Tanya Bansal

Why did you choose the University of Westminster

I chose the University of Westminster because of the course and the facilities. Other important reasons that impacted my decision included the location, diversity and the ratio of international students. In all these areas, Westminster stood out to me. My course has a major practical portion, and it introduces students to a wide variety of media outlets, from film to virtual reality. 

My campus is based in Harrow, and for me, this offers the best of both worlds. The location is in a peaceful environment with huge green spaces and great student halls along with great proximity to central London. It only takes 20 minutes to reach the heart of London, where I love visiting art galleries and film events. For example, as an international student, I really enjoyed the International Week as it proved to be the best opportunity to meet other students and create bonds that I'll cherish forever.

How has your experience been studying in London?

I love London and especially the way arts, film and media are appreciated in the city. There is always an array of art events to choose from with each gallery putting forth beautiful, complex and contemporary exhibitions. Along with this, I love to attend film festivals, film talks as well as premiers. I have also received opportunities to volunteer, and I get to work in some events as well. I also really love the mix of cultures and diversity in the city. I have met people from various walks of life, and I have personally loved these encounters.

What have you particularly enjoyed about your course?

I love the practical and hands-on aspects of my course. We are introduced to a range of different mediums - film, photography, 360-degree videos, installation work, virtual reality and so on. We are given a diverse range of projects and I love experimenting with all these mediums. This course has allowed me to make documentary films and experimental video installations. Currently, I’m in the process of creating a website and an app. I’m also working on a VR project. Along with the practical, the theoretical aspect is well balanced and very relevant to everything we do. The theory lectures have taught me how to be more critical and view my work more analytically.

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

The teaching on the course varies from lectures to group tutorials and individual sessions. My experience with academic support has been really great. I love how all the tutors are experienced and skilled in different mediums and topics. They have allowed me to get different perspectives on my work, which has really helped me further my creative ideas. The tutors are all very approachable and always there to help the students out. I also love the technicians on the course as they can very quickly solve any technical issues students might have, especially with immersive or expanded projects. 

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

The course provides us with a large number of resources. The one that really stands out to me is the Emerging Media Space. It gives us access to the most recent and cutting-edge technology alongside other really useful tools. The space offers students 3D scanners, 3D printers and 360-degree cameras. It also provides access to the latest sensors and VR headsets. It feels great to be able to get hands-on with all this technology and it also opens up further career opportunities. 

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

The University's Career and Employability Service offers a wide range of services to students. I especially love the Westminster Enterprise Journey that helps you set up a business or a freelancing career. I am interested in both, and I have attended a large number of workshops that target various aspects such as how to create a portfolio, how to make a business model, how to look at legal matters etc. All these useful workshops have shown me the way things work in the industry. They’ve also made me aware of the steps I need to take to get closer to my career aims.

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

I’m part of a few societies such as the Film Society, Travel Society as well as the Indian Society. I’ve really enjoyed taking part in different activities and I’ve met a lot of new people. Outside the course, I have also participated in film festivals by submitting short films I’ve made. Some of the films I submitted were selected and screened at a few festivals. This was something I never imagined would actually happen, so I am really glad I took the initiative to submit the films in the first place.

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

My advice would be to fully immerse yourself in your student experience. Take initiative and make the best use of all the resources around you. The university is so much more than just your studies. It has a large variety of societies and events that take place throughout the year. If you just take the initiative to visit the university website, you can find out more about them. They are the perfect way to meet other like-minded people.

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

As an international student, I feel the best has been the acceptance and warmth I’ve felt since joining the University.

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

For me, it was meeting people that I now hold close to my heart. I didn't expect to make such deep friendships at the university but I’m happy that I did.