Architecture BA
Come prepared to work and to learn a lot. I look back now and can’t believe how far I have come.
The course itself and the good reputations of the University and the School of Architecture attracted me. I felt it was worth putting pressure on myself to achieve high grades in my A levels in order to study here. Initially, I planned to study interior design, but I came to an Open Day and spoke to a member of Kent School of Architecture who persuaded me that architecture would be a better choice for me. Finally, the campus is so fantastic that I think it would attract anyone.
It’s hard work but when you look at the work you produce, you get a fantastic sense of achievement. You are learning something brand new, which is exciting and challenging. The course is broad, covering areas from the history of architecture to the latest computer software. In my second year, I took a module on landscape design; we had to design a wellness centre, which made me think about how design affects people psychologically. I found this so interesting, I have decided to do my dissertation on environmental psychology.
You also pick up communication skills alongside your technical skills. At the end of each project, you present your work to your tutor group and a panel of three critics – usually one outside architect and two from KSA. You receive verbal feedback; the critics are helpful rather than unnecessarily harsh but you have to hold your nerve when you are being questioned. There is always some positive feedback, which you can use for your next project. Before I came to Kent, I was nervous about giving presentations, but now I am used to it and am much more confident; these skills will be very useful in the workplace.
Everyone is happy to help; if you have any worries the people in the office are amazing and the teachers are always willing to give their time to help you learn – I had a teacher last year who spent several hours with me teaching me construction details.
The course is demanding and at times it can get stressful, but one of the things I love about the School is that whatever difficulties I have had, we have always found a way of sorting things out.
We are a close group, we work long hours so we really do bond and help each other out. There are lots of international students as well as students from all over the UK. Each term, you are assigned to a different tutor group so you get to know lots of students, which is good as in some ways it mirrors how a practice would work.
They were good when I came but have improved since then. We have a new computer suite and a new Crit Building which has amazing big screens where you can show your work. There is also a large workshop where you can make models.
They are very good – I have never seen a university with so many bars and cafés! The campus has a great atmosphere. The gym is fantastic and quite reasonable – it is a good place to go to de-stress.
I have started looking for internships for next summer and also for a Part 1 placement. I think Kent is very much at the forefront of doing things to get you into work; the School makes sure we get to grips with all the latest computer software and holds talks where graduates come to the School and tell us about their experiences. You also make a lot of contacts within the School.
Come prepared to work and to learn a lot. I look back now and can’t believe how far I have come. Throw yourself into the whole experience; Kent is definitely a great place to come, the social facilities are fantastic and if you work hard, you will get lots of support and you will do well. Going away to university is a big step and I wouldn’t have wanted to do it anywhere but here.
