Speaking from experience: Things a first year needs to know

Brief: Once you have completed this form you will need to gather evidence, materials, facts and statistics to prove what you have said, in preparation for the final project, which is 4 1/2 weeks long.

 

I have written these things as if I am talking to a potential first year.

 

List five things a first year needs to know:

 

• Graphic Design is your life! Give up your job and say goodbye to your hobbies, as graphic design needs to be your priority now.
• There is no such thing as a day off. Wednesday's aren't a day off; you'll have so much work to do there is never free time!
• You'll work harder than your friends. People on other courses or maybe even doing the same course at a different university probably won't do as much work, or work anyway near as hard as you, and this can be annoying sometimes, but remember that you're learning so much more and will do better for it in the end.
• Digital print is the busiest place in the world, so you will need to book a slot or come in when you'd usually still be in bed to get a place.
• Keep up to date. There is hardly ever time to catch up, so don't waste time, and keep as organised as you can.

 

List five problems a first year will encounter:

 

• Graphic Design can be expensive. Start saving up/writing a wish list/begging parents for the things that you need, such as a mac, software, books, and materials. And, be careful with that loan!
• Leaving everything until the last minute is a problem that a first year will inevitability encounter, despite any advice not to do so. You've been warned.
• Getting ill. Freshers flu, or illnesses from not eating properly and not taking good care of yourself are bound to be a problem for a first year, so do try to look after yourself, as you can't afford to be ill.
• Annoying flatmates. There is bound to be some problems outside of college that will impact your college work, such as noisy flatmates, fall outs, sleepless nights. Try to speak to a friend or student advice.
• Stress. There is so much going on, there will be a point in everyone's first year where they get overly stressed. Work hard and it'll feel rewarding.

 

List five rules a first year needs to learn:

 

• You can't afford to be ill. There is so going on and so much to learn that it is hard to catch up from even one day off - so man up! Fred will warn you about this in your induction.
• Keep the studio tidy. This means bin your rubbish, tidy up after yourself and don't leave stuff out. This way, you won't annoy other students who need to use the space too.
• Never be late. You could end up with a warning if you miss an important briefing, so make sure you get here on time everyday. Many students get here at 9, instead of half 9, just to be sure!
• Take care of studio equipment and other peoples work. Treat it as if it is your own and be careful.
• Don't eat and drink. It smells, it annoys people, and it damages work and equipment, so eat it in the canteen please.

Evidence

• Photographs I could take: rule sheet, tesco at lunch, digital print at busy time, macs left unused but logged in, messy and tidy classroom, signing in sheet
• Could gather other peoples opinions, and quotes from other students
• Could create charts and statistics based on the replies
• Could compare my timetable with that of other students at Leeds College of Art and at other colleges

My Timetable (Average Week)

Monday 9.30-4
Tuesday 10-3.30
Wednesday (Work at home)
Thursday 9.30-4
Friday 9.30-4

• Could record the longest days I have spent in college (for OUGD102, I spent an 8.45am-9pm day, plus quite a few 9am-8pm days)
• Could add up the hours I spend doing graphic design inside and outside of college each week and compare these to the hours I spent during previous education of Art Foundation and A Levels