Dorota Čechová

Head and shoulders image of Dorota Čechová

Graphic Design BA – 2026

One of the things that drew me to the University of Westminster was the access to and the number of creative facilities available on the Harrow campus. From photography, printing, and 3D studios to various equipment, it is really great to have everything in such proximity and available for use on any projects. As an international student, what I really liked when I first visited the university was the sense of a welcoming and creative international community. It felt like an inspiring place full of opportunity.

Why did you choose the University of Westminster?

One of the things that drew me to the University of Westminster was the access to and the number of creative facilities available on the Harrow campus. From photography, printing, and 3D studios to various equipment, it is really great to have everything in such proximity and available for use on any projects. As an international student, what I really liked when I first visited the university was the sense of a welcoming and creative international community. It felt like an inspiring place full of opportunity.

How has your experience been studying in London?

Moving to London has been a great opportunity that has shaped my life and career for the better. At times, it was challenging to discover a new city, live on a budget, and build a sense of community. Looking back now, I would not change anything. The opportunities in this city are amazing and have had a big impact on my personal life and career path growth.

Tell us about your course and what have you particularly enjoyed?

What I really enjoyed about this course was that it covered all the key skills needed in the graphic design industry, while still allowing time for personal development and exploration. We learned to work with analogue and digital processes, and how to bring them together in our design practice. Each of us was allowed creative freedom and encouraged to experiment with what we were interested in, in response to the briefs. We each received individual feedback and attention from our tutors and worked both individually and in teams. I also enjoyed the multiple design studio visits in London we attended, and the industry speakers who came to talk to us throughout the course. This helped us build a great network of industry contacts.

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

During my three years on the course, I have always had a positive experience with lecturer support. I have always received feedback, advice, and help from my tutors when I needed it, whether it was technical support with software, analysis of a piece of my design, or writing. The staff have been really great.

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

On the course, we have often been encouraged and inducted to use the 2D print facilities at the Harrow campus, such as risograph, silkscreen, and lino printing. As well as using the photography studios to capture our work professionally. During my final year, I learned film processing and darkroom printing in the university darkrooms.

How has Zone29 - our home of careers and enterprise - helped you with your career journey?

I have had multiple free sessions during which I received feedback and advice on how to improve and better prepare my CV. With this scheme, I was also able to find, apply for, and secure a job as a Student Ambassador, which I have now been doing for almost two years alongside my studies.

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

One of the best experiences during my time at Westminster has been a Westminster Working Cultures trip to Singapore. I was lucky to be selected to take a trip to learn about Singapore's working culture and life. This expanded my professional network, and I got to meet incredible people with inspiring careers and experience cultures far from where I grew up. Besides that, I truly had an amazing time, made close friends who are still a big part of my life, and it remains one of my favourite trips of all time.

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

I would advise visiting the campus if you have the chance, and seeing the facilities, studio spaces, and classrooms you will study in. Possibly attend an Open Day. Speak to the lecturers and course leaders to help you decide whether it is the right place for you.

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

All the opportunities for students outside our courses, such as the Westminster Working Cultures scheme, job opportunities, and exciting events like the graduate shows. We get to build a great network of people from various courses, campuses and parts of the world.

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

How Westminster and the people I met in the last three years became a second home, and the number of opportunities and contacts I was able to build through them.