When I found out that I got a place at the University of Westminster, I was very excited and looking forward to life at university and everything that entailed. However, before starting, I had no real idea of what to expect and how everything would go. To put it into context for secondary school, I went to UCL Academy, a secondary school located in Swiss Cottage in the London borough of Camden, London. For the sixth form, I stayed in the same college for 7 years. I socialised with the same friends for a long time. So, when university came around, I wasn’t sure how I would act or make new friends after such a long time.
Before starting, I assumed that I would be the only one or at least one of the few that would be going through that kind of anxiety, but since starting university and talking to people from all over the world that came here, I have been pleasantly surprised by how easy people are to talk to. It became apparent that most people here were going through the same stresses and people are generally very open and friendly. Not only have the other students been very welcoming and easy to talk to, but I have also found the staff here to be very helpful and easy-going.
Throughout my time in primary, secondary, and sixth form, the teachers I’ve had have always been very serious, especially in this University. However, I have found that the lecturers and seminar teachers always try to crack jokes and create a pleasant, friendly atmosphere where we can get work done and have a good time in a friendly environment.
This has been my favourite education environment, and I am looking forward to my lecture and seminars. So far, a few months into life at the University of Westminster, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time. I have made new and friends. Although, I haven’t found a way to get to know everyone as much as I would ideally want in my seminar classes. Week by week, I find myself opening up more and more and getting to know more people.
The University experience has been eye-opening for me, and I feel that I have been developing as a person and maturing a lot in the few months that I have been here. Previously throughout my time in secondary, I always started slowly in terms of grades and effort put into work, and as the year went by, I progressively worked harder and did better.
So far, in my first year at the University, I have been working hard to make sure I am on top of my work. Although I needed some time to adapt, I am getting used to everything and thoroughly enjoying my time so far.
Miha Milos Bogunovic, BA Politics and International Relations