Human Nutrition BSc – 2027
I’ve been able to volunteer, take part in research, and even do a paid internship at the Centre for Nutraceuticals, all of which have helped me gain real experience in my field.
Why did you choose the University of Westminster?
I was living in Leicester but always wanted to live in London. I checked the reviews online, and they were good. I also have family in London, so I wanted to be closer to them. I wanted to do the university’s Foundation Science course, as I am a mature student who took a break from studying. The Foundation Year helped me prepare for my Bachelor’s degree and understand how the university system works.
When I started the Foundation Year, there were about 700 students. It was great because I met many people, some of whom are now studying Nutrition with me. I made friends for life at the university, and studying together has been part of what helped me get good grades.
How has your experience been studying in London?
For me, London is a very safe place to live and study, and you can never get bored here. I’ve gone from being a tourist to being a Londoner and have really enjoyed visiting museums. There are always many things to do and to explore in the city.
What have you particularly enjoyed about your course?
I’ve learnt about anatomy, exercise, physiology, nutrition and more, but what I’ve enjoyed most is learning about diet and health in disease - there’s so much to understand, from metabolism through to anti-nutrients. Exercise and physiology have also been fascinating, showing how positive exercise can be for our health. Through my studies, I’ve also learnt about government guidelines and food recommendations, and how important communication is in this field. Developing my critical thinking skills has been another key part of my learning at the university.
How have you found academic support during your studies?
The lecturers and academic staff are very supportive, especially when they see that you’re engaged and passionate about your course. My class sizes are usually small, which makes it easier to ask questions, interact, and get personalised support when you need it.
Are there any standout facilities associated with your course?
I have access to Grammarly Premium, which the university offers, and it’s been really helpful, especially since English is not my first language. I also book rooms to study on the silent floor at the Cavendish campus, which is a nice, quiet space to work on coursework and stay organised.
Tell us about any activities you’ve taken part in outside your course.
I was lucky to go to Paris for two days with the Cavendish Living Lab, where I learnt more about sustainability. We visited a mushroom field where they used coffee waste to grow oyster and lion’s mane mushrooms.
I was also accepted onto the Westminster Working Cultures programme and went to Mumbai in India, for one week. I learnt more about AI and took part in a group pitch for funding. It was an amazing cultural experience, and I learnt a lot about India’s history.
I joined the Nutrition Society, which was fun. As part of our activities, we handed out bottled water during Hydration Week at the Cavendish campus and have interviewed students about how much they spend on food each day.
I’ve attended a nutrition conference at the university, where I networked and asked about volunteering at the Centre for Nutraceuticals. Since then, I’ve done both volunteering and a paid laboratory internship there, learning about research, experiments, and data analysis. I’ve also taken part in a Journal Club and gave a presentation, which really improved my communication skills.
Finally, I’ll be doing an exchange year programme in Shenzhen, China, between my 2nd and 3rd year. I’m very excited about this and extremely thankful to the University of Westminster for offering such an amazing opportunity.
What would your advice be to someone considering studying at Westminster?
Make the most of everything Westminster has to offer, from its diverse community and supportive academics to the great career services. Be proactive, get involved, and take every opportunity that comes your way!
What’s the best aspect of being a University of Westminster student?
There are always so many things happening - conferences, events, and societies to join. You can make lifelong friends and enjoy studying in central London. The university also offers lots of opportunities for jobs, CV and interview support, and more.
What was the most surprising or unexpected part of your Westminster experience?
There have been times when coursework was very demanding, but I’ve been lucky to have great classmates to study and support each other with. I’ve met wonderful people who are always willing to help. I’ve also met people from all around the world and learnt so much about different cultures.