Nanna Lucas

Why did you choose the University of Westminster?

I chose the University of Westminster because of its strong reputation in my field and its accreditation by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). The course structure was appealing, with engaging modules and flexible start dates. Beginning in January was ideal for me. What also stood out was the university’s international and multicultural environment. It was important for me to study somewhere I could meet people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and Westminster offered exactly that.

How has your experience been studying in London?

It’s without doubt been a life-changing experience and the best decision I’ve ever made. Moving to a big city like London can feel overwhelming at first, especially when it comes to building a new network and finding friends. Studying at Westminster was the perfect way to start my new chapter here. My campus was in the heart of Marylebone, which allowed me to get to know the city in a welcoming and manageable way. I’ve met some incredible people during my time here, people I believe will remain part of my life for years to come.

Tell us about your course (what have you particularly enjoyed about the programme?) 

I’ve really enjoyed the professors and lecturers across all my modules. They’ve been engaging, supportive, and brought real-world knowledge into the classroom. One of the things I’ve appreciated most is the opportunity to work with a wide range of companies and case studies. Coming from a jewellery and fashion background, with eight years of industry experience, it was a challenge, and a welcome one, to suddenly be working on brands in completely different sectors, like toothpaste or bikes. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me develop a much broader marketing perspective.

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

I’ve received excellent support throughout my course. The lecturers have been knowledgeable, approachable, and committed to helping us succeed. For my dissertation, I focused on luxury fashion marketing strategies, and I was fortunate to have a supervisor with a PhD in luxury marketing. It was the perfect fit. She provided invaluable guidance during the intense dissertation period and went above and beyond in supporting my academic interests. From the beginning of my Master’s, she recognised my passion for luxury fashion and kindly invited me to guest lectures she had arranged for her undergraduate fashion students. One highlight was a session with guest speakers from Burberry, which offered inspiring insights into the industry and further enriched my experience.

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

I’ve made extensive use of the library on my campus. It’s a bright, quiet, and welcoming space, perfect for focused study. I’ve spent countless hours there, and it’s been one of my favourite places to work throughout my studies.

Have you used the University Careers and Employability Service? If yes, tell us about your experience.

I signed up for the University’s mentoring programme, which was a great experience and very professionally run. I was matched with a mentor working in a field closely aligned with my career interests, and she has been a great source of support and guidance.

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

I’ve made good use of the various sports facilities the University offers. The free gym membership has been a real bonus! I was also a member of the Yoga Society and taught the weekly yoga sessions at the Harrow campus, which has some excellent sports facilities. Working with the Yoga Society has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I strongly encourage everyone to consider joining a society for similar enriching opportunities. It’s a great way to meet people from different courses and campuses who share a common interest. Plus, you get free yoga - what’s not to like?

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

I would say, just go for it! The University of Westminster is a great university. My advice to anyone starting here is to fully engage with everything the university offers. Get involved in societies, attend events, and make the most of the excellent campus facilities like study spaces and gyms. It really enriches your experience and helps you make the most of your time here.

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

Beyond the obvious benefit of studying right in the heart of London - the most amazing city, if you ask me - I’d say the best aspect is being part of such a multicultural and international community. Studying at Westminster gives you the chance to meet people from all over the world and experience different cultures. It really broadens your perspective and helps you see the world in a new way.

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

For me, almost everything felt surprising and unexpected in some way. As a mature student who finished my bachelor’s degree 10 years ago, returning to study was a significant change. What surprised me most personally was how much I enjoyed it. For the first time, spending weeks and days focused on a subject I’m passionate about felt like a real privilege and an absolute treat. The last time I studied, I hadn’t worked before, so I found it hard to connect what I was learning to real-world experience. This time, having professional experience behind me, I was able to understand everything in a much richer, practical context, which helped me achieve the best results and grades I’ve ever had in school or university.