MP Attends Freshers' Fair at West Thames College
Seema Malhotra tells new student about the opportunities available
Seema Malhotra MP talks to staff at the event. Picture: West Thames College
September 18, 2026
West Thames College opened its new academic year this week as Seema Malhotra, Labour (Co-op) MP for Feltham and Heston, joined staff and students at the 2026 Freshers Fair. Her visit marked both a welcome to new starters and a reaffirmation of the close relationship between the College and its local MP, who has supported a wide range of initiatives across the Feltham and Isleworth campuses in recent years.
Freshers Fair is one of the College’s key annual events: a chance for students to settle in, meet staff, discover support services and explore the wider opportunities that shape life at West Thames College. The campus was busy with new arrivals navigating stalls, chatting with exhibitors and getting a first sense of the community they are joining.
Addressing students, Ms Malhotra emphasised the value of early engagement with careers guidance and personal development. “It is such a great opportunity for students to be able to find out more about the opportunities available to them,” she said. “It could be to develop their leadership skills, or learn about volunteering, or think about their next steps. It’s never too early to plan. And to have those opportunities come to you, the chance to explore them in good time can really make a difference for your own life.”
Her message aligned closely with the purpose of the event, which brought together a wide range of organisations offering advice, pathways and practical support. Exhibitors included St Mary’s University, Twickenham; the London Borough of Hounslow; HYPE; Hounslow’s Promise; Hounslow Youth Counselling Service; Young Hounslow Sexual Health; Healthy Hounslow; Ealing and Hounslow Volunteering Service; and Lampton Leisure. Their presence gave students access to information on higher education, volunteering, wellbeing, community services, leisure activities and personal development — the full spectrum of opportunities that help shape a confident start to college life.
The MP has previously attended the launch of the Transport + Logistics Hub at the Skills + Logistics Centre in Feltham, taken part in events at the Isleworth campus, and supported celebrations such as the annual Student Awards. Her return for Freshers Fair underlined her commitment to the College’s role in widening opportunity and supporting young people.
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