Ask Me Anything! (for prospective architecture students)
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Original post by Architecture-er
Could you point me to where it says that? Sounds interesting! I imagine it's just part of a list of equally reputable A levels though? I would just stick with taking 3 subjects in A2, I ended up with 4 but that's because I did Maths within a year, taking 4 at once would've been intense! I'd stick to the subjects you enjoy the most, because you'll naturally be better at them and there's no distinct advantage of PD over any of the other three, which are your stereotypical 'pre-architecture' subjects 
Yeah, obviously not just repeating "..and this is why I'd love to study architecture" at the end of each paragraph, but just make sure everything you mention shows off your qualities which would make you a better student; team-working, go-getting attitude, a diverse range of interests, etc etc.
So instead of saying "I was the captain of my football team" say "I really enjoyed my time managing my football team as the captain, coordinating everyone to achieve a common goal was very satisfying to me" (which relates to working in practice as an architect with different sub-consultants). Then you go through a billion attempts to shave off every word possible to meet the word count, and hopefully you have a very refined PS! It's better to have a select range of very pertinent points (keeping things concise so you can still get a full scope down), rather than vomit every scrap of info at them and hoping they'll be impressed
No no, I was just thinking how it'd be funny if a PS came across their desk with every single book on their reading list mentioned - feel free to include any you want. Maybe mention a couple of books, and highlight something in one that particularly interested you and which you'd be really excited to explore in more detail when you start your studies.
I don't think there's anything specific you should avoid writing about, just make everything relevant, optimise every word. If you can find a way to integrate the end-of-year shows then go for it, but it sounds tricky to me, at best you'd be saying "I saw your show and it was awesome" - maybe you could say you were inspired by the quality of the work.. but it may just come across as you trying to butter them up, far better to focus on you. But if you can make it work, just do the old tying everything back to why you'd be a great student at their uni and you'll be able to see how much value anything has to mention
Yeah, obviously not just repeating "..and this is why I'd love to study architecture" at the end of each paragraph, but just make sure everything you mention shows off your qualities which would make you a better student; team-working, go-getting attitude, a diverse range of interests, etc etc.
So instead of saying "I was the captain of my football team" say "I really enjoyed my time managing my football team as the captain, coordinating everyone to achieve a common goal was very satisfying to me" (which relates to working in practice as an architect with different sub-consultants). Then you go through a billion attempts to shave off every word possible to meet the word count, and hopefully you have a very refined PS! It's better to have a select range of very pertinent points (keeping things concise so you can still get a full scope down), rather than vomit every scrap of info at them and hoping they'll be impressed
No no, I was just thinking how it'd be funny if a PS came across their desk with every single book on their reading list mentioned
- feel free to include any you want. Maybe mention a couple of books, and highlight something in one that particularly interested you and which you'd be really excited to explore in more detail when you start your studies.I don't think there's anything specific you should avoid writing about, just make everything relevant, optimise every word. If you can find a way to integrate the end-of-year shows then go for it, but it sounds tricky to me, at best you'd be saying "I saw your show and it was awesome" - maybe you could say you were inspired by the quality of the work.. but it may just come across as you trying to butter them up, far better to focus on you. But if you can make it work, just do the old tying everything back to why you'd be a great student at their uni and you'll be able to see how much value anything has to mention
Here it is (cmd+f: Design Technology): http://www.bath.ac.uk/study/ug/prospectus/subject/architecture/entry-requirements/
Like you said, listed among the other "highly desirable" pre-arch subjects.
Thank you for your help and for taking your time, again, very much appreciated. I might drop a few more mundane questions at you before hand in.
Hahaha!Stay awesome.
Original post by Architecture-er
Note for people new to the TSR forums, if you quote this original post (using the button in the bottom-right) when asking your question then I'll get an alert, it'll mean I see your question far quicker 
Summer exams are looming on the horizon, and there's a distinct smell of caffeine in the air...
