Inside Westminster aims to provide students from all types of courses with a platform where they can not only network with one another but also share their student journeys and experiences. DEN is mainly made up of Politics and International Relations students however, over the recent years, there has been an increase in students from Psychology, Law, English Linguistics, Business Management etc., who are daily contributors to the weekly DEN meetings. As part of the Democratic Education Network (DEN), we not only evolve as students but also embark on our professional journeys under its umbrella. Here is a collection of stories of students who have been part of DEN, sharing their experiences to inspire other students.
This interview is part of the Democratic Education Network’s online magazine and forthcoming book, Transforming Education: Innovation for Sustainability in the AI Era. It centres student voices and lived experience as vital forms of knowledge in shaping more just, democratic, and inclusive education systems.In this conversation, we discuss how ethnicity, culture, and migration affect education....
When I was a child playing sports in my small rural town, I could never understand why I sometimes felt so uncomfortable. As a young teen, I just wanted to do the thing I loved: playing games with people I considered my friends. Yet I would speak to my family and ask why I didn’t...
The Student Voices initiative features an interview with Vanshi, conducted by her DEN. She is currently adapting to her new environment and has opportunities to create positive change and contribute to both the University and DEN. In this interview, she shares her thoughts on why she decided to attend the university and discusses her motivations....
Marharyta Andreieva is a third-year student at the University of Westminster. In her interview with DEN, she shares her experiences of making Westminster feel like home, developing effective study routines, and how projects and trips organised by DEN – especially the field visit to Hanoi – have enhanced her confidence in public speaking and writing....
Coming to the University of Westminster has been both an exciting and transformative step in my life. I grew up in Taiwan, and after some years of study and life experience, I decided to pursue my undergraduate degree in Psychology in London. This is not my first time living here – I completed a foundation...
This is the second student interview in our series, reflecting on last year’s experiences and offering guidance for first-year students. To enhance student representation and foster community across the University and DEN, we’re interviewing second and third-year students whose stories share insights to ease peers’ integration. We hope this initiative gives you clear guidance and...
To enhance student representation and foster a sense of community within the University and DEN, we are conducting interviews with second and third-year students. The stories we gather will reflect their insights and experiences, helping to ease the integration process for their peers. This initiative aims to provide personalised guidance for all students, equipping them...
I was born in London, and my early education started in nursery school before my family moved to Afghanistan. I learned English, Science and the national second language of Pashto along with the national curriculum from Reception to Year 4 at a private school. A bomb explosion near my school remains one of my clearest...
This trip to New York and the United Nations (UN) is the kind of experience I would love to have as a curious person interested in world affairs. I get my energy from people, talking and exploring new possibilities. I am already looking forward to feeling the city’s spirit and learning about the UN’s diplomatic...
Visiting New York and the United Nations (UN) is more than a journey; it is a unique opportunity to enrich my knowledge of international relations and diplomacy as practised today. As a psychology student, my interests lie in understanding individual and collective behaviour, conflict management, and negotiation techniques crucial in diplomacy and global politics. I...
Interview with Renata Pernegrová by Grace Villagomez-Akre Studying abroad pushes students out of their comfort zones, exposes them to diverse cultures, and allows for personal development in ways they may never have imagined. This experience is both exciting and challenging. It presents an opportunity to engage with a new country, foster independence, and open doors...
Interview with Mursal Hakimi by Noor Kazmi Mursal’s journey is a remarkable story of resilience and determination. Born in Afghanistan, she faced significant challenges in her pursuit of education. Inspired by her mother’s dedication to advocating for girls’ rights, Mursal became passionate about fighting for girls’ rights. Now settled in the UK, Mursal has triumphantly...