Goldsmiths College, University of London

London

What is Goldsmiths really like??

Hi everyone I went to the Goldsmiths open day in June and was pleasantly surprised at how nice I found it, the people seemed friendly and the buildings were really cool. Yet I continually here Goldsmiths getting slagged off for things such as bad atmosphere if you're not in a "clique" or really just for londoners and anyone else from any other part of the country feels left out :s.

Furthermore your music taste dictating whether you have any friends, I know these seem extreme opinions yet I don't know as I don't go there so can't see things for myself. Is this a true reflection?? I'm neither looking for a positive or negative opinion here just an honest one :smile:

. Also if anyone does history or english here what are the departments like?? They always seem relatively low in league tables but I know I shouldn't take these tables as gospel.

Thanks for any replies!!

x

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Reply 1

lightburns

Well it's nothing to say, Warwick campus.

But it gets slagged off way more than it deserves!

Goldsmiths College, University of London

London

Reply 2

Frances...

lightburns

Well it's nothing to say, Warwick campus.

But it gets slagged off way more than it deserves!

Care to elaborate :P this post is not getting too many responses at the moment!

Thanks for the reply though :smile:

Reply 3

lightburns

Frances...

Care to elaborate :P this post is not getting too many responses at the moment!

Thanks for the reply though :smile:

Well it's not going to win the "most amazing looking uni award". It's nothing special. It's also not a dump. People seem to come from brilliant campuses, and see it, and slag it off. It's average - there are ones that are bad, and I don't think Goldsmiths is one of the bad ones.

Reply 4

gene22

Hey,

I'm just going into second year at Goldsmiths and can honestly say that you shouldn't worry about these apparent 'cliques' or some of the bad press you read around here. Many new students get overly worried that they won't fit in at Goldsmiths due to its arty reputation. This is nonsense, there are a whole variety of types here and it is very inclusive. There is a more arty/liberal feel than many unis but that is easy to explain. Firstly, it's a London uni and it's small, just about 6000 students. This makes comparisons with big places, like Warwick, redundant. Secondly, it only studies arts or humanities. There are no traditional maths or science subjects taught at all. Thirdly, Goldsmiths has a huge creative history, just look at its alumni.
Finally I would add that Goldsmiths is hugely liberal. There is a fantastic culture of acceptance, be that to sexuality, religion, political belief or background. I do find the 'clique' accusation odd for this reason. For example, my brother went to Leeds and thinks that in terms of different types of people all getting on together Goldsmiths is so much better.
If you do go don't worry about fitting in, you will. Try everything that's on offer and you'll have a great time. In terms of your course I study Politics, which is excellent, but friends who do English and History think that it's also brilliant. The campus isn't as nice as some other places but then again it is miniscule and I've never found it a problem.
Hope this helps.

Reply 5

Tashalls

I think it's special :h:

It's picked on because it's so small and does either arts or social sciences, which people like to take the piss out off. But it's lovely, in a great area and the building are pretty - although there aren't many.

I hope your popularity isn't based on your music taste i'm crap with music, one minute i'm listening to my old korn albums the next norah jones lol. I do get the impression that it attracts an 'open minded crowd' but also that as a uni it's quite socialist (in the little info book about the su it had anti-tory stuff lol.)

Reply 6

jackmileshunt

Tashalls

I think it's special :h:

I liked it. It seemed quirky and friendly.

Reply 7

jackmileshunt

gene22

There are no traditional maths or science subjects taught at all.

They do Computer Science though.

Reply 8

gene22

It's very socialist, one of the its great aspects. I remember on election night in the SU everyone was cheering any Labour win and jeering the Tories. Unfortunately it was a quiet night...
Music is a fairly big deal there, just check out Beirut and if you like them tell everyone you're into that! If you don't you're suffering from a fairly serious taste issue and should consult a medical practitioner. As for Korn, don't tell anyone but I still have a soft spot for Life Is Peachy.

Reply 9

gene22

Yes, but that's why I said traditional. They even call it 'Creative Computing' I think!

Reply 10

jackmileshunt

gene22

Yes, but that's why I said traditional. They even call it 'Creative Computing' I think!

I did look at that, its a different course. They do teach traditional Computer Science, which is quite Mathematical, and is older than you may think.

Anyway, the £1000000 question; do you love Goldsmiths? Will us freshers love Goldsmiths?

Reply 11

gene22

Yes, I'm really happy that I went and I'm sure you will be. However, word to the wise. The SU will try and sell you these wristbands for £30 or something which get you into all the Freshers events. Don't buy it, my friends and I later worked out that we saved about £15 by not buying one! The reason being you end up going out into non uni events in New Cross a lot and therefore don't need it. Where are you living? Also, be wary of some so called Goldsmiths 'staples' such as Club Sandwich. The SU hype it up as something special but it often leaves you with an overwhelming urge to self harm.

Reply 12

Bicycle

So I guess if I want to fit it in I'd better start listening to Neutral Milk Hotel and wear fedora hats :P

Reply 13

jackmileshunt

gene22

I did suspect that the wristband wasn't worth it. Club Sandwich, thats the "cheese" event isn't it?

Reply 14

gene22

'So I guess if I want to fit it in I'd better start listening to Neutral Milk Hotel and wear fedora hats' - You learn quickly my child...

Club Sandwich is a weekly club night in the SU, supposingly it plays a selection of all types of stuff including cheese. It can be fun but usually, especially at the start and end of term, it is so rammed it is nearly impossible to move let alone get a drink. The music varies from being ironically s*i* to just s*i* and they charge you a fiver to get in. Do go to the Hobgoblin pub before Sandwich though, it's Ladies Night meaning the girls get 7 drinks for a fiver or something else similarily ludicrous and it has a good atmosphere. When it closes everyone will suggest Sandwich, stand firm, go elsewhere and you shall be rewarded.

(edited 13 years ago)

Are you in halls?

i'm moving on saturday in to Batavia mews....i've heard so many bad things about it though!! any opinions??

also, a lot of my friends have been suprised i haven't had things through about themed nights etc for freshers....stupid question...but it is going to be good isn't it?? xxxx

Reply 17

gene22

Batavia is OK, I was in Surrey House so another normal one (i.e.without the ensuite). You will be close to everything so that's the main thing. I think the rumour about the rats had little truth in it...
I have also been trying to find out what's on during Freshers. The SU have displayed their usual level of incompetence by not putting any information on the internet. I know about the Roald Dahl themed ball but that's it. I'm sure it will be good though, to be honest just being with new people in a new place and getting lashed all the time is fun so what's on in the Union isn't the be all and end all.
X

Reply 18

xxrose_exx

ha, yeah i had heard it was called "Ratavia mews" i wanted to be in standard though, but do you know what the layout of batavia is? like is it just a corridor of rooms?? i didn't quite get what they were saying on the website! xx

Reply 19

henryviii

I really really want to go to Goldsmiths - (i know it's bad to judge a uni by the prospectus..) but i did anyway and it seems really intresting and like it attracts loads of like-minded people to me.
It's so low on the league tables and I've never ever heard of anyone going or even applying there - so i'm slightly apprehensive...
I want to do History by the way, if anyone can help or anything....