The University of Westminster is home to over 19,000 students from more than 160 nationalities, and we proudly claim the title as the most diverse university in the UK.
However that being said, in a time where racial tensions are at an all time high, and anti-migrant ideologies are being fueled by right winged activists in the UK, it’s time to reflect on the reasons as to why diversity is important and a key part in university life.
What Do We Mean by Diversity?
Diversity refers to the differences that make each person. This includes characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender, and age. As well as less visible aspects like culture, religion, socioeconomic backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation.
How does it help?
It Enhances Learning and Growth
Being around diverse groups of people can lead to richer discussions and more innovative problem-solving.
Think about it, everyone sees the world differently. Our knowledge, perspectives, and points of view are shaped by the environments we’ve grown up in and the cultures that have influenced us.
When all of these different views come together, it exposes us to new ways of thinking. This kind of diversity encourages critical thinking, helping students question their own viewpoints and challenge ideas. This leads to us becoming more adaptable and open-minded, skills that are highly valued both academically and in the professional world.
The University of Westminster often holds discussions around different EDI topics. Participating in these not only enhances understanding of global issues but also introduces students to ways of thinking they might’ve never encountered before. As students, this is our chance to extend our education far beyond the lecture hall, and instead turn it into a dynamic, real-world experience shaped by diversity.
It Builds Social Skills and Empathy
Interacting with students from different cultural, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds can help develop empathy and cultural awareness. When you meet peers with experiences vastly different from your own, it exposes us to different experiences and promotes understanding. Interacting, listening, and sharing experiences builds empathy and fosters meaningful connections.
A study in 2022, found that greater social exposure to people from diverse backgrounds can undo social conditioning that may make people biased against them; White students who had spent time in China showed stronger neural responses to pain expressions on Asian faces compared to white faces.
It Helps Reduce Inequalities
Diversity is key in reducing inequalities within universities because it ensures that there’s a wider range of identities included and represented in academic spaces. A diverse environment can give students from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds opportunities. When universities actively welcome and support a broad range of students, they help out those who have historically had to overcome barriers.
This helps in breaking cycles of limited access, by allowing students to build networks and access opportunities that may not have been available to their communities before. These opportunities contribute to greater social mobility and a more level playing field for future generations.
According to The Sutton Trust, those from low-income homes are four times more likely to become socially mobile if they attend university compared to their peers who do not.
To add, diversity also breaks down the idea that education belongs to a select group. When students see peers and lecturers who share similar backgrounds, it reinforces a sense of belonging.
It Strengthens Community
Diversity helps create a wide community where all students feel valued, respected, and able to contribute their voices. Embracing each other regardless of where we come from can help strengthen the bond between students. This in turn fosters a sense of belonging within the university.
Moreover, when diversity is embraced it reduces exclusion. Instead of students clustering with peers who share similar backgrounds, a diverse campus encourages interaction across different groups of people. This breaks down stereotypes, and builds a community where all students feel included.
It also contributes to mental well-being. Feeling accepted and understood by peers can reduce stress, increase self-confidence, and encourage students to participate fully in academic and social life. Diversity doesn’t just benefit the individual but it also strengthens the entire university community.
Joining multicultural societies or events is another way we as students can experience the benefits of diversity. Whether it’s an international student society, or taking part in a cultural celebration, these opportunities encourage friendships and conversion starters. Even attending a single cultural event can broaden perspectives and create lasting memories.
It Equips Students for the Workplace
An increasingly globalised world has transformed the employment landscape, creating opportunities. People across the world travel and study across countries more than ever, and workplaces reflect this global movement.
Employers now place value on cultural awareness, and the ability to collaborate in inclusive teams. As mentioned before, by interacting with diverse communities on campus, students acquire skills that are highly transferable to the workplace.
The Key Takeaway
A diverse campus can enrich our education, foster empathy and strengthen social bonds, preparing students for the future. Diversity isn’t just a benefit for minority groups, but it benefits every student by broadening perspectives and enhancing learning, building critical skills for life beyond university.
With this being said, be sure to make an effort to attend cultural events, join a society you’ve never explored, or start a conversation with someone whose background differs from your own.
References
Acas (n.d) ‘Equality, diversity and inclusion – What they are’ Available at: https://www.acas.org.uk/improving-equality-diversity-and-inclusion
Foulds, E. (2025) ‘New data tool shows campus diversity’ WhatUni, 17th MArch. Available at: https://www.whatuni.com/advice/choosing-a-uni/new-data-tool-shows-campus-diversity/62394/
Rakshit, D. (2022) ‘Why Interacting With People From Diverse Cultures Can Make Us More Empathetic’ The Swaddle, 12th September. Available at: https://www.theswaddle.com/why-interacting-with-people-from-diverse-cultures-can-make-us-more-empathetic
Roberto, T. (2024) ‘The Benefits of Diversity in Higher Education’ KeyStone, 1st April. Available at: https://www.keg.com/news/the-benefits-of-diversity-in-higher-education
Steps4Change (2025) ‘Why is Diversity So Important’ Available at: https://www.steps4change.org/why-is-diversity-so-important/