Architecture degree September 2024
Reply 1
few things I can think of to make sure you get hold of early on (not necessarily day 1 - and some of this the uni will likely give you):
•
basic drawing supplies like sketchbook(s) and pencil(s) are a safe bet
•
scale ruler
•
tape measure (for site visits)
•
a set of drawing pens w/ different tip widths (eg sakura microns) - if ur going to be doing architectural drawings by hand at all you'll need different line weights (i didn't go to London Met but my uni encouraged us to draw by hand for the whole of first year)
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you'll be printing and drawing on big pieces of paper (up to A0 size) so a portfolio case or tube is a good investment (if the uni doesn't give you one for free)
for modelling you might be provided with cutting boards, craft knives, etc., or you may have to bring your own, I would ask the uni directly what will be provided to be sure
(i've heard London Met's architecture department is really good so congrats on getting in
quite a few high achievers from my undergrad uni applied there for Part 2 and ik a lot of the tutors work at award-winning practices in London so rly good networking opportunities I'm sure)Reply 2
few things I can think of to make sure you get hold of early on (not necessarily day 1 - and some of this the uni will likely give you):
•
basic drawing supplies like sketchbook(s) and pencil(s) are a safe bet
•
scale ruler
•
tape measure (for site visits)
•
a set of drawing pens w/ different tip widths (eg sakura microns) - if ur going to be doing architectural drawings by hand at all you'll need different line weights (i didn't go to London Met but my uni encouraged us to draw by hand for the whole of first year)
•
you'll be printing and drawing on big pieces of paper (up to A0 size) so a portfolio case or tube is a good investment (if the uni doesn't give you one for free)
for modelling you might be provided with cutting boards, craft knives, etc., or you may have to bring your own, I would ask the uni directly what will be provided to be sure
(i've heard London Met's architecture department is really good so congrats on getting in
quite a few high achievers from my undergrad uni applied there for Part 2 and ik a lot of the tutors work at award-winning practices in London so rly good networking opportunities I'm sure)Thank you so much! Do you have any tips for first year students? I’m so nervous 😭
Reply 3
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read a lot
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work smart not hard - learn ur software and tools
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keep yourself accountable and on track with your projects, managing your own time is super important
anything in particular you want more info on?
Reply 4
•
read a lot
•
work smart not hard - learn ur software and tools
•
keep yourself accountable and on track with your projects, managing your own time is super important
anything in particular you want more info on?
Do you recommend any particular laptop or iPad ? I know that MacBooks aren’t good for architecture.
Reply 5
I never used an iPad in uni and I personally don't think it's a must have, if u want to do digital drawing for your coursework a standard wacom tablet (no screen) is just fine and much cheaper. Maybe more convenient too since youll do most of your work in the desktop version of Photoshop anyway so you dont need to transfer drawings from ipad to laptop etc.
iPad would definitely be great for note taking if you want tho but yea not a must by any means
Laptop - you're correct that macbooks aren't great for archiecture mainly because they can't run revit (industry standard software)
Specs wise what you're looking for in a laptop is a high powered processor, at least 16gb ram, and a dedicated graphics card. Easiest way to get all of that is just buy a gaming laptop, even a relatively low spec one is fine but expect to spend around £700 minimum. (Eg - dell g15, I got one on sale for degree work, was £699)
hope this helps
Reply 6
Hey !! Hope you are doing well
That’s exciting—congrats on starting your Architecture degree at London Met! These are the things which students of architecture told from their experiences
First Day Basics
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Notebook or sketchbook – A4 or A3 for sketching ideas and taking notes.
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Pens and pencils – Mechanical pencils, fine liners (like Microns or Staedtler), and ballpoints.
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Eraser and sharpener
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Ruler – Metal preferred, especially for cutting.
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A folder or portfolio case – To carry drawings or reference material.
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Laptop – If you have one, bring it; if not, don’t worry—campus has resources.
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Water bottle/snacks – Long studio days!
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Cutting mat (A3 or A2)
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Craft knife/X-Acto knife
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Set squares & scale ruler – Essential for model-making and technical drawings.
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Glue – Pritt Stick, UHU, PVA, or spray mount depending on your projects.
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Sketchbooks – You’ll go through quite a few!
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USB/External Hard Drive – To back up your work (very important!)
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Laptop with good specs – Especially useful later on for software like AutoCAD, Rhino, SketchUp, Adobe Suite, Revit, etc. (Check with London Met if you get student access to software—they usually provide some).
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Camera or good phone camera – For documenting models, site visits, etc.
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Tote or sturdy backpack – You’ll carry a lot of tools and supplies.
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Masking tape/washi tape – For pin-ups and presentations.
All the best for the future
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