Sarah Alyammahi

Why did you choose the University of Westminster?

After long and extensive research on what university was the right fit for me, I knew right away that this university was the answer. The animation industry is a competitive and difficult field to get into, and to reach my goals, I knew that I needed to pick an institution that would encourage me to reach my full potential. Compared to the other universities I was looking at, this course was the most promising in terms of introducing us to multiple aspects of the animation field.

For example, so far I have experimented with traditional lightbox frame-by-frame animation, puppet animation, digital 2D animation, stop motion, 3D modelling and animation, and recently just learned visual effects, all with the guidance of my tutors and access to industry-standard equipment and software. The number of Westminster campuses and facilities I have access to around central London was another reason I decided to study here. 

I also remember getting excited when I first learnt that the university's mascot was a dragon and that may have played a part at my decision as well.

How has your experience been studying in London?

As an international student, I always dreamt of studying abroad, but finding the right environment for me was just as important. I was fortunate to travel all around the world from a young age, and while I’m grateful for those experiences and believe they played a big role in shaping the open-minded outlook I have today, they also made me realize how many individuals are far less tolerant than others. A diverse environment was a very important factor for me, which is a big reason why I love this city.

I also appreciate how reliable the public transport system is here, as I knew I wouldn’t be able to afford to drive a car as a student.

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

This course encourages you to expand your horizon and try many animation techniques you wouldn’t have explored on your own. This understanding will help guide you on what your strengths are and consider fields you might not have imagined pursuing otherwise. These tools are also aimed to give you the resources you need to give you an understanding on the best way to approach your final year project.

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

A big part of my positive experience so far is due to the support I have received from my lecturers. I value their honest perspectives, and they have created an environment where I don’t hesitate to reach out to them with any concerns I may have.

Are there any standout-facilities associated with our course? 

From stop-motion studios and Wacom Cintiq tablets to industry-standard equipment that are free for us to use, I’ve always valued the resources available to us. I remember one of the first things I did as a student here was get excited about all the books I suddenly had access to. I would read books and magazines that didn’t even relate to my course, simply out of excitement ranging from high fashion, Greek mythology, anatomy, and fine art.

One of the exciting new features we have is the opening of the Games Hub in the library, which gives us access to the Cintiq tablets.

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

Thanks to this course, I’ve had the opportunity to attend many film festivals and animation exhibitions around London. Next month, we have a very exciting trip planned to Annecy, France, to attend the renowned Annecy International Animation Film Festival. I was also a runner-up in the university’s mural competition and helped paint the mural currently on display in the Forum at our Harrow campus. In addition, I’m being commissioned by the university to animate the AR component of the mural.

My documentary student film, completed in the first semester as an assignment for the Documentary Animation module, titled Chasing Baba (2025), has recently been selected for three film festivals-Sobh International Media Festival, First-Time Filmmaker Sessions Volume 4 and The Cine Royale International Film Festival. Although it’s hard to believe it’s been two years already, I’m now approaching my final year—and I can’t wait to continue to grow and learn more.