Muay Thai and climbing. If you want something more casual, there’s also Dragons Active, a programme of social sport, games and fitness classes open to all abilities.

TIP

Apps like Headspace and Calm offer free trials of their mindfulness content, or why not check YouTube for an array of free videos!

5 KEEP LEARNING

You’re already taking steps towards this one! A university degree gives you a structure for learning and a space to discuss your interests with others. There are also plenty of other ways to learn alongside university. With the amount of information available online, self-led learning is more accessible than ever!

WAYS TO KEEP LEARNING

There are countless opportunities to pick up new skills and learn through experiences. If you're interested in learning a new language or developing one of your current languages, have a look at our programme Polylang. You can also challenge your perspectives by embarking on a study abroad opportunity while at university. We have international exchange agreements with a range of universities worldwide, in countries such as the USA, China, Canada, France, Spain and Australia.

4 GIVE

Feeling like you have made a positive difference to someone else’s life feels incredibly satisfying. In fact, helping, sharing, giving and team-oriented behaviours are likely to be associated with an increased sense of self-worth and positive feelings.

WAYS TO GIVE

Check out our Volunteering article on page 26 for a guide to the opportunities available at Westminster.

HOW TO BE A SUSTAINABLE STUDENT

MOST OF US WANT TO BE MORE SUSTAINABLE. BUT WHERE DO YOU START? OUR SUSTAINABILITY TEAM HIGHLIGHTS THREE KEY AREAS WHERE YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE: CLOTHING, FOOD AND DRINK!

CLOTHING: WHAT CAN I DO?

BUY SECOND-HAND AND RECYCLE UNWANTED CLOTHES

In an attempt to reduce waste, people are increasingly ditching fast fashion in favour of second-hand clothes, and there are now more options than ever for buying and selling pre-loved garments. London has plenty of charity shops where you can donate old clothes and pick up a bargain. You could also visit one of the many incredible markets such as Brick Lane, Spitalfields or Greenwich. Want to make some extra cash selling unwanted clothes? Why not try out apps like Depop and Vinted? These are great places to sell old clothes or even pick up a bargain for yourself.

FOOD AND DRINK: WHAT CAN I DO?

WHAT ARE WE DOING?

We have a student-led sustainable fashion hub at our Harrow Campus. The hub uses fashion for change and has sustainability, collaboration, community, entrepreneurship, education and inspiration at its heart. Students are able to donate clothing they no longer need but is still in good condition. Students can also take on responsibility and leadership roles in the space, running events, dressing the window, learning to merchandise stock, sourcing and hosting guest speakers, managing a clothing recycling bank and developing their own micro-fashion businesses.

SHARING IS CARING

Combining food shops is a great way to minimise your food waste while limiting your use of single use plastic (by buying fewer individually wrapped items). Why not buy staple items – such as rice, pasta and tinned foods – in bulk? If you batch-cook for your housemates, you’re also less likely to throw out leftovers, plus, your money will go further – who doesn’t enjoy spending less and getting more?

BAG YOURSELF A TASTY BARGAIN

Apps such as Too Good To Go and OLIO, which are designed to help tackle the vast amount of food that is thrown out by food retailers every day, make leftover goods easily accessible to you. Simply download, see what options are available close to you, and pick up a bag of food for a fraction of the full price.

WHAT ARE WE DOING?

In a bid to reduce our food waste, we provide lower cost leftover food internally through the Too Good To Go app. This is available to all students and staff from at least one cafe from each campus. Our canteens also run a Winter Warmer Scheme which offers:

• Breakfast: free porridge and filter coffee or tea between 8am and 9.15am at all our campuses

• Lunch: £3 lunch deals available from 12pm at Harrow, Cavendish and Marylebone

• Throughout the day: a range of other discounts on food and drinks across all campuses

Reusable coffee cups and water bottles are available to purchase at all our cafes and refectories.