Thankfully I'm on placement, and as such have nothing to do in my evenings! Therefore I invite everyone considering architecture and wondering about preparing for first year to AMA, and I'll do my best to help
Can't 'really' offer much in-depth knowledge about universities other than my own, but subject/career specific questions are a-ok. Additionally, if any other Part I/II/III students want their names listed here as sources of uni-specific help, then quote me and I'll add you onto the original post!
Summer exams are looming on the horizon, and there's a distinct smell of caffeine in the air...
Thankfully I'm on placement, and as such have nothing to do in my evenings! Therefore I invite everyone considering architecture and wondering about preparing for first year to AMA, and I'll do my best to help
Can't 'really' offer much in-depth knowledge about universities other than my own, but subject/career specific questions are a-ok. Additionally, if any other Part I/II/III students want their names listed here as sources of uni-specific help, then quote me and I'll add you onto the original post!
Physics, Maths, History. Or. Physics, Maths, Product Design? (Would at this moment in time, possibly end up with a higher grade in History, as I can retake the 2 exams if needed (B and U), whereas I can't change the mark in my Product Design coursework (B), I can only retake the exam (D))
Do I need that Art-based subject? Or do I need to do whatever is going to get me the highest grades?
Really unsure what to carry forward into A2, and I really need some guidance.
Original post by TheJekyll
Physics, Maths, History. Or. Physics, Maths, Product Design? (Would at this moment in time, possibly end up with a higher grade in History, as I can retake the 2 exams if needed (B and U), whereas I can't change the mark in my Product Design coursework (B), I can only retake the exam (D))
Do I need that Art-based subject? Or do I need to do whatever is going to get me the highest grades?
Really unsure what to carry forward into A2, and I really need some guidance.
Do I need that Art-based subject? Or do I need to do whatever is going to get me the highest grades?
Really unsure what to carry forward into A2, and I really need some guidance.
Well the general advice for architecture hopefuls is to get a wide variety of subject types, so a blend of maths, art and humanities. If you don't take an artistic subject you may be required to submit a portfolio of work to prove you actually have some artistic ability, you'll probably have to submit this independently of any portfolio requests they make as part of the general application process.
How did you get a U in your History? If you actually tried for the exam and it wasn't a result of some external difficulties then you may find it hard to significantly improve on the grade at least not above a B..? Taking PD would at least give you some work towards your portfolio but you'd probably have to flesh it out a bit anyway.
I think it's worth saying though, Architecture is a very demanding career choice that has a far lower return on investment than many other degrees, competition is very fierce and a lot of students at the top universities bail out and go into other careers anyway (which they could have easily secured through other, less murderous uni choices!). Just thought it's worth saying because if there's any subject you don't want to be fighting the current on, it's this one!
Original post by JaySP
Here it is (cmd+f: Design Technology): http://www.bath.ac.uk/study/ug/prospectus/subject/architecture/entry-requirements/
Like you said, listed among the other "highly desirable" pre-arch subjects.
Thank you for your help and for taking your time, again, very much appreciated. I might drop a few more mundane questions at you before hand in. Hahaha!
Stay awesome.
Like you said, listed among the other "highly desirable" pre-arch subjects.
Thank you for your help and for taking your time, again, very much appreciated. I might drop a few more mundane questions at you before hand in.
Hahaha!Stay awesome.
You're welcome! I will endeavour, as you say, to stay awesome
Original post by Architecture-er
Note for people new to the TSR forums, if you quote this original post (using the button in the bottom-right) when asking your question then I'll get an alert, it'll mean I see your question far quicker
Summer exams are looming on the horizon, and there's a distinct smell of caffeine in the air...
Thankfully I'm on placement, and as such have nothing to do in my evenings! Therefore I invite everyone considering architecture and wondering about preparing for first year to AMA, and I'll do my best to help
Can't 'really' offer much in-depth knowledge about universities other than my own, but subject/career specific questions are a-ok. Additionally, if any other Part I/II/III students want their names listed here as sources of uni-specific help, then quote me and I'll add you onto the original post!
Summer exams are looming on the horizon, and there's a distinct smell of caffeine in the air...
