Sophia Cichero

Head and shoulders image of Sophia Cichero

International Business BA – 2028

Studying in the City of London offers endless opportunities, rich culture, and diverse communities.

Why did you choose the University of Westminster?

After taking a year off from my education to travel through Australia, Southeast Asia, and South America, I developed a deep appreciation for diverse cultures, vibrant cities, and the importance of global perspectives. When it came time to choose a university, I knew I didn’t want to be in a small or isolated town. I was looking for a place that reflected the energy and diversity I had experienced during my travels—somewhere with access to professional opportunities, cultural variety, and international communities.

The University of Westminster stood out as the ideal environment for me. With its strong focus on global engagement, industry connections, and its central location, the university's course offerings aligned perfectly with my personal and academic goals. It felt like the right place for me to continue growing, both intellectually and personally.

What have you particularly enjoyed about your course?

I appreciate that it covers every aspect of business, providing me with a well-rounded understanding. The practical and coursework-based approach has stood out to me significantly. This structure has helped me achieve well while facilitating easy feedback from my lecturers.

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

The feedback I received from my lecturers has been both constructive and consistent during my first year at the University of Westminster. I have found that the lectures effectively eased the transition from sixth form to undergraduate studies, guiding students like me toward achieving our best possible grades. Furthermore, the seminars provide an excellent platform for addressing questions or concerns and receiving direct feedback on our work.

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

I have had multiple opportunities to utilise the service, most recently I attended an engaging employability talk hosted by Goldman Sachs. During this event, I had the unique opportunity to speak directly with employees from Goldman Sachs, gaining invaluable insights into their application process. Their personal stories and advice illuminated the path to crafting an impressive CV, filled with practical tips that inspired me to enhance my professional profile.

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

At the beginning of this year, I had the amazing opportunity to take part in a collaborative field trip with the University of Westminster and the Informatics Institute of Technology (IIT) in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Over the course of a week, I led a team of six Sri Lankan students in designing a low-fidelity app prototype aimed at connecting local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—especially honey producers—with buyers in the UK. We focused on integrating anti-adulteration measures and fair-trade principles into the app.

Furthermore, during my first semester at university, I joined the volleyball team, where I participated in weekly training sessions. Outside of university, I also attend weekly triathlon training and belong to a running club.

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

When deciding on a university, it's important to consider the lifestyle you desire and what you hope to gain from the experience. Studying in London is quite different from attending universities in other parts of England, as London lacks the traditional campus atmosphere found elsewhere. Therefore, think carefully about the kind of lifestyle you want when applying to universities.

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

One of the best aspects of being a student at the University of Westminster is the wide range of opportunities available through the careers and employability platform, Engage, as well as the Westminster Working Culture programs and the support from lecturers. Additionally, the university's location in the heart of London offers numerous chances to network and gain valuable day-to-day life experiences in a vibrant and bustling city.

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

The most surprising thing is the number of opportunities and networking opportunities available to students across the University.