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Previous Uni dropout who re-applied for Uni this year. Ask me if you have questions!

So I went to Uni between 2022/23 before dropping out once the 1st year concluded. I studied Motion Graphics at a certain Uni in London (Ravensbourne) and lets just say I had a pretty miserable experience. I've since re-applied for different Uni's this year in subjects like Education, Media and Languages. I've already received offers!

There's lots of knowledge I gained from this experience about the Do's and Don'ts of Uni. I did ALOT of research the second time around about Uni's and courses in the UK.

Seeing as the application period is over and people are beginning to receive offers, I wanted to see if anyone had any questions? About my experience studying art or studying in London. How I re-applied and received offers in the humanities despite having artistic qualifications etc. Let me know, I'm here to help! :smile:

Reply 1

Anonymous #1

Can I ask what led to that experience at the Uni you left? I've been hearing that the school is 'self-directed' in terms of practical skills, which is concerning because I'm not taking on a student loan to teach myself; however, I've been weighing that with the connections and opportunities they have with brands and creative agencies because the industry is about who you know. So, I'm curious to learn if the events, connections and opportunities have an impact.

Reply 2

user0471711

Original post by Anonymous #1

Well... There were several several different factors as to why I specifically left Rave. I would have to agree with you when it come to teaching, it's VERY self-directed (or at least my course was - Motion Graphics). My main reason for leaving was I was paying in total over 20k a year for 1.5 days of actual class a week. It was barely worth it in my opinion. As for connections, they are quite well versed with that. My class went on 3 studio trips alone in the 1st year. However, you yourself need to be competent with getting in contact with these connections on your own accord. The uni only provide the links for these connections, it's up to you.

There were only 7-8 people in my main class, and most weren't that nice I'm not going to lie, so it was impossible to make friends. Also, I had a change if tutor mid-year and he ended up being not that great. At least for my needs. Support around the college was very very low. I myself have difficulties with learning and needed extra support, but I could never get that support which is another reason I left.

The last main thing was the accommodation. I lived in McMillan which was a lower end place. It was cheap, but it also lived up to its price. We ended up with a rotting and mouldy kitchen, silverfish infestation in the entire flat and jailcell-like rooms. Basically, when choosing accommodation, be careful to research properly.

I recently got in contact with Rave regarding something to do with a grade. They were very rude and unprofessional. Didn't even try to help, just brushed me off like I was nothing. So bad...

So, if you are going to Rave, or anywhere artistic, be cautious of some of the implications. It's right for some people, not for others, so do your research and see if it truly suits you and your goals. It does depend on what you want to study too. If it's very niche, there's a chance the course isn't that developed and therefore not worth the money and hassle. Rave were better at some course than others.

London itself is very expensive, so don't run out of money and be smart (I was not). I would recommend UAL, it's the best for artistic stuff, or so I've heard. Hope this helps :smile:

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 3

Anonymous #2

Original post by user0471711

So I went to Uni between 2022/23 before dropping out once the 1st year concluded. I studied Motion Graphics at a certain Uni in London (Ravensbourne) and lets just say I had a pretty miserable experience. I've since re-applied for different Uni's this year in subjects like Education, Media and Languages. I've already received offers!
There's lots of knowledge I gained from this experience about the Do's and Don'ts of Uni. I did ALOT of research the second time around about Uni's and courses in the UK.
Seeing as the application period is over and people are beginning to receive offers, I wanted to see if anyone had any questions? About my experience studying art or studying in London. How I re-applied and received offers in the humanities despite having artistic qualifications etc. Let me know, I'm here to help! :smile:

Do you know anything about the MA design communication course ?

Reply 4

user0471711

Original post by Anonymous #2

Do you know anything about the MA design communication course ?

Hmmm not much but I can tell u more abt the structure of the classes, seeing as my course would have been similar. Things may have changed since I went, and a master's is different to undergrad, so take everything with a pinch of salt.
The main thing I noticed was we didn't get to choose our own modules, we were just given briefs we had to do whether we liked the topic or not. If you want a more specialist and individual experience in terms of picking ur own modules, Rave probably isn't a smart choice. As I said in my post, contact hours were slim to none, and that was for a first year undergrad, not a masters year. Everything is very very self directed and if you have no past knowledge or passion for the subject, you won't get far. I looked at the entry requirements for the course, and seems they're asking for 2:2. Honestly, if you have a higher grade, go to a better uni. If not, there's still many other places you can look into asking for 2:2. Just weigh out your options properly and do alot of research before accepting anything.
A masters is only a year, and that's how long I lasted at rave, so maybe it's not too big of a deal. One last thing I'd like to mention is London is VERY expensive. You need to make sure to have some sort of money behind you. Unless you already live in London of course. In my experience, I've actually found non-art uni art courses to be better than art uni art courses. My friend does graphic design at Loughborough and absolutely loves it. Don't write off the option to go to non-art uni's. If you definitely want to go to an art uni tho, I'd look at UAL as I've heard they're good. Good luck!