Thankfully I'm on placement, and as such have nothing to do in my evenings! Therefore I invite everyone considering architecture and wondering about preparing for first year to AMA, and I'll do my best to help
Can't 'really' offer much in-depth knowledge about universities other than my own, but subject/career specific questions are a-ok. Additionally, if any other Part I/II/III students want their names listed here as sources of uni-specific help, then quote me and I'll add you onto the original post!
Hi, I'll be studying architecture this September and was wondering how many hours on average do you think you spend a week (Lecture and personal study)? Would joining a society and having a part time job prove too much stress along with your studies? And how about the social aspects, will you have close ties with your flatmates (or anyone not in your course) or did you spend those times in the studio?
I'm moving away from home and the thought of probably living off as a hermit doesn't help at all
Original post by Pros14
Hi, I'll be studying architecture this September and was wondering how many hours on average do you think you spend a week (Lecture and personal study)? Would joining a society and having a part time job prove too much stress along with your studies? And how about the social aspects, will you have close ties with your flatmates (or anyone not in your course) or did you spend those times in the studio?
I'm moving away from home and the thought of probably living off as a hermit doesn't help at all
I'm moving away from home and the thought of probably living off as a hermit doesn't help at all
First year should be pretty relaxed, it'll depend on your course structure but most unis will have an emphasis on lectures and exams, rather than design projects in later years (which are the big time-sinks). You could easily do a society alongside your studies and have plenty of socialising time, whether you could ALSO fit in a part-time job would depend on where you worked (bar/gym/pool staff on campus is pretty good because there's no commute, for example) and what your work efficiency was
You definitely shouldn't be a hermit in 1st year, I don't know of any where your 1st year actually counts towards your degree grade anyway, so you should use it to improve your skill repertoire but apart from that don't kill yourself!
Well that's encouraging! I've heard a lot of negativity about the course (from my A-level teachers and even on the internet they're basically everywhere!) I wasn't expecting that
By this, are they like constant stress through out the year or like the last few weeks when deadlines/exams are near? Because if its not the latter, I'd probably have a mental breakdown halfway through
Original post by Architecture-er
First year should be pretty relaxed, it'll depend on your course structure but most unis will have an emphasis on lectures and exams, rather than design projects in later years (which are the big time-sinks). You could easily do a society alongside your studies and have plenty of socialising time, whether you could ALSO fit in a part-time job would depend on where you worked (bar/gym/pool staff on campus is pretty good because there's no commute, for example) and what your work efficiency was
You definitely shouldn't be a hermit in 1st year, I don't know of any where your 1st year actually counts towards your degree grade anyway, so you should use it to improve your skill repertoire but apart from that don't kill yourself!
You definitely shouldn't be a hermit in 1st year, I don't know of any where your 1st year actually counts towards your degree grade anyway, so you should use it to improve your skill repertoire but apart from that don't kill yourself!
By this, are they like constant stress through out the year or like the last few weeks when deadlines/exams are near? Because if its not the latter, I'd probably have a mental breakdown halfway through
Original post by Pros14
Well that's encouraging! I've heard a lot of negativity about the course (from my A-level teachers and even on the internet they're basically everywhere!) I wasn't expecting that
By this, are they like constant stress through out the year or like the last few weeks when deadlines/exams are near? Because if its not the latter, I'd probably have a mental breakdown halfway through
By this, are they like constant stress through out the year or like the last few weeks when deadlines/exams are near? Because if its not the latter, I'd probably have a mental breakdown halfway through
Oh the pain will come, just not in 1st year
- if you slack off you'll regret it though!They're a constant thing in your mind, I wouldn't say they're a constant stress unless you're not doing very well. Things definitely heat up a lot towards the end, partly because you're never able to 100% calculate how much work to do so you always end up with more at the end, but also because you're under pressure to make your work as good as possible
In final year it's best just to work solidly from the start, without taking time off. Like a marathon, keep a steady pace throughout and then sprint the finish to get the best score, otherwise you collapse halfway through and dont finish
Aight cool, then it wouldn't be so bad as long as I put the effort in and not slack off, thanks for the advice as well!
