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study in London for creative degree? Pros and cons please!

I'm about to start my foundation diploma in art and design, my subject is textiles and I'm looking at courses along the lines of textile design and fashion textiles. My specialism will be something like embroidery rather than weaving/knitting/ printing. I'm also from Sheffield.. Just in case someone has advice on moving to London from up north!

I'm fine looking for courses but I'm stuck on whether I should prioritise being in London or not. I love ual but I don't know wether being in london is all its made out to be ie more opportunities etc etc


So pros and cons of studying in London for a creative degree?
Hi Niamhmcarr,

Congratulations on gaining a place on your foundation diploma course.

Ravensbourne is a creative university in London, situated in Greenwich, directly next to the 02 Arena. We offer creative courses in Fashion Promotion, Fashion Design, Film Productions, Graphic Design and more.

On our website we have 6 reasons to choose Ravensbourne, which also mentioned the benefits of studying in London.

Here is the link: http://www.ravensbourne.ac.uk/discover-ravensbourne/

I hope this helps. :smile:
Reply 2
Original post by niamhmcarr
I'm about to start my foundation diploma in art and design, my subject is textiles and I'm looking at courses along the lines of textile design and fashion textiles. My specialism will be something like embroidery rather than weaving/knitting/ printing. I'm also from Sheffield.. Just in case someone has advice on moving to London from up north!
I'm fine looking for courses but I'm stuck on whether I should prioritise being in London or not. I love ual but I don't know wether being in london is all its made out to be ie more opportunities etc etc

So pros and cons of studying in London for a creative degree?



Hi there, I am a second year student at University for the Creative Arts working with their marketing department today to help prospective students. Our Epsom campus provides a few courses related to what you want to do http://www.ucreative.ac.uk/ba-fashion. I see people sewing and making outfits all the time it looks like good fun.

In regard to opportunities in London, Epsom is just outside, it feels like quite a country town however it is a 30-40min train journey to central London. Pretty much the whole design industry is based in East London and I am pretty sure it is the case for fashion also. If you think if this is what you are interested East London is the place to be!

It's the best of both worlds, you have peace and quiet in Epsom but a lot going on only 30 mins away.
Original post by niamhmcarr
I'm about to start my foundation diploma in art and design, my subject is textiles and I'm looking at courses along the lines of textile design and fashion textiles. My specialism will be something like embroidery rather than weaving/knitting/ printing. I'm also from Sheffield.. Just in case someone has advice on moving to London from up north!
I'm fine looking for courses but I'm stuck on whether I should prioritise being in London or not. I love ual but I don't know wether being in london is all its made out to be ie more opportunities etc etc

So pros and cons of studying in London for a creative degree?


Chiming in from UCA Rochester here, we run a lot of fashion courses, most suited to you I think would be the Fashion Textiles: Print. Its a really well equipped course, one of my friends has even sold some of her designs to an agency through the course! Trains from Chatham station (5 minute walk) take approx 20 mins to get into St Pancras, so the connections are ideal. Living costs are also significantly lower than London
Original post by niamhmcarr
I'm about to start my foundation diploma in art and design, my subject is textiles and I'm looking at courses along the lines of textile design and fashion textiles. My specialism will be something like embroidery rather than weaving/knitting/ printing. I'm also from Sheffield.. Just in case someone has advice on moving to London from up north!

I'm fine looking for courses but I'm stuck on whether I should prioritise being in London or not. I love ual but I don't know wether being in london is all its made out to be ie more opportunities etc etc


So pros and cons of studying in London for a creative degree?

Hey @niamhmcarr,

Are you looking for foundation courses in London or are you carrying out your foundation in Sheffield and looking for the next step (eg. BA courses)?

I personally moved to London last academic year to study my foundation at Central Saint Martins (UAL). Like many other people I was nervous about the move, coming from a small town myself but I think there are many pros of moving to London!

Coming to London to go to uni is a less daunting experience, than just moving to London, as you will be amongst lots of other people in the same situation. I found moving into UAL halls a great way to meet other people. They have a social programme which host lots of events and trips to make the place feel homely!

London has lots to offer in terms of creative opportunities, all the galleries and museums and work placement opportunities. I think UAL is also a great place for finding other like minded students to collaborate with.

I hope that helps and please let me know if you have questions about specific courses or UAL colleges.

Kindest,

Tegan :smile:
UAL Student Rep
Reply 5
Original post by University of the Arts London Student Reps
Hey @niamhmcarr,

Are you looking for foundation courses in London or are you carrying out your foundation in Sheffield and looking for the next step (eg. BA courses)?

I personally moved to London last academic year to study my foundation at Central Saint Martins (UAL). Like many other people I was nervous about the move, coming from a small town myself but I think there are many pros of moving to London!

Coming to London to go to uni is a less daunting experience, than just moving to London, as you will be amongst lots of other people in the same situation. I found moving into UAL halls a great way to meet other people. They have a social programme which host lots of events and trips to make the place feel homely!

London has lots to offer in terms of creative opportunities, all the galleries and museums and work placement opportunities. I think UAL is also a great place for finding other like minded students to collaborate with.

I hope that helps and please let me know if you have questions about specific courses or UAL colleges.

Kindest,

Tegan :smile:
UAL Student Rep


Hi there! I’m hoping to attend CSM for the foundation diploma in art and design this year depending on whether I am accepted for the course and I’m concerned with how exactly I’d fund the move and myself for the year seeing as student finance is not applicable. Any advice on alternative funding methods other than savings?
Original post by 1975tia
Hi there! I’m hoping to attend CSM for the foundation diploma in art and design this year depending on whether I am accepted for the course and I’m concerned with how exactly I’d fund the move and myself for the year seeing as student finance is not applicable. Any advice on alternative funding methods other than savings?

Hi @1975tia,

I completely understand the struggle of financing a foundation year away from home. Unfortunately I don't think there are many funding opportunities. That being said if you're eligible there are some 16-18 year old bursaries available which you can check out here.

There are also ways to live in London on a budget and to find part time work to fit around your studies. I recommend signing up for Arts Temps to pick up flexible work and using an app like Monzo to keep on top of your spending. There are a surprising amount of free events, talks and exhibitions happening too.

I hope that helps and Good Luck!

Kindest,

Tegan :smile:
UAL Student Rep

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