Priyambada Sinha Roy

Why did you choose the University of Westminster?

The course structure offered a combination of both practical and theory-based learning methods.

Being in the heart of London, I felt it would give me several opportunities to apply my classroom learning in real-world settings through placements, volunteering, and networking opportunities.

Being an international student, feeling included is extremely important and empowering to be able to engage and make the most out of the university experience. Westminster seemed welcoming, supportive, and diverse. It felt like it would offer the ideal environment required to enhance my skills and prepare for a meaningful career.

How has your experience been studying in London?

Studying in the heart of London has been an incredibly enriching experience for me. London is very diverse both culturally and academically. I have had the privilege to learn and work alongside students and staff members from all over the world.

Beyond the academic aspects, London has also helped me grow personally. I landed my first ever job after coming here. It has helped me grow and has given me opportunities to meet some amazing people. Being in London has been a truly transformative journey.

What have you particularly enjoyed about your course?

The Public Health BSc course has been designed in a way that is more practical and less theoretical. We were given real-life problems to solve and write our assignments on, which made the learning experience very engaging. The course is based on real-life challenges and solutions, and the structure often made me feel like I was working in a real-world setting rather than just studying in a classroom. There have also been opportunities for collaboration between students and teachers, which I really valued.

I have truly enjoyed my first year at the university because the practical perspective offered by the course aligned well with my academic background and work experience. The university’s values also resonated with my commitment to working across cultures and systems to improve health outcomes.

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

In one word, the academic support has been amazing. I feel grateful to have such supportive lecturers who are always helpful, approachable, and willing to guide us. One of the best aspects of the academic experience has been the feedback provided at the end of each assignment. It helped me understand my strengths and weaknesses and act accordingly, which has really supported my learning and improvement throughout the course.

Tell us about your experience of using the University Careers and Employability Service

The University Careers and Employability Service has been life-changing for me. It helped me land my first job. It connected me with charities where I have volunteered, and it also gave me my summer job as a holiday camp tutor.

Talent Bank is the place where jobs are advertised solely for university students. It helped me land interviews for two university projects where I was hired. This platform has been transformative for me because it gave me opportunities to enhance my skills, gain knowledge, and build work experience. I am confident that all of this will lead to a very bright future for me.

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

I have served as the Course Representative for the Public Health BSc, which gave me the opportunity to represent my peers and communicate student feedback to the teaching team. I also hold a role as a FANS (Friends of Arriving New Students): FANS are fellow students who support new arrivals during their first few weeks at university, helping them feel settled and informed. They are the friendly faces that welcome students to Westminster, whether it’s showing someone where a lecture theatre is or answering questions about what it’s like to study here. All these experiences have helped me enhance my leadership and communication skills.

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

Westminster is a great choice. You will not regret it.

My advice would be to go for it and to make the most out of everything this university and this city have to offer. Westminster has a lot of academic resources, passionate lecturers, and a diverse student community that can really enhance your learning experience.

I would highly recommend getting involved beyond the classroom, like becoming course representatives, attending workshops, joining societies, and using the Career and Employability services early on. They offer great support with placements, CV writing, and job applications.

Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help, whether it’s academic guidance from your lecturers or personal support from your personal tutors.

Westminster offers an inclusive and supportive environment, but it’s up to you to engage with it fully. If you are open and proactive, then Westminster is the place where opportunities turn into achievements.

If you are ready to engage, explore, and grow, then Westminster is the place to be.

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

In one word: “everything”. To give you some of the pieces that have stood out to me, it would be the:

• Constant support and encouragement
• Numerous opportunities for growth, both academically and personally
• Networking and job opportunities
• Future career opportunities
• Practical application of classroom learning through assignments

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

I took a leap of faith when I applied to Westminster. I was fortunate enough to receive an unconditional offer, and I did not expect this experience to be so transformative. I have grown significantly both as a person and professionally, and I got my first ever job because of Westminster. I am incredibly grateful for all the opportunities this university has given me, many of which would have been impossible elsewhere. My experiences here have shaped me in ways I will always value, and I hope my journey can inspire other students as they make their own decisions about studying here.