Stewart Luunga
Alumnus, International student
- Course
- Media and Communication BSc
- Subject area
- Foundation Studies
I chose Loughborough University because I wanted to study Media and Communication at a top university, while also being part of somewhere with a strong sporting reputation. I was also looking for a diverse and inclusive environment where I could meet people from different backgrounds and cultures, and Loughborough embodied all of those qualities. It felt like the right place for both my academic and personal growth.
I chose to do a Foundation Year because my qualifications from Zambia weren't equivalent to A Levels. My Foundation Year was in Social Sciences, so I had the opportunity to study a range of different subjects rather than focusing on just one area. I really enjoyed that variety because it broadened my perspective and helped me develop skills in research, critical thinking, and academic writing.
The university provided a lot of academic support, which helped me settle into studying in the UK and build my confidence. What I enjoyed most was having the chance to experience university life before starting my actual degree. It gave me time to adapt to the UK education system, make friends, and understand what was expected academically. Looking back, I think it really set me up for success and played a big part in me graduating with First Class Honours.
By the time I progressed onto the full degree programme, I already understood what was expected of me academically, had developed my study skills, and felt much more confident. The Foundation Year really prepared me well, so moving into the degree felt like a natural next step rather than a big leap.
The most valuable thing I learned at Loughborough was to be bold and go after opportunities. I was surrounded by ambitious, hardworking people who were constantly pushing themselves, and that really inspired me to do the same. It created an environment where you naturally wanted to aim higher and challenge yourself.
Because of that mindset, I stepped outside my comfort zone and applied for opportunities I might not have thought I was ready for. That led to internships with organisations like the BBC and eventually working at EA SPORTS.
Alongside my degree, I was part of the group of students who helped spearhead the Black In Sport Summit, which focused on creating conversations and opportunities around diversity and inclusion within sport. I was also a Student Ambassador, where I had the opportunity to support prospective students and represent the university.
One of my biggest highlights was being a Communications Officer for Volunteer Zambia, a sports development project. As part of this, I travelled back to Zambia for six weeks to support the programme. It was a real full-circle moment because I was one of the children who was coached through the project around 10 years earlier, and I was now returning as one of the peer leaders helping to inspire the next generation.
These experiences allowed me to build leadership, communication, and teamwork skills while making a positive impact beyond my studies. Looking back, Loughborough didn't just give me a degree. It gave me the confidence to believe in my abilities, take risks, and pursue opportunities that have shaped my career.
I'm currently working in media, journalism, and content creation, with a particular focus on sport and entertainment. My degree gave me a strong understanding of areas such as sport journalism, international media, digital media, and content production, and also helped me develop practical skills in storytelling, research and communication.
My Foundation Year played an important role in preparing me for my career. Studying Social Sciences exposed me to subjects like Sociology, which helped me better understand people, culture, and society. That's incredibly valuable when creating content that connects with different audiences. Most importantly, it gave me the confidence I needed to succeed throughout my degree and build a career in sport and entertainment.
My advice to someone considering studying a Foundation Year at Loughborough would be to embrace the opportunity and see it as a stepping stone. I would encourage you to make the most of the support available, get involved in university life, and build relationships with the people around you. The Foundation Year gives you the chance to experience the university environment, meet new people, and prepare yourself for the next stage of your journey.
Loughborough was more than just a university experience; it was a place where I challenged myself, discovered my potential, built lifelong connections, and gained the confidence to pursue my ambitions in sport and entertainment.