Victoria Veprek

Why did you choose the University of Westminster? 

Location played a huge role in my decision, knowing that the course I was interested in would be based in central London made the University of Westminster especially appealing. After results day, I came across this specific course and immediately felt it was the right fit for me. 

As someone who enjoys both the hardware and software sides of computing, discovering that Westminster offers a Software Engineering with Electronics degree was perfect. It combines my interests in a way that truly excites me. 

Another major factor was the opportunity to study abroad. Before even applying to university, I knew this was something I wanted to experience, to travel, meet new people, and study in a different environment. I was thrilled to find that Westminster not only offers a year abroad, but also a semester exchange option. Since I didn’t want to extend my degree by an extra year, the semester exchange was the ideal solution and a perfect fit for my goals. 

How has your experience been studying in London? 

As someone who loves big cities, studying in London has honestly felt like a dream. The University of Westminster’s campuses are spread throughout central London, which means I can easily move between them for a change of scenery when studying. I especially enjoy café hopping on study days. London has countless cosy spots perfect for getting work done. 

The city’s large student population creates so many opportunities to meet new people and make friends. While the cost of living in London can be intimidating, I’ve found that there are plenty of free or low-cost events and activities available. There’s always something going on, and I rarely have to spend much to enjoy what the city has to offer. 

Being based at the Cavendish campus, I often walk through Chinatown on my way in, it’s such a vibrant area. The location also puts me close to Soho, Camden Market, Covent Garden, and Regent’s Park, which adds to the whole experience of studying in London. 

I prefer living close to campus, so each year has been an adventure in finding the right place to rent. It can be stressful at times, especially with how quickly places get snapped up, but I’ve always managed to find something within budget and close to campus. I’ve also been lucky to have flatmates who are fellow students and around the same age, it’s made settling in much easier and more enjoyable. 

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

I’m currently studying Software Engineering with Electronics, a course that aligns perfectly with my interests, so naturally, I enjoy it a lot. One of the aspects I appreciate most is the small class size. It allowed us to get to know each other quickly, which has been incredibly valuable, especially in terms of supporting one another throughout the course. The student-to-lecturer ratio has also been excellent, providing a more personalised learning experience. 

While I initially expected there to be few female students, I was pleasantly surprised, my group has more than average. Everyone is easy to get along with and I’m genuinely happy that we’ve built good relationships and a collaborative environment. 

As for the course content, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. Some topics were familiar from previous experience, but the majority has been completely new to me. I appreciate the challenge and the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills. The first year focused on building foundational knowledge to bring everyone to the same level, while the second year has introduced much more advanced material. It’s been a significant step up, but a welcome one. 

Currently, I’m on a semester exchange at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in Australia. I believe I’m the first student from my course to go abroad, which has made it a new experience, especially when it came to finding equivalent modules. The academic system here is quite different, and one of the biggest challenges has been adapting to unfamiliar software and hardware. However, thanks to the solid foundation I built at the Westminster, I’ve been able to manage the transition and am enjoying learning how to use these new tools. 

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

The academic support has been excellent. Since my course has a relatively small number of students, I’ve been able to build more personal connections with my lecturers, I never feel like just another face in the crowd. This makes it much easier to ask questions without feeling self-conscious, and I always feel comfortable reaching out for help when needed. 

My lecturers and course leader are approachable, easy to contact, and always quick to respond. Additionally, we have access to Unitu, a platform where students can give or receive feedback specific to our school. It’s a useful space to raise concerns or ask questions, and posts can be made anonymously, which encourages open communication. Fellow students often jump in to offer help as well, creating a strong sense of community and support. 

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

Yes, definitely. Since my course includes electronics, we have access to a dedicated electronics lab. It’s available during office hours, and we’re free to use it for various purposes, whether that’s working on projects, completing homework, or simply finding a quiet space to study. The lab is equipped with tools and equipment that are always available, which is incredibly convenient. It means I don’t need to request access to specific items every time I want to practice or explore something we’ve covered in class. 

Beyond the lab, the wider campus also offers a range of great study spaces. If a classroom isn’t in use, students are allowed to go in and study there. The Cavendish Campus features a multi-floor library with different types of study zones, whether you’re working on a group project or need a silent area to concentrate. The flexibility and variety of study environments really enhance the learning experience. 

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

As the University of Westminster has an active Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Student Branch, I had the opportunity to get involved and took on the role of Treasurer. One of the highlights was helping to organise and host the annual IEEE Christmas Lecture in 2024, held at the historic Regent Street Cinema. Being part of the IEEE Student Branch has been an incredible experience. It’s a great way to connect with peers in similar fields and to engage with a wider professional network. There's also the opportunity to collaborate with student branches from other universities when planning events, which adds an exciting and rewarding dimension to the experience. 

Not long after the Christmas event, I began my semester exchange! Thanks to the University, I was offered the chance to study for a semester in Sydney, Australia, truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. The GoAbroad team has been amazing throughout the entire process. They offer dedicated support to help you prepare and settle in, and financial assistance is available to make studying abroad more accessible for everyone. 

So far, I’ve been absolutely loving the experience. The GoAbroad team stays in touch with students abroad, reminding us that even though we’re on the other side of the world, we still have full access to the University of Westminster’s support services and resources. It’s reassuring to know that help is always just an email away. Read more about my exchange experience in my Sunny Sunny Sydney: An Exchange Experience blog 

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

My advice is simple: just apply! The University of Westminster is in a fantastic location and offers a wide range of opportunities and support services—not just during your studies, but also after you graduate. The diverse student community includes people from all over the world, so you’re bound to make both local and international friends. I’m genuinely happy I chose Westminster, and I’m confident you won’t regret it either. 

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

I'd say that one of the best aspects of being a student at the University of Westminster is that I am part of a rich and diverse student body. I have met so many people of different backgrounds and cultures and learn a lot from them. 

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

Something I didn’t expect, but was pleasantly surprised by, is the Westminster Employability Award. It’s a simple yet motivating way to enhance your CV while getting recognition for the extra activities you take on. It helped me feel that my efforts outside of academics were valued, and it also gave me a structured way to present non-certified experiences on my CV. What’s even better is that it’s flexible. You can choose in-person or online tasks to suit your interests and schedule, all while gaining practical, industry-relevant skills. 

Your thoughts? 

Westminster continues to impress me with the range of opportunities it offers. It’s a large, well-connected institution, with both local and international partnerships and there’s always something new to discover. The university provides plenty of services to help boost your CV and career prospects, as well as a wide variety of societies where you can meet like-minded people and make lasting friendships. There’s so much to get involved in, you just have to be proactive and take that first step.