UAL Student Voices
Hear some of our current students' stories and tips about studying at UAL
Get a sense of what it might be like when you arrive at UAL. Click on an image below or browse the full playlist.
Ploynita
Ploynita reflects on her experience leaving a business and her home country to study at UAL, as well her experience gaining acceptance from family, building relationships with tutors and collaborating and sharing ideas with other students.
▶ Listen to the short version (01:54)
Katie and Elise
Katie and Elise discuss their excitement and nervousness upon arriving in London, how they adapted to new learning environments, the diversity of their coursemates, managing stress, risk taking, as well as tips for future students.
▶ Listen to the short version (03:40)
Ayaba
Ayaba shares her hopes and fears upon entering UAL, how she overcame frustrations, the benefits of having a plan, the value of risk-taking and experimentation, as well as the importance of communicating one's ideas with peers and tutors.
▶ Listen to the short version (02:51)
Semen
Semen talks about being part of the first year of a new course, managing London and time at university, making friends and finding support, learning from positive collaborations, and learning from mistakes.
▶ Listen to the short version (02:46)
Ann Marie
Ann Marie reflects on career transition and an MA after a long absence from studying, learning to see herself as a creator, study skills, time management and finding inspiration through diversity and cultural differences.
▶ Listen to the short version (03:48)
Hussein
Hussein talks about life in the city as a west Londoner and his reasons for choosing UAL, offers tips on making the most of university life, such as taking the first steps to meeting new people, enhancing one's learning by reducing distractions and exploring London.
▶ Listen to the short version (02:43)
Wei
Wei discusses her first 5 months studying at UAL, advice for international students, navigating communication and collaboration styles, the importance of adaptation and developing new and existing skills.
▶ Listen to the short version (02:50)
Philipp and Santiago
Philipp and Santiago offer suggestions about adjusting to life in London, making connections, being open to criticism and the value of self-reflection.
▶ Listