Mwewa Catherine Fumbeshi

Why did you choose the University of Westminster?

I chose the University of Westminster because of the balance between learning and working. In my first year alone, I was able to build a full CV of experience, which helped me secure multiple part-time jobs.

One of the key roles I took on was becoming a Student Ambassador, which gave me confidence that I could gain meaningful work experience early in my degree. My favourite part has been speaking on student panels and encouraging others to recognise how important confidence is in their journey.

How has your experience been studying in London?

My experience has been surprising in the best way. As an international student, I was nervous about studying abroad, but the community here has helped me build a level of confidence I did not expect, especially within just one year.

I found this community through networking events organised by societies such as the Bar Society and the Law Society. If I had only gone to class, I would not have met as many like-minded people. One key moment for me was attending the University Careers Fair, where I connected with students from different courses that I would not have otherwise met.

What have you particularly enjoyed about your course?

I have really enjoyed the balance between learning and revision on my course. Law is a content-heavy subject, but the tutorials have helped me break down and analyse topics much more effectively.

The structure of weekly seminars and tutorials means I can revisit the content more than once, which has been especially helpful while balancing my part-time jobs and my role as co-president of the Law Society. Having access to materials in advance also allows me to prepare ahead of sessions and get more out of the teaching.

My favourite modules have been Legal Systems, Cultures and Ideas and Private Law, as they encouraged me to think outside the box. I particularly enjoyed a situation-based assignment in Private Law, as it allowed me to apply what I had learned in a more practical way.

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

The support has been overwhelming in a positive way. Emails are responded to quickly, and the answers are always clear and helpful.

I also really appreciate the detailed feedback after assignments, as it helps me understand exactly how to improve.

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

One standout opportunity is the Legal Advice Clinic, which provides hands-on experience working with clients under the supervision of a qualified solicitor. It allows students to apply legal knowledge in real situations and develop practical skills such as client communication and problem-solving. As someone who wants to become a solicitor, this kind of experience is extremely valuable. I am also interested in Artificial Intelligence law, particularly in regulation, so building a strong foundation in legal practice is really important to me.

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

I have used Zone29, and my experience has been outstanding. It introduced me to opportunities such as the Inclusive Futures Insight Programme, which I applied for and was accepted onto. The programme gave me the chance to connect with employers, take part in mentoring, and gain a better understanding of different career paths through real industry insight.

Zone29 also helped me build the confidence to apply for roles, even as a first-year student.

What I found especially valuable was how it opened my eyes to different career paths within law. While the traditional routes are becoming a solicitor or barrister, I learned about alternatives such as working as in-house counsel in a bank or within organisations like Westminster City Council. This gave me confidence that there are multiple paths to success.

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

I was part of the Law and Bar Societies as a first-year representative, which helped me understand how a committee works and how decisions are made.

In this role, I represented my cohort and made sure first-year students were considered when planning events. As I move into my second year, I have been elected as co-president, which I am really excited about.

In this role, I hope to create a space where students are exposed to a wide range of legal career paths, not just the traditional ones. I am also looking forward to organising an end-of-year ball for law students.

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

My biggest piece of advice would be to stay organised. Westminster offers so many opportunities, and making the most of them requires planning and preparation.

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

One of the best aspects for me has been the in-house part-time job opportunities. I currently have three roles, and they provide flexible working experience that fits around my studies.

This flexibility allows me to focus on my academic work while still gaining valuable professional experience.

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

I was surprised that we do not have lectures every day. Instead, we have seminars and tutorials, which are smaller and more focused.

I also found it surprising that classes are spread across just a few days, usually Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday for me. This gives me time to properly go through the content at my own pace.

I also really like that content is introduced at the beginning of the week rather than all at once, as it helps me focus on what is needed without feeling overwhelmed.

Your Thoughts

Being an international student has been one of the most rewarding experiences for me. I found my confidence very quickly, and I am genuinely amazed at how much I have grown.