GET INVOLVED WITH THE SU

THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER IS MORE THAN JUST A PLACE TO STUDY AND GRADUATE – IT’S A PLACE TO MEET NEW PEOPLE, MAKE NEW FRIENDS AND EXPERIENCE THE PERKS OF BEING A STUDENT. THE STUDENTS’ UNION IS HERE TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN; WITH 25 SPORTS CLUBS AND OVER 80 SOCIETIES TO JOIN, AND ALL FOR FREE, THE POSSIBILITIES TO MAKE NEW MEMORIES ARE ENDLESS!

CULTURAL

The Westminster community is one of the most internationally diverse in the UK, with our students coming from over 160 countries around the world, and that’s reflected in our many cultural and spiritual societies. You will have plenty of opportunities to find friends from a similar background or faith.

STUDENT JOBS

Student jobs are plentiful at UWSU – from working at our bars and shops to being a social media assistant or being a friendly face at our welcome desk, and much more, our part-time jobs are flexible, work around your studies and give you a chance to develop relevant skills and experience.

THE DEN

We're excited to introduce you to The Den, a brand new sports hall on our Harrow Campus. Opened in 2024, the building contains a 180-seater sports hall, hosting sports such as basketball, volleyball and netball. Alongside that, it hosts a strength and conditioning gym with the latest fitness and gym equipment. teams over the years.

DRAGONS

The UWSU Dragons are a team like no other. The Dragons community currently competes in more than 25 different sports. The men’s basketball programme has risen to become one of the premier teams over the years.

HOBBIES

Whatever your hobby or passion –singing, debating, Pokémon, dance, environmental sustainability, film or photography –there’s likely to be a society for it at Westminster. But if the society for you doesn’t exist yet, why not start it?

WORK EXPERIENCE

AISHA NADEEM ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LINGUISTICS BA

During my second year, I applied to join the Explore Teaching Scheme, which provided me with an opportunity to gain work experience in Argyle Primary School in Camden. My main role was to support the learning of year four students by listening to them read, supporting them throughout group activities and helping students that needed extra support. I was also given the opportunity to accompany the students on trips, support them with their end of term assessments and work 1:1 with children with special educational needs, disabilities and English as an additional language.

I learnt how to organise my time better and work well with children and teachers. This opportunity also allowed me to improve skills such as communication, gain

NAGA PUTCHA ACCOUNTING BSC

I had the opportunity to pursue my placement with the NHS as a Management Accountant in the Finance Department. I looked after the monthly accounts of the Integrated Medicine Division, along with forecasting the trends for the future months and budgeting accordingly, to facilitate the needs. I was also responsible for the yearly budget setting for my department and supporting the department with financial year ends and audit queries.

This placement opportunity provided me with the chance to transfer the theory I’ve learnt at university into practice, as well as grow professionally.

I gained skills like communication, negotiating, presenting, team working and working to tight deadlines.

This work experience gives me a head start to my career and helped me decide on what role to choose after graduation.

It gave me the ability to experience different roles while on a rotation and helped me focus on a career I enjoy and look forward to pursuing. This placement has definitely boosted my confidence and allowed me to learn a lot about the world of work. If you’re considering a placement, the skills you learn

the confidence to effectively communicate with both staff and students, and volunteer to help with activities that were outside of my comfort zone.

My placement gave me a better insight into what teaching entails and how to work with children of a younger age group and has solidified my decision to join the teaching profession after graduation. I feel confident in working towards my PGCE after graduation due to my placement experience.

KORNELIJA BUDAITE TOURISM AND EVENTS MANAGEMENT BA

I used the University’s online job platform, Engage, to find a yearlong internship as a social media manager at Fitcredibles, a wellness and fitness services company.

I wanted to gain a competitive edge and make my CV stand out from others and felt that the earlier I start getting ready for my future career the easier it will be for me to find a job after I graduate.

CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY SERVICE

We offer a range of tools and dedicated careers support to help your personal and professional development.

CAREERS GUIDANCE APPOINTMENTS

Get career advice and feedback on your CV, application forms and interviews.

CAREERS FAIRS

A great opportunity for you to meet employers on campus and online.

VACANCIES AND EVENTS PORTAL

and experience you gain will really help you – it’s worth all the hard work.

The whole internship was a great experience for me because my managers were super supportive, and I was happy to work with a motivated and very friendly team that believed in me and my abilities. At Fitcredibles my main role was to manage the social media platforms, generate content ideas and grow the company’s audience. My daily tasks included searching for and collaborating with influencers, responding to comments and messages, uploading content and developing strategies to increase followers. Most of the time I

worked with TikTok, and thanks to this I got a very good insight into this social media platform, an understanding of how it works and emerging trends.

This internship helped me to become a more creative, confident and organised person.

I have learnt a lot about social media management and influencer marketing and this has helped me realise that in the future I want to connect my tourism and events management degree together with social media management and marketing.

Our online service helps you look for part-time placements, voluntary work, and graduate opportunities.

EMPLOYER EVENTS

Employers regularly host events and company presentations – perfect for networking opportunities.

TALENT BANK

We help you to find paid, part-time and temporary jobs at the University.

MENTORING

Develop your skills and gain experience of the working world by taking part in a mentoring scheme.

INFORMATION RESOURCES

We have lots of online material covering jobs, employers, volunteering, working and studying overseas, further study and training.

RECRUITER-ONCAMPUS EVENTS

FIND

westminster.ac.uk/ careers-2024

These are perfect informal chances to meet with employers and other organisations.

OPPORTUNITIES AT WESTMINSTER

THERE ARE LOTS OF OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN NEW SKILLS, ENJOY DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES AND BOOST YOUR CAREER PROSPECTS.

The programme provided me with a great deal of valuable information, and I am so grateful to have participated in this programme. There were many speakers who inspired me to make a difference and achieve excellence in all aspects of my life.

ANDReA BeTTeRIDGe, ARcHITecTURe BA, WeSTmINSTeR WoRkING cUlTUReS, Uk PRoGRAmme

1

THE WESTMINSTER EMPLOYABILITY AWARD

Stand out from the crowd and beat the competition! Take part in the Westminster Employability Award – designed to help you develop skills and gain experience during your time at university. Find out more about yourself, explore different options, gain more experience and get job-ready. Complete different activities and collect points to qualify for a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award.

2

LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE

If you would like to learn a new language or develop a current language, you might be interested in taking part in the University’s open language programme, Polylang. Enhance your employability skills and improve communication while taking part in a module that contributes towards your degree. Languages taught include Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and Russian.

3 STUDY OR WORK OVERSEAS

As part of your degree, you may be able to study or work overseas. Studying or working abroad is an amazing opportunity to live and learn in another country, while gaining global skills to improve your career prospects. We have student exchange partnerships with institutions in Asia, Europe, the Americas and Australasia, giving our students the chance to spend time studying abroad. You could also be eligible for funding to support you while you’re overseas.

4

GAIN VALUABLE CAREERS ADVICE

Our Careers and Employability Service offers help with career planning, finding internships and work placements, along with CV skills, interview advice, coaching and mentoring, to support you throughout your studies and after graduation.We work with hundreds of employers to provide you with a variety of opportunities to work and develop new skills – from part-time work and work placements to volunteering and networking events.

DISABILITY LEARNING SUPPORT

Get advice and support if you have a learning difficulty or disability.

ACADEMIC LEARNING DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

We can help improve your essay writing and presentation skills; simply book a one-to-one appointment or academic skills workshop with us.

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICE

Our nurse practitioners provide advice on health and wellbeing.

FAITH AND SPIRITUALITY

We offer spiritual support and guidance to students from all faiths, plus pastoral care and counsel in times of difficulty.

COUNSELLING

You can talk confidentially to a professionally trained counsellor about any issues worrying you.