I could totally relate to that, pretty much like what my A2 Fine Art was where I slacked off at AS and had to spend every single minute in the art room to make up for it, I definitely learned from that mistake and hope not to do it in the future!
Original post by Architecture-er
Oh the pain will come, just not in 1st year - if you slack off you'll regret it though!
They're a constant thing in your mind, I wouldn't say they're a constant stress unless you're not doing very well. Things definitely heat up a lot towards the end, partly because you're never able to 100% calculate how much work to do so you always end up with more at the end, but also because you're under pressure to make your work as good as possible
In final year it's best just to work solidly from the start, without taking time off. Like a marathon, keep a steady pace throughout and then sprint the finish to get the best score, otherwise you collapse halfway through and dont finish
- if you slack off you'll regret it though!They're a constant thing in your mind, I wouldn't say they're a constant stress unless you're not doing very well. Things definitely heat up a lot towards the end, partly because you're never able to 100% calculate how much work to do so you always end up with more at the end, but also because you're under pressure to make your work as good as possible
In final year it's best just to work solidly from the start, without taking time off. Like a marathon, keep a steady pace throughout and then sprint the finish to get the best score, otherwise you collapse halfway through and dont finish
I could totally relate to that, pretty much like what my A2 Fine Art was where I slacked off at AS and had to spend every single minute in the art room to make up for it, I definitely learned from that mistake and hope not to do it in the future!
Original post by Architecture-er
Note for people new to the TSR forums, if you quote this original post (using the button in the bottom-right) when asking your question then I'll get an alert, it'll mean I see your question far quicker
Summer exams are looming on the horizon, and there's a distinct smell of caffeine in the air...
Thankfully I'm on placement, and as such have nothing to do in my evenings! Therefore I invite everyone considering architecture and wondering about preparing for first year to AMA, and I'll do my best to help
Can't 'really' offer much in-depth knowledge about universities other than my own, but subject/career specific questions are a-ok. Additionally, if any other Part I/II/III students want their names listed here as sources of uni-specific help, then quote me and I'll add you onto the original post!
Summer exams are looming on the horizon, and there's a distinct smell of caffeine in the air...
Thankfully I'm on placement, and as such have nothing to do in my evenings! Therefore I invite everyone considering architecture and wondering about preparing for first year to AMA, and I'll do my best to help
Can't 'really' offer much in-depth knowledge about universities other than my own, but subject/career specific questions are a-ok. Additionally, if any other Part I/II/III students want their names listed here as sources of uni-specific help, then quote me and I'll add you onto the original post!
I wanted to clarify what I would need to equip my laptop with in terms of software before I start university. Also is is necessary for first year student anyway?
Thanks
Dom
Original post by DominiqO
I wanted to clarify what I would need to equip my laptop with in terms of software before I start university. Also is is necessary for first year student anyway?
Thanks
Dom
Thanks
Dom
It shouldn't be necessary to get any software before starting uni! (assuming you mean CAD programs etc) It varies uni by uni what software you'll be using, so unless you've been specifically told that you need to download something before term starts then I wouldn't bother!
For the most part, you'll be able to get free student licences for a lot of software once you're officially enrolled and have your student id etc, but even stuff that you can't get for free this way should be on computers in your department that you'll be able to use. Plus there are always slightly less than legal versions of photoshop etc floating around
(edited 9 years ago)
Original post by DominiqO
I wanted to clarify what I would need to equip my laptop with in terms of software before I start university. Also is is necessary for first year student anyway?
Thanks
Dom
Thanks
Dom
You certainly need a basic presentation package for essay writing and lecture-note reading, Microsoft Office for PC or the Mac equivalent - this should be preinstalled on your machine but you can pirate them if you have a blank system
______
Different universities will use different software packages for drafting and 3d modelling, it comes about through a fairly nebulous process generally based on what software nearby practices use, as well as what software the tutors/CAD lecturers are more familiar in
For example Bath uses and teaches 1st years how to use AutoCAD and Sketchup (though older students will often change as they work in practice and change preferences) - I know a number of architecture practices in London prefer Rhino and Grasshopper, and this is mimicked in the more artistic architecture schools where curvilinear forms are more popular.
