Student life at LCF

Two students chatting animatedly from the side. Behind them is a large graffiti wall

London College of Fashion is an open, welcoming community where students and staff come together with a shared passion for fashion and its power to shape culture, business, identity and society.

Studying at university is a big step, but at LCF we want to make it an unforgettable experience. Throughout your studies, we’ll challenge you to push yourself, create exciting, powerful work and carve out your path into your future career in the fashion industry.

London is a city full of variety and character, and studying here gives you the chance to explore a place rich in history, culture, and new experiences.

From our home at East Bank, the UK’s newest cultural quarter at the heart of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, we’re forging partnerships, opening up opportunities, and creating connections with east London’s schools, community and industry.

With more than 5,500 students from over 100 countries at LCF, you'll join a creative community full of different perspectives, experiences and ambitions. Whether you're moving across London or across the world, you'll find opportunities to collaborate, build connections, explore the city and develop your own creative voice.

Three students in colourful clothing are sitting on the grass chatting, with the LCF building visible ahead of them — **London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London. | Photo: Paul Cochrane**

What students wish they'd known before joining LCF

Moving to university can feel exciting, daunting and completely overwhelming all at once. So we asked current students what surprised them most about joining LCF.

I still laugh thinking about my first day. I was panicking over what to wear, but the second I walked in, I felt so welcomed.

— Mahi, BSc (Hons) Psychology of Fashion

The range of diversity, cultures and attitudes towards fashion was so refreshing. I felt like I could finally be unapologetically myself.

— Kiya, BA (Hons) Fashion Marketing and Content Creation

Just like London, LCF is a place where everyone is different and every dream has a place to belong.

— Tuğçe, BA (Hons) Fashion Marketing and Consumer Behaviour

Being surrounded by students from every corner of the world made every conversation richer and more meaningful.

— Sharon, MA Fashion Entrepreneurship and Innovation

A student adjusting a holographic green and blue jacket on a gray mannequin inside a modern design studio or fashion workspace. The room features organized storage bins, sewing tools, fabric racks with garments covered in plastic, and minimalist wooden and metal furniture. The scene highlights the creative process of garment fitting and apparel construction in a professional studio environment. — Tejaswini Sood, MA Fashion Futures student in the Digital Learning Lab, LCF. Photography by Ben Turner.

Enhancing your studies

Every course at LCF is different, but wherever your interests take you, you'll have access to specialist facilities, industry-standard equipment and expert technical support. You'll learn through a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops and practical projects. Outside of these scheduled sessions, you’ll be expected to work independently, developing projects individually or in groups, while making use of our facilities and the expertise of our Specialist Technicians to bring your ideas to life.

Collaboration is central to life at LCF. You'll work with students across disciplines, share ideas, build creative networks and gain experience of how fashion projects operate in the real world.

Exhibition space featuring a Royal Enfield motorcycle and a red and white racing jacket on a mannequin, both displayed against a vivid red wall. The motorcycle has a custom blue, orange, and black design, while the jacket prominently displays — Fashioning Frequencies Exhibition at East Bank. Photography by Mitsi Moulson.

Outside the classroom

University life doesn't stop when classes finish. From Welcome Week onwards, you'll have opportunities to meet new people, explore the College and become part of a creative community.

At East Bank, you'll have access to our Cultural Programme of exhibitions, events and creative experiences, alongside a range of social spaces designed for collaboration and connection. Student Hubs on Floors 4, 6 and 8 provide places to work, relax and meet friends, while the 10th-floor canteen and ground-floor Benugo Café are popular spots to take a break and catch up.

A student is taking a photo on their phone inside the V+A storehouse — Inside V&A Storehouse | Photo: Paul Cochrane

Stratford

East Bank sits on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, one of London's newest cultural destinations. Surrounded by waterways, green spaces and world-leading cultural organisations, it's a unique place to live, study and find inspiration.

Our neighbours include BBC Music Studios, V&A East and Sadler's Wells East, bringing exciting opportunities, events and creative experiences to your doorstep. Just a short walk away you'll find cafés, restaurants, cinemas, sports facilities and Westfield Stratford City. Nearby Hackney Wick offers canals, independent businesses and a thriving creative scene, while excellent transport links make it easy to explore the rest of London. Don't forget to make the most of our student discounts along the way.

Varsity 2025, Mixed Volleyball. Photography by Arts SU.

Arts Students' Union

As an LCF student, you'll automatically become a member of the Arts Students' Union (Arts SU), which runs events, activities and support services across UAL. From cultural celebrations and creative workshops to volunteering opportunities and student-led events, it's a great way to meet people and make the most of university life.

Whether you want to join a sports club, meet people through one of the many societies, start your own group, or Buddy Up with another student, there are plenty of ways to find your community.

Advice from students

Image courtesy of Burberry

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