Claudia – University of Westminster
Semester 1, 2024
Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)
As cliché as it is, my exchange semester in London really was the best experience of my life and I would recommend every single person studying to do the same. It has completely changed my perspective on life as it is. I have a newfound love for travelling, meeting new people, cultures, and adventures. Of course, studying was a major component in the semester, however, for me, it was the people and the place that made my semester one of 2024 one to remember.
I am a big lover for the design world and since I was studying a Bachelor of Visual Communication at QUT, I wanted to further my design studies at the University of Westminster in London. I’d always wanted to live in London and encounter the design, e-commerce and fashion London has to offer. To say the least, I was not disappointed. Moving into my university accommodation was difficult in the beginning as that was my first time moving out of home and I was completely alone. That wasn’t going to stop me though, as I very quickly made friends with many of my roommates on my floor that very first night I moved in! To this day, we all still keep in contact and plan on seeing each other again hopefully soon. I will add however, in London be careful of leaving wet towels around or water from the bathroom and anything with moisture wherever you live, as they have these little creepy crawly bugs called silverfish – nasty little buggers!
QUT pretty much helps you with providing the information you need to be prepared for your departure; however, I would recommend if your going to London (which is quite an expensive city) to prepare a budget for yourself – whether it’s a weekly, daily or monthly budget, just prepare yourself for the wild costs in London. In saying this, be aware of the exchange rate. Our Australian dollar is unfortunately very weak! Nevertheless, not to worry, I prepared for this and was absolutely fine, I was even able to travel throughout my semester when I had time and at the end. I was lucky enough to travel with my amazing roommates to Scotland where we spent 5 days frolicking around the Scottish Highlands seeing fluffy cows, harry potter filming locations and the gorgeous city of Edinburgh. I also travelled to Copenhagen, Denmark with another friend from QUT studying abroad in Liverpool, as well as a solo travel trip to Paris. These trips were not as expensive as flying from Australia, so take the opportunity and travel – thank you RyanAir and EasyJet for cheap flights!
Studying at the University of Westminster, I didn’t feel as challenged as I do here at QUT. Which I guess made it easier for me to complete my tasks, and then explore the city. The lectures and tutorials were still interesting, and help was always welcomed when I needed it. Living on campus, I made friends with two of the campus cats – Batman and Sandwich. They roamed the campus freely and always joined me when I went to go do my laundry. The campus on Regent Street was such a beautiful campus as its architecture was quite old and historic. It was also near my favourite coffee shop, Blank Street (which I 100% recommend), where I got my blueberry matcha with my roommates.
Initially, I thought I would struggle with the cold as I arrived in London in early January, however I kept myself warm with good coats and layers and the university accommodation rooms came with heaters, so I was more than warm. Some advice I wish I knew before moving over though was please…buy your coats and warm winter clothes in the UK!!! It’s so much cheaper than buying winter coats and warm clothes in Brisbane where it barely gets cold.
Finally, I think I fell over and slipped on multiple occasions throughout the city, as it gets very wet and the pavements are not so flat and even, so be careful! And with that, I hope to someday move back to London and explore even more of the city. It is such a large and beautiful city (if you’re open minded to it) which so much to see and do. Don’t stress about making friends or meeting new people, because most people at the university are also there trying to make new friends so they’re just like you, and London has a population of just about 10 million people so I can guarantee you, your people are there.
Find out more on how you can apply: Student Exchange