An industry standard is Photoshop and Indesign, if anyone uses anything different then they're just a bit weird and I'd 100% recommend you use these, if just because it'll make you far more employable than some oddball using Gimp! Again I'd just pirate the Adobe software, including Acrobat. They don't offer a free student version, and paying £190 per year is just stupid! The great thing about university is that it's full of tech gifted individuals, and there will be plenty of older students who can show you how to pirate cracked software if you're unsure about the process and/or which pirated versions are safe to download
For 3d modelling I'd recommend you start out with getting Sketchup, because there's an excellent free version, it's small and quick to download and its very intuitive to use, at least on a basic level (just make sure to make everything into components!)
If your university doesn't tend towards using sketchup then at least it'll have given you a rough understanding of 3d modelling, and it'll mean you pick up any different software more quickly.
For 2d drafting I'd wait before getting anything - 1st year should be about pushing your ideas and thinking/creating - a lot of emphasis on sketching and modelling and less on the computer
- Sketchup isn't too bad because it's quick and playful, but programs like Revit and AutoCAD are so precise they'll actually hurt your design process because you'll spend too long perfecting a design idea which is supposed to be fluid and suggestive(edited 9 years ago)
Original post by clareyyyyyyy
It shouldn't be necessary to get any software before starting uni! (assuming you mean CAD programs etc) It varies uni by uni what software you'll be using, so unless you've been specifically told that you need to download something before term starts then I wouldn't bother!
For the most part, you'll be able to get free student licences for a lot of software once you're officially enrolled and have your student id etc, but even stuff that you can't get for free this way should be on computers in your department that you'll be able to use. Plus there are always slightly less than legal versions of photoshop etc floating around
For the most part, you'll be able to get free student licences for a lot of software once you're officially enrolled and have your student id etc, but even stuff that you can't get for free this way should be on computers in your department that you'll be able to use. Plus there are always slightly less than legal versions of photoshop etc floating around
Thank you very much
Original post by Architecture-er
You certainly need a basic presentation package for essay writing and lecture-note reading, Microsoft Office for PC or the Mac equivalent - this should be preinstalled on your machine but you can pirate them if you have a blank system
______
Different universities will use different software packages for drafting and 3d modelling, it comes about through a fairly nebulous process generally based on what software nearby practices use, as well as what software the tutors/CAD lecturers are more familiar in
For example Bath uses and teaches 1st years how to use AutoCAD and Sketchup (though older students will often change as they work in practice and change preferences) - I know a number of architecture practices in London prefer Rhino and Grasshopper, and this is mimicked in the more artistic architecture schools where curvilinear forms are more popular.
An industry standard is Photoshop and Indesign, if anyone uses anything different then they're just a bit weird and I'd 100% recommend you use these, if just because it'll make you far more employable than some oddball using Gimp! Again I'd just pirate the Adobe software, including Acrobat. They don't offer a free student version, and paying £190 per year is just stupid! The great thing about university is that it's full of tech gifted individuals, and there will be plenty of older students who can show you how to pirate cracked software if you're unsure about the process and/or which pirated versions are safe to download
For 3d modelling I'd recommend you start out with getting Sketchup, because there's an excellent free version, it's small and quick to download and its very intuitive to use, at least on a basic level (just make sure to make everything into components!)
If your university doesn't tend towards using sketchup then at least it'll have given you a rough understanding of 3d modelling, and it'll mean you pick up any different software more quickly.
For 2d drafting I'd wait before getting anything - 1st year should be about pushing your ideas and thinking/creating - a lot of emphasis on sketching and modelling and less on the computer - Sketchup isn't too bad because it's quick and playful, but programs like Revit and AutoCAD are so precise they'll actually hurt your design process because you'll spend too long perfecting a design idea which is supposed to be fluid and suggestive
______
Different universities will use different software packages for drafting and 3d modelling, it comes about through a fairly nebulous process generally based on what software nearby practices use, as well as what software the tutors/CAD lecturers are more familiar in
For example Bath uses and teaches 1st years how to use AutoCAD and Sketchup (though older students will often change as they work in practice and change preferences) - I know a number of architecture practices in London prefer Rhino and Grasshopper, and this is mimicked in the more artistic architecture schools where curvilinear forms are more popular.
An industry standard is Photoshop and Indesign, if anyone uses anything different then they're just a bit weird and I'd 100% recommend you use these, if just because it'll make you far more employable than some oddball using Gimp! Again I'd just pirate the Adobe software, including Acrobat. They don't offer a free student version, and paying £190 per year is just stupid! The great thing about university is that it's full of tech gifted individuals, and there will be plenty of older students who can show you how to pirate cracked software if you're unsure about the process and/or which pirated versions are safe to download
For 3d modelling I'd recommend you start out with getting Sketchup, because there's an excellent free version, it's small and quick to download and its very intuitive to use, at least on a basic level (just make sure to make everything into components!)
If your university doesn't tend towards using sketchup then at least it'll have given you a rough understanding of 3d modelling, and it'll mean you pick up any different software more quickly.
For 2d drafting I'd wait before getting anything - 1st year should be about pushing your ideas and thinking/creating - a lot of emphasis on sketching and modelling and less on the computer
- Sketchup isn't too bad because it's quick and playful, but programs like Revit and AutoCAD are so precise they'll actually hurt your design process because you'll spend too long perfecting a design idea which is supposed to be fluid and suggestiveHaha yeah I think with the obvious basics I think I have that covered
Thank you also for the rest of the helpful input. I t is very useful to know.
DOm
I have just started my AS Levels at sixth form and am keen on studying architecture at uni. I am currently studying chemistry, maths, art and geography and was wondering if i needed to participate in any extra activities involving architecture? And if so, if anyone knows of anywhere to do anything like that in the North West of England?
Original post by emilyb91210
I have just started my AS Levels at sixth form and am keen on studying architecture at uni. I am currently studying chemistry, maths, art and geography and was wondering if i needed to participate in any extra activities involving architecture? And if so, if anyone knows of anywhere to do anything like that in the North West of England?
A week or two of work experience at a practice is the most straightforward and cheapest opportunity for you, but if you do some research there should be some architecture-orientated summer programs that run outside of term time - typically cost around £500 for a week, including evening meals, materials and tuition..
I'd either google "architecture summer programs" and/or add various architecture news-sites such as bdonline, archdaily and so on - the RIBA might also host some and NW architecture university faculties might have a list of some programs you could look into
Personally I think the amount of education you receive for the cost isn't necessarily worth it, but if you have the money and would like to go on one, they're there!
Otherwise you could easily do your own architecture/art installation outside somewhere, using wood, rope and other scavengable materials! You might get a lot more kudos for designing something yourself, though it'd require a fair bit of thought on your part
I'm starting at Coventry in two weeks (!!) and I know you mentioned about laptops a bit further up, so sorry about this but a quick question:
My laptop's disk drive doesn't recognise disks (happened about a week outside the warranty period obvs) so can't install software on cd-roms and is also fairly slow at processing information and running programmes. It did have a tiny memory but I have a 2 TB external hard-drive so that isn't a problem.
My question is do you think it is worth upgrading my laptop to something that is faster and has higher processing abilities. I would probably done this already but my laptop is only 2 years old so I don't think I can justify to myself buying a new one unless I truly need it. On the other hand, I don't want to get to uni, realise there is an issue whilst downloading software and get behind whilst I try to budget and buy a new one.
I know this is a bit technical and long so sorry about that!!
My laptop's disk drive doesn't recognise disks (happened about a week outside the warranty period obvs) so can't install software on cd-roms and is also fairly slow at processing information and running programmes. It did have a tiny memory but I have a 2 TB external hard-drive so that isn't a problem.
My question is do you think it is worth upgrading my laptop to something that is faster and has higher processing abilities. I would probably done this already but my laptop is only 2 years old so I don't think I can justify to myself buying a new one unless I truly need it. On the other hand, I don't want to get to uni, realise there is an issue whilst downloading software and get behind whilst I try to budget and buy a new one.
I know this is a bit technical and long so sorry about that!!
Original post by Architecture-er
Oh the pain will come, just not in 1st year - if you slack off you'll regret it though!
They're a constant thing in your mind, I wouldn't say they're a constant stress unless you're not doing very well. Things definitely heat up a lot towards the end, partly because you're never able to 100% calculate how much work to do so you always end up with more at the end, but also because you're under pressure to make your work as good as possible
In final year it's best just to work solidly from the start, without taking time off. Like a marathon, keep a steady pace throughout and then sprint the finish to get the best score, otherwise you collapse halfway through and dont finish
- if you slack off you'll regret it though!They're a constant thing in your mind, I wouldn't say they're a constant stress unless you're not doing very well. Things definitely heat up a lot towards the end, partly because you're never able to 100% calculate how much work to do so you always end up with more at the end, but also because you're under pressure to make your work as good as possible
In final year it's best just to work solidly from the start, without taking time off. Like a marathon, keep a steady pace throughout and then sprint the finish to get the best score, otherwise you collapse halfway through and dont finish
I'm starting at Coventry in two weeks (!!) and I know you mentioned about laptops a bit further up, so sorry about this but a quick question:
My laptop's disk drive doesn't recognise disks (happened about a week outside the warranty period obvs) so can't install software on cd-roms and is also fairly slow at processing information and running programmes. It did have a tiny memory but I have a 2 TB external hard-drive so that isn't a problem.
My question is do you think it is worth upgrading my laptop to something that is faster and has higher processing abilities. I would probably done this already but my laptop is only 2 years old so I don't think I can justify to myself buying a new one unless I truly need it. On the other hand, I don't want to get to uni, realise there is an issue whilst downloading software and get behind whilst I try to budget and buy a new one.
I know this is a bit technical and long so sorry about that!!
Original post by BeckyBrown1
I'm starting at Coventry in two weeks (!!) and I know you mentioned about laptops a bit further up, so sorry about this but a quick question:
My laptop's disk drive doesn't recognise disks (happened about a week outside the warranty period obvs) so can't install software on cd-roms and is also fairly slow at processing information and running programmes. It did have a tiny memory but I have a 2 TB external hard-drive so that isn't a problem.
My question is do you think it is worth upgrading my laptop to something that is faster and has higher processing abilities. I would probably done this already but my laptop is only 2 years old so I don't think I can justify to myself buying a new one unless I truly need it. On the other hand, I don't want to get to uni, realise there is an issue whilst downloading software and get behind whilst I try to budget and buy a new one.
I know this is a bit technical and long so sorry about that!!
My laptop's disk drive doesn't recognise disks (happened about a week outside the warranty period obvs) so can't install software on cd-roms and is also fairly slow at processing information and running programmes. It did have a tiny memory but I have a 2 TB external hard-drive so that isn't a problem.
My question is do you think it is worth upgrading my laptop to something that is faster and has higher processing abilities. I would probably done this already but my laptop is only 2 years old so I don't think I can justify to myself buying a new one unless I truly need it. On the other hand, I don't want to get to uni, realise there is an issue whilst downloading software and get behind whilst I try to budget and buy a new one.
I know this is a bit technical and long so sorry about that!!
Not too technical, I once dismantled my old laptop to replace the graphics card! Absolutely mental how they cram everything into such a small space..
What model is your laptop? The age of the laptop is only really relevant when talking about the physical integrity of the components, because cheaper laptops will have cheaper components, and so lag behind in hardware specs far sooner than a top-of-the-range laptop bought at the same time (thereby needing to be replaced sooner if you want to run the latest software packages)
I originally bought my laptop for £850 just before starting 6th form, and it has lasted through to the end of my undergraduate degree and still going strong, so a total of 6 years (though I built a desktop PC for the final year and mainly used that).
