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Goldsmiths College, University of London

London

What is Goldsmiths really like??

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If it's like Surrey House then there are 'flats' which are essentially corridors which share one kitchen and a few bathrooms. There were 23 people in my flat! The good thing about this of course is that you get to know a lot of people very quickly. I assume Batavia's similar. You know any one else going to Goldsmiths?xx

Goldsmiths College, University of London

London

Reply 21

gene22

Apparently the league tables aren't good for Goldsmiths because we don't do maths and science and so fall down there. It's reputation, with employers and other unis, is much higher than that of the places around Goldsmiths in the league tables.

Reply 22

xxrose_exx

i didn't think it was that low on the tables but maybe i looked in the wrong place! I know it's well know for its arty drama type things, i'm doing english and drama. i got offers from other places but i think regardless of tables etc you need to choose somewhere you will be happy. just because it is right at the top doesn't mean you will love it xxx

Reply 23

lightburns

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....

My Dad's wife is doing postgrad stuff at the moment (at UCL). She goes on some courses, and keeps finding other postgrad people and some of those doing the talks went to Goldsmiths.

Reply 24

SophiaKeuning

Brian Molko went there. :sexface:

Reply 25

Frances...

gene22

Really? Thats interesting cause I always thought it was odd how low they were in league tables considering it was University of London and all that.

Reply 26

xxrose_exx

as a uni its probably low cos of the maths thing but i looked at where it was in terms of the subjects i wanted to study

Reply 27

Frances...

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.

Thanks for the reply starting to cool my nerves now :smile:

do you think it is respected by employers?? Its low on league tables yet it is University of London so its very confusing :s-smilie:

Good to hear your friends think the history and english departments are good though :smile:

Reply 28

Redreynard

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.)

goldsmith's is great. a good reputation, especially in art. and it's only left-wing because arty types usually are - and goldsmiths lacks the hard-headed scientists.
you'll love it there. :-)

Reply 29

Pi!

SophiaKeuning

Brian Molko went there. :sexface:

So did 3/4 of Blur. Alex did French, Damon did Drama and Graham did Art.

Reply 30

Tashalls

gene22

Oh I'm living in Surrey house :smile:

, how was it? I thought the corridor layout would be great because there's bound to be people you get on with! Last year I was in a flat of 4 others and 2 never left their rooms :s-smilie:

. How are the rooms?

Reply 31

Tashalls

xxrose_exx

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

I got a big leaflet with all the events a couple weeks ago, it looks great there's something on everyday :smile:

, try and get a hold of one if you can - but i'm sure flatmates etc will have something.

Reply 32

gene22

Surrey house rooms are pretty big, larger than any ensuite ones taking into consideration there's no bathroom. You'll have a good time, although the security can be annoying as hell. Just have to work around it.

Reply 33

xbabycakes

I'm going to the open day on 10th November, and I've already got an offer for Psychology. This is actually a BSc, and one of the few BSc courses taught there I think.. so they do have some science based subjects. I'm worried it's lower down in the league tables, but they seem to have a very big psychology department and the lecturer I met at UoL open day seemed really nice. I hope it'll be ok when I get down there!

Reply 34

aliciaisbrill

Original post by gene22

What do you mean security? sorry if this is a dumb question

Reply 35

Meethel

oh~come on.I'm preparing for ICCE telephone interview now.It's gonna be today.I wish it would be ok~
just as said~its arts atmosphere
appreciate its creative work

Reply 36

jhill

I want to do Politics Economics and Public Policy there. Does anyone know about this course?...Also, it sounds like you have to be a socialist to go there, is that true?

Reply 37

Enso

Original post by aliciaisbrill

Original post by gene22

What do you mean security? sorry if this is a dumb question

I'm currently staying at Surrey House.

Surrey House has a security guard. Maybe the security was different when Gene went but at the moment there are about 3 different guards; One, on saturday, we have no problems with, we haven't spoken much. The other two, one in the day and one in the evening, are great. They are understanding and friendly but they will enforce the rules when they have to. Try and get to know them if you stay there because it makes sorting out problems a lot easier if you both know where eachother are coming from.

The most common complaints are for noise (Quiet hours are after 23:00 but if it is excessively loud you will recieve a complaint at any time) and mess. At the moment there is no double glazing, so you have to be mindful of noise. There are also three residents who, I assume, are studying post-grad. They sort some things out and you can talk to them (None of us have though). There is also an administrator (not sure if that's their official title) who enforces the rules more rigorously.

There's two buildings. I'm in the main building with its classic hallway structure. Inbetween all the rooms is the kitchen which is shared with the other 21 people on your floor. At the moment there isn't enough room to keep all your pots and pans (most of us only brought one pot, two plates and some cutlery) so I recommend keeping them in your room. The rooms are much bigger than I thought they would be from looking at the virtual tour. You have no ensuit but...well...you do have a sink... :wink:

There's also the old building, that's just been renovated. They have two kitchens, a small and a large, although I can't remember whether they just have agreed to share the big kitchen or it's actually meant for that purpose. I haven't seen any of the rooms unfortunately.

The people, on the other hand, are great. There's a variety of people from different backgrounds. We have people studying pretty much every subject Goldsmiths offers, all with different tastes and opinions but we all get along. There are cliques (not in halls), but they're everywhere. Amongst all the great people you meet there's always going to be arrogant ones. For me, the experiences far outweigh the negatives. The other day we awoke to a duo outside playing folk songs on the guitar and fiddle. Little things like that really make it a great place.

The college itself has a good atmosphere which is pretty much like any other institution. You have people in the corridors handing out leaflets or trying to promote any cause/association/society they think is worthy. The walls are plastered with posters ranging from lectures on sexism to B-Movies played in the college cinema.
A tradition among some of us is Club Sandwich every Wednesday at the Student Union. Pints are £1.50 and doubles are £2.50. It's not always (actually, hardly ever) an amazing night but the drinks are cheap and you can still make a time of it. You'll be out of your face, if you so wish, and eating fried chicken in the kitchen in no time.

Original post by jhill

I want to do Politics Economics and Public Policy there. Does anyone know about this course?...Also, it sounds like you have to be a socialist to go there, is that true?

There is a Socialist Worker society and they make themselves known but there's someone with every stance here.

(edited 13 years ago)

Reply 38

Roo88

Original post by xbabycakes

Hey,

I am actually in my first year at Goldsmiths studying Psychology. I do not like it though as it is different to what I thought to be honest also miss home quite a lot...
I think if you like art and socialist activities Goldsmiths is perfect for you but I dont feel like I can fit there much. Everyone is quite arty even the psychology students (minus a few) and even though when i went to the open day I thought I would fit in because of the music I like etc. Its different to what I thought....

I am moving home next year as I know I couldnt stay another 2 years here...just completeing the first year...
If you have any questions just ask!

And dont worry I am just one example. I know there are some people who enjoy it very much and have managed just fine. I guess it just depends on what you wnat at uni and what you like :smile:

(edited 13 years ago)

Reply 39

thelifeofbrian