Indirapathi Sharma Thoondee

Why did you choose the University of Westminster?

When selecting a university to study in the UK, the University of Westminster stood out to me for several reasons.

The diverse and inclusive environment attracted me, where students from different backgrounds create a strong sense of belonging and make it easier to connect with others. The Central London location is highly convenient with close access to underground stations thereby facilitating daily commute to university. This location also provides access to a wide range of professional and cultural opportunities.

The University of Westminster does not focus solely on theory but also places a strong emphasis on practical learning. It includes a variety of hands-on sessions which give students the opportunity to apply what they learn in real world scenarios. This approach helps to build both confidence and technical skills.

The university also provides outstanding career development opportunities. Initiatives such as Zone 29 support students throughout their career journey, from CV building to interview preparation. The WE Network encourages entrepreneurial thinking by helping students develop their own business ideas, while the Westminster Working Cultures (WWC) programme offers valuable international exposure, enabling students to travel abroad and engage with global industries.

How has your experience been studying in London?

Studying in London has been a genuinely valuable experience. What I have particularly appreciated is how the city complements academic study. When studying a course in Computer Science, I am surrounded by leading companies enabling me to learn about technological innovation shaping them.

There is always something taking place from tech conferences to student career fairs which helps connect academic learning with real world application and network with professionals. At the same time, London encourages personal development through its fast-paced environment requiring strong time management and adaptability. It can be challenging at times but that’s exactly what makes it so rewarding.

Outside of my studies, I have also enjoyed exploring the city’s tourist attractions, parks and leisure activities which add to the overall experience of living and studying in London.

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

I am studying Computer Science which combines theoretical concepts with practical application. During my first year, I studied programming in Python and Java, computer systems and web development. For my second and third year, I will progress to advanced topics such as object-oriented programming, data structures and algorithms, database systems, machine learning, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

I value the supportive learning environment where lecturers and seminar tutors provide helpful individual guidance. This has strengthened my confidence in learning and applying new technology concepts. The course also includes practical work such as using a microcontroller board with Python to control circuits, which helps connect theory with real world applications. Group projects and presentations have improved my teamwork and communication skills, while guest lectures from companies such as Google and Microsoft have provided insight into industry practice.

What I enjoy most about the Computer Science course is its flexibility. I often think of it as a “jack of all trades” course because it allows me to explore diverse areas. These include app development, web development, robotics, game development, artificial intelligence and enterprise platforms, amongst others. The course offers the freedom to discover and pursue different interests within the technology field. 

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

The academic support within the course has been strong and highly accessible. Lecturers and seminar tutors are approachable and provide valuable one-to-one support during seminars, particularly when working through exercises based on lecture content. This has been especially beneficial in developing a clearer understanding of complex topics and applying theoretical knowledge in practice.

Seminars are structured to encourage questions and active participation, enabling students to receive immediate guidance when required. This supportive approach has helped to build confidence in addressing challenging concepts and has strengthened problem solving skills.

The availability of academic support has made the transition to university level study more manageable and has played a key role in developing both understanding and independence in learning.

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

One of the key strengths of studying here is the range of facilities that support practical, hands-on learning. We have access to modern computer labs equipped with industry standard software, which are also available outside scheduled teaching hours. This is particularly beneficial for independent practice and personal projects, allowing work to be developed at an individual pace.

A particular highlight for me is the Immersive Development Lab. Exploring virtual and augmented reality within such an advanced environment is highly engaging and provides valuable insight into areas beyond traditional programming, especially for Computer Science students. In addition, there are dedicated networking and cybersecurity labs where real world systems can be simulated safely. Combined with collaborative study spaces, the whole environment closely reflects industry practice and supports a professional approach to learning.

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

Zone29 has played an important role in shaping my career journey.

As an international student, I initially found it challenging to understand the UK job market, career opportunities, and the application process. Through Zone29, I connected with the Careers and Employability team, who supported me throughout the whole application process, from CV building to interview preparation. Their guidance helped me identify areas for improvement and strengthen my overall approach.

I have also benefited from the personalised advice and access to career resources available on Zone29 platform. In addition, I have been working towards the Westminster Employability Award, which has encouraged me to take part in workshops, volunteering and skills-based activities, helping me develop strong transferable skills for future career opportunities.

As a result, I secured a Spring Week opportunity at Barclays, which was a significant milestone in my first year. Zone29 has been instrumental in my development, not only in helping me secure opportunities such as the Barclays Spring Week, but also in building my confidence and employability skills.

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

Outside of my course, I have actively engaged in a range of extracurricular activities that have supported both my personal and professional development.

I am a member of the university Badminton Club and the Travel Society which have provided opportunities to meet new people and build friendships with students from different courses and backgrounds.

I have also participated in several company visits organised by the university, including visits to the headquarters of Morgan Stanley and Deliveroo, which provided insight into industry environments and career pathways. I also visited Bletchley Park, an important site in the history of modern computing and wartime codebreaking.

The university has enabled me to attend external events as well. I volunteered at the CityJS Conference, where I met Douglas Crockford, the creator of JSON, and received a signed copy of his book How JavaScript Works. I also attended the Data Science Big Birthday Bash through university provided tickets.

The university also provides part-time roles for students. I have worked as an academic support volunteer during experience days and open days, supporting student ambassadors in sharing course information and student experiences with prospective students.

Looking ahead, I plan to join the FANS (Friends of Arriving New Students) programme in my second year to help new students settle into university life.

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

My key advice would be to take the initiative and make full use of what the university has to offer. There are many opportunities available, but it is important to actively engage with them. Do not limit yourself to your course. Get involved in different events, take part in workshops and interact with students from diverse disciplines.

It is also important to remain open minded. You might be starting your university studies with a clear idea of your goals, but your interests can evolve once you are exposed to different areas. This flexibility to change is a valuable advantage.

Finally, I would recommend building your network early. Whether through classmates, lecturers or events, these connections can open opportunities in the future.

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

For me, the best aspect of being a University of Westminster student is the combination of opportunity and environment. There is not only a focus on studying for a degree, but also regular exposure to new ideas, industries and real-world experiences.

There is a clear emphasis on preparing students for more than examinations, with encouragement to think about career development and build practical skills from an early stage. This approach helps to bridge the gap between academic study and professional life. At the same time, the atmosphere is welcoming and supportive which makes it easier to take risks, get involved and try new things with confidence.

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

What has surprised me most is how quickly I began building real world experience at the University of Westminster. There is no need to wait until graduation to feel “ready”, as these skills are developed early through projects, practical sessions and university events integrated into the course.

Another unexpected aspect is how interconnected everything feels. My course, the university’s career support and London itself all come together to shape the overall experience. It is not a single factor that adds value, but the way everything works in combination, creating a more applied and industry focused learning journey.

Would you like to add anything else about your Westminster experience?

As an international student, I came to the UK to start my career in technology. I spent considerable time researching universities in the UK and the career services they offer. The University of Westminster stood out among them and after completing my first year here, I can confidently say that the career opportunities available have exceeded my expectations.

During the Spring Week application process, I also realised that a university’s name alone does not determine career success. Many students face rejection not because of their degree or institution, but due to a lack of preparation and guidance in the application process.

While no university can guarantee employment after graduation, what Westminster does provide is strong support, guidance and opportunities to help students develop and progress in their career journeys.

I am truly grateful to have chosen the University of Westminster, as it has provided me with the essential tools and support not only to excel academically but also to grow personally and professionally throughout my career journey.