You can digitally purchase all software packages these days so the CD drive isn't particularly crucial, but you could easily replace it if you did some background research (or took it to a tech shop if you didn't feel safe). But the latest Mac laptops don't have cd drives, so that's a pretty good indicator of the way the market is going
memory doesn't equal storage space, which I think you're confusing? Memory is the computer's RAM, which is a measure of how quickly a computer can juggle tasks and do on-the-spot things like opening programs and so on, and then storage is your hard drive space with the 2TB So yeah, if you chuck me the laptop model I can have a look, hopefully all your laptop needs is cleaning up a bit, removing useless bloatware programs that come pre-installed, streamlining the startup process, etc etc - fairly easy to do with a few youtube how-to's.
If it is a fairly cheapo laptop then you may want to think about investing in a new machine like you said, and you'd make that decision based on how far along we are in the latest hardware release cycles, and whether you'd want to be swapping machines mid-way through your tuition
(edited 9 years ago)
Original post by Architecture-er
Not too technical, I once dismantled my old laptop to replace the graphics card! Absolutely mental how they cram everything into such a small space..
What model is your laptop? The age of the laptop is only really relevant when talking about the physical integrity of the components, because cheaper laptops will have cheaper components, and so lag behind in hardware specs far sooner than a top-of-the-range laptop bought at the same time (thereby needing to be replaced sooner if you want to run the latest software packages)
I originally bought my laptop for £850 just before starting 6th form, and it has lasted through to the end of my undergraduate degree and still going strong, so a total of 6 years (though I built a desktop PC for the final year and mainly used that).
You can digitally purchase all software packages these days so the CD drive isn't particularly crucial, but you could easily replace it if you did some background research (or took it to a tech shop if you didn't feel safe). But the latest Mac laptops don't have cd drives, so that's a pretty good indicator of the way the market is going
memory doesn't equal storage space, which I think you're confusing? Memory is the computer's RAM, which is a measure of how quickly a computer can juggle tasks and do on-the-spot things like opening programs and so on, and then storage is your hard drive space with the 2TB
So yeah, if you chuck me the laptop model I can have a look, hopefully all your laptop needs is cleaning up a bit, removing useless bloatware programs that come pre-installed, streamlining the startup process, etc etc - fairly easy to do with a few youtube how-to's.
If it is a fairly cheapo laptop then you may want to think about investing in a new machine like you said, and you'd make that decision based on how far along we are in the latest hardware release cycles, and whether you'd want to be swapping machines mid-way through your tuition
What model is your laptop? The age of the laptop is only really relevant when talking about the physical integrity of the components, because cheaper laptops will have cheaper components, and so lag behind in hardware specs far sooner than a top-of-the-range laptop bought at the same time (thereby needing to be replaced sooner if you want to run the latest software packages)
I originally bought my laptop for £850 just before starting 6th form, and it has lasted through to the end of my undergraduate degree and still going strong, so a total of 6 years (though I built a desktop PC for the final year and mainly used that).
You can digitally purchase all software packages these days so the CD drive isn't particularly crucial, but you could easily replace it if you did some background research (or took it to a tech shop if you didn't feel safe). But the latest Mac laptops don't have cd drives, so that's a pretty good indicator of the way the market is going
memory doesn't equal storage space, which I think you're confusing? Memory is the computer's RAM, which is a measure of how quickly a computer can juggle tasks and do on-the-spot things like opening programs and so on, and then storage is your hard drive space with the 2TB So yeah, if you chuck me the laptop model I can have a look, hopefully all your laptop needs is cleaning up a bit, removing useless bloatware programs that come pre-installed, streamlining the startup process, etc etc - fairly easy to do with a few youtube how-to's.
If it is a fairly cheapo laptop then you may want to think about investing in a new machine like you said, and you'd make that decision based on how far along we are in the latest hardware release cycles, and whether you'd want to be swapping machines mid-way through your tuition
Wow, now that's a complete answer. I'm not particularly technical as you've probably guessed haha
It's a Samsung NP350V5C if that helps
Obviously it'd be great for it to last a while longer but as it was pretty cheap then I envisage it struggling through the next three years
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