LGBTI+ STUDENTS

5

WESTMINSTER WORKING CULTURES

Westminster Working Cultures (WWC) is an initiative designed to enhance the employability of all our undergraduate students, using the support of our global network of alumni and partners.

INFORMATION

westminster.ac.uk/ support-2024

Our LGBTI+ Society provides a safe space for LGBTI+ identifying people. We hold regular events and promote awareness of LGBTI+ issues among students.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVICE AND SUPPORT

We provide visa and immigration advice and practical information on adjusting to life in the UK.

STUDENT FUNDING

We offer advice and guidance on possible funding options available to UK and international students.

BECOME AN AMBASSADOR

OUR AMBASSADOR SCHEMES OFFER A RANGE OF OPPORTUNITIES TO OUR CURRENT STUDENTS ENABLING THEM TO GAIN VALUABLE WORK EXPERIENCE, DEVELOP THEIR SKILLS, EARN MONEY AND WORK FLEXIBLY AROUND THEIR STUDIES.

STUDENT AMBASSADOR

Being a student ambassador is an excellent way to gain valuable work experience, develop new skills and build your future network while earning from flexible part-time work. Our student ambassadors are a positive representation of Westminster and use their unique experiences to provide support and guidance to prospective and current students, their families and supporters. Some of the activities student ambassadors help with include open days, higher education fairs, campus tours, enrolment, presentations at local schools and colleges, and more!

SINCE BECOMING A STUDENT AMBASSADOR, I HAVE GAINED VALUABLE SKILLS IN EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AND LEADERSHIP. INTERACTING WITH STUDENTS HAS DEVELOPED MY INTERPERSONAL SKILLS, AND REPRESENTING WESTMINSTER HAS DEEPENED MY UNDERSTANDING OF THE UNIVERSITY AND ALL THE OPPORTUNITIES IT HAS TO OFFER. OVERALL, BEING A STUDENT AMBASSADOR HAS BEEN A JOURNEY OF PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH.

SARAH OLAJIDE BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES BSC STUDENT AMBASSADOR

SOCIAL MEDIA AMBASSADOR SCHEME

Our social media ambassador scheme is an opportunity for students to become content creators and provide prospective students with insights into university life at Westminster. The scheme supports students to create engaging video content for our social media channels, while gaining valuable paid work experience in a flexible part-time role. Some of the content our social media ambassadors produce includes videos for sharing their life as a student, promoting University events, showcasing their course and facilities, following trends and having fun!

IT’S FUN, ON YOUR OWN TERMS, PUSHES YOU OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE AND MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE YOU’RE A PART OF A COMMUNITY WHILE GAINING WORK EXPERIENCE. JOINING THE SCHEME IS ONE OF THE BEST CHOICES I’VE MADE SO FAR SINCE COMING TO WESTMINSTER.

TAMERA DE AGRELA

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (MARKETING) BA SOCIAL MEDIA AMBASSADOR

Check out some of our social media ambassador content. Search uniwestminster on TikTok and Instagram.

VOLUNTEERING

LOOKING TO GAIN VALUABLE SKILLS FOR YOUR CHOSEN CAREER? VOLUNTEERING COULD BE THE PERFECT PLACE TO START.

Volunteering is a great way to make a difference in the community while enhancing your CV, gaining confidence and learning new skills. At the University of Westminster, we’re truly committed to bettering our society and environment, with hundreds of our students volunteering each year. Here are some examples of what you can get involved with...

TYPES OF VOLUNTEERING

REGULAR VOLUNTEERING

There are a number of charities you can assist on a regular basis. Our Volunteering Service has links with more than 150 charities, and over 40 students have applied to have their volunteering recognised through the University. Although roles often involve assisting charities, they may also involve volunteering at public and community initiatives such as local schools.

STUDENT-LED OR LIVE PROJECTS

Have your own ideas for a socially beneficial project of some kind? We’d love to help you get this off the ground. There are also plenty of shorter term live projects that will allow you to get involved with existing initiatives, for example building apps for a local charity.

