I know you’re probably being told to make the most of university from every person already but getting the most for your £9k a year in design courses goes to another level... 

Seriously we pay £9k a year to then be given by most universities a long materials list, book list, supplies list, excursion fees list… on and on the lists go… for 3 years!

Now there’s no real way to combat these things but from my time at uni one main thing I learned is that you have to make the most of the actual facilities and people that your university offers. I mean, at the end of the day surely that should have been one of the main reasons why you opted for that uni in the first place, right?!

1. Actually TURN UP to your classes

   I’m not saying that I was great at turning up to the 9am lectures. In fact, sometimes my flatmate and I would watch our course-mates going into one lecture theatre from our flat window and think ‘naa not today’. The classes are there for a reason guys. Go learn what you signed up for! What you’re paying for!

2. If extra tuition or discussions with your tutors are being offered then take them up on it!

   Often my design tutors would be in the studio space and be more than happy to talk through an idea with you or show you have to improve.

3. If you have a question - ASK

   Seriously just ask the question. It’s better to look silly for a moment but know the answer and therefore know which direction to head in. Be open and honest with what you understand (especially when receiving a brief) because the likelihood is that it is not only you that is sitting there like wtf?!

4. Use the Library

   Whether this is to find resources (books/articles/magazines), to use the printers or to book a room and study with mates, the library should be a great asset at your university that you utilise. I only really did this during my final year because of my design dissertation but its a great way to keep on track timings wise.

5. Use the Studio

   If you have a class in the studio and need to finish a task please just stay there and get it done. This space is specifically made for you and your work so use it!

6. Use the Workshop

   When making architecture models do it in the workshop. Not only does it mean you’re sitting at a table and not hunched over on the floor in your student house but you also are exposed to other people building things in the space.

   This could give you the opportunity to get to know the technicians that have all the knowledge of laser cutting machines, 3D printers, motorised tools, vac-forming etc. which can only help you make an awesome model in the long term!

7. Reach out to higher years - They’re not that scary really…

   Something we were actually encouraged to do very early on was to integrate with other years. This gives you the opportunity to gain a little bit of insight and knowledge from people who have literally just gone through what you are going to do.

   Now I’m not saying that they are going to give you the inside tricks on how to get a first but they can probably put some more realistic expectations into your mind.

8. Reviewing 1st + 2nd years work as a Student Tutor

   Similar to my point before however, depending on how you do it, this can also benefit you. A scheme that I found insightful and rewarding was being a student tutor. This simply means when it comes to 1st or 2nd year reviews/presentations you sat with the professional tutor, listened to all presentations and gave feedback or comments on their projects.

   Not only does this allow you to look at work more critically but it also gives you a great insight on the process that the tutors (who incidentally will also be marking YOUR work in the future) have to go through. This allows you to approach your work from another viewpoint other than just the eyes of a student.

9. Take part in Live projects

   These are projects that may be promoted by the university but are often put in place by an external company. This may be a charity that needs an events space designed or a local architect studio that is reaching out to see the talent that the university is producing. Great exposure and great practice!!!

10. Become an Ambassador

    Course Ambassador = This gives you the opportunity to talk with the department professors and university about what is going great and what could be improved on the course. You have the chance to put forward what you and your course-mates want to learn as well as get to know what the university is pushing for your benefit in general.

    University Ambassador = You are some of the first face to face exposure many people have with your university. University Ambassadors are often available on Open Days and at Events to promote the course and really explain the whole experience from a student’s perspective. This is something I loved doing because I was proud to be there and wanted to show basically how good it really was. Plus a lot of the time you get paid!!!

But after all of this - Do remember its uni! I’m sorry to say but you will probably never have another experience like it…

So go ahead and join a society, join a sports team, become an ambassador, meet new people, hang out with your flatmates, go on nights out and explore the new city you’re in!

Also - just take a moment to yourself. You’re taking on a lot. For many of you, you may be the first in your family to study at university, your first time living away from home and many other firsts I’m sure... It’s a lot of change and a lot of pressure!

Just remember balance is key - especially when doing a coursework heavy subject.

The main thing I wish I knew early on is self-management and self-discipline. That’s why I’m putting together a little post about how you can manage your time and tasks so you get the chance to make the most of university OR have a better general work-life balance...