ONE-OFF VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES

Have a busy schedule but still want to volunteer your time? There are plenty of options to spend a few hours or a couple of days working at events with charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support, Shelter and WaterAid. There are always one-off events around the University that need support, too.

VOLUNTEERING OVERSEAS

Volunteering overseas is a great way to expand your global network and gain intercultural awareness while making a positive impact on those you help. We work with several partners offering ethical volunteering opportunities for our students overseas, and have a dedicated team who will help you to take part in these.

MAHEERA CHOUDHURY SOCIOLOGY AND CRIMINOLOGY, BA

As a volunteer for ReachOut, a charity dedicated to helping disadvantaged students grow academically and develop their character, I provided mentorship to students aged 9–10 at primary schools in London and Essex, from 2021 to 2023.

Through leading and engaging in class activities, I actively worked towards building their confidence and witnessed first-hand the transformative impact mentoring can have on students. This experience not only allowed me to help the students better themselves, but I also experienced personal development.

As a mentor, I felt a deep sense of responsibility towards both the students and my peers. Volunteering in such a role where I could easily influence the lives of others meant that I was constantly motivated to do my best and represent the charity in a positive light.

This volunteering experience significantly contributed to the development of my confidence and public speaking and leadership skills, pushing me out of my comfort zone and inspiring me to work on areas where I previously lacked confidence. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity, as it broadened my skillset greatly and taught me the importance of providing students with meaningful engagement.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

After you’ve enrolled on your chosen course, you’ll be able to access Engage, our online platform that lists opportunities for volunteering. Our volunteering team also offers weekly appointments to help you with any questions you may have.

Students completing at least 25 hours of volunteering, either on or off campus, will also be eligible to apply for recognition of this through our Westminster Employability Award.

To find out more about our exciting volunteering opportunities, visit: westminster.ac.uk/ volunteering-2024

OUR GRADUATES

SEE WHAT SOME OF OUR GRADUATES ARE UP TO NOW

SAJJAD AZAM CHOUDRY

comPUTeR ScIeNce BSc, 2020

Sajjad Choudry has had a significant impact in healthcare and education since graduating from Westminster in 2020 with his Computer Science BSc. Sajjad played an integral role in a major digital transformation project at NHS Trusts, supporting the delivery of an Electronic Patient Record system for over two million patients.

Sajjad has been promoted to a Lead Analyst after just two years in his role within healthcare, and for the last seven years has dedicated time to teaching SEN children and mentoring tutoring staff. He now speaks at school careers fairs and helps support new graduates entering his industry to kick-start their careers. He also received an MSc scholarship from the Aziz Foundation and is determined to improve the representation of BAME professionals within his workplace.

ARAM TUF BUSINeSS mANAGemeN AN T BA, 2021

Aram Tufan founded Happy Student in 2021 while studying at the University of Westminster and received an Honour Certificate from the University for his research on student adaptation challenges. Happy Student is a unique app that helps students transition into university life and provides guidance on a range of essential areas such as health, money, transport, housing, discounts and much more.

Happy Student won the First Prize as well as the Viral Idea Prize at The Big Idea Competition in 2022. The project was invited into the Microsoft for Startups programme in the same year. The Happy Student app was launched in February 2023, with the business being accepted into Santander X UCL Edtech Labs and shortlisted for the Santander X UK Awards 2023. He is also a finalist for Early Stage Stand Outs Entrepreneur of the Year at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards in 2023.

D BIoc AIN SON ROBINSON HemISTRY BSc, 2020

Dain Son Robinson is a sustainability specialist with experience in delivering environmental and social sustainability projects at a strategic, operational and grassroots level to support values and purpose-driven change within organisations.

She is currently the Head of Sustainability at New West End Company, working with public

and private sector organisations to drive forward the collective sustainability agenda within London's West End supporting over 400 retail occupiers and 200 property owners across Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street. Dain was also selected for Edie's prestigious 30 Under 30 programme for 2023 in recognition for delivering on efforts to build a better future and showing promise as a leader in sustainability.

FIVE FAVOURITE SPOTS IN LONDON

LONDON IS ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING CITIES IN THE WORLD. FILLED TO THE BRIM WITH HISTORY, CULTURE AND AN ABUNDANCE OF NEW PLACES TO DISCOVER, IT CAN BE HARD TO IMAGINE HOW YOU’LL HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO EXPLORE IT ALL! TO HELP YOU KNOW WHERE TO START, WE ASKED OUR STUDENTS WHAT THEIR FAVOURITE THINGS ARE TO DO AROUND LONDON. HERE’S WHAT THEY SAID…

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LITTLE VENICE

Maha Javed Smart Computer Systems BEng (now Software Engineering with Electronics BEng) Little Venice is one of London’s many hidden gems. Just a few stops on the tube from our Marylebone Campus, Little Venice is best known for its picturesque canals. Why not enjoy a quiet walk to unwind after a day of studying, watch a show on the Puppet Theatre Barge, or stop at one of the many pubs and cafes along the way?

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REGENT’S PARK AND PRIMROSE HILL

Ash Khan Sociology and Criminology BA

Despite being a huge city, London still has plenty of green space for you to take in a little nature when you want to relax. Why not take a trip to Regent’s Park after your lectures or head to Primrose Hill for amazing views of the city skyline? In the summer, make the most of the long days with an evening picnic, and in winter, wrap up warm and take a flask of tea.

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CAMDEN MARKET

Mariam Mumtaz Biological Sciences BSc

If you’re a foodie, Camden Market is definitely a place to add to your list, with endless food stalls selling a diverse range of dishes from around the world. It’s also home to an eclectic mix of shops and stalls selling everything from vintage clothes and jewellery to quirky artwork and books.

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NOTTING HILL

Sanchali Srivastava Psychology BSc

Notting Hill is my favourite place in London to go vintage shopping. You can pick up some bargains, whether it’s clothes, accessories or homeware. My favourite thing to buy is vintage jewellery, and it’s fun to check out the famous bookshop from the movie Notting Hill, too.

CHINATOWN

Salma Abdi

Psychology and Counselling BSc

Chinatown is my favourite place to head for food and drinks. There’s always something exciting to try, from bubble tea to cakes and dim sum.

NEXT STEPS

YOU’VE GOT YOUR OFFER – WHAT’S NEXT?

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ATTEND AN OPEN DAY OR EXPERIENCE DAY

If you haven’t already, book your place for an open day to learn more about your chosen course.

Open days are the perfect opportunity to find out everything you need to know about studying at the University of Westminster. Ask questions, meet current students and academics, and get a feel for student life at Westminster. westminster.ac.uk/open-days

Depending on when you applied for your course, you might also be able to visit us for an Experience Day. We tend to run these between February and March each year, so keep an eye out for your invite.

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ACCEPT YOUR OFFER

You can view and accept your offer by logging on to UCAS Track where you will also find your deadline to reply.

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FIND OUT ABOUT FEES AND FUNDING

See what funding is available to you as an undergraduate student. westminster.ac.uk/funding-2024

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CHECK IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A SCHOLARSHIP

We offer a range of scholarships to students. Check the scholarships section of our website to see what you could be entitled to. westminster.ac.uk/ scholarships-2024

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FIND ACCOMMODATION

Whether you want to apply for halls of residence or live in private housing, we can help find the right accommodation for you. westminster.ac.uk/accommodation

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CONTACT ADMISSIONS AND APPLICANT SUPPORT

Get answers to any questions you may have by contacting our admissions team. E: UGAdmissions@westminster.ac.uk

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT?

If you’re joining as an international student, find out more about visas and how we can support you during your studies. westminster.ac.uk/international

A GLOBAL UNIVERSITY WITH LONDON ENERGY westminster.ac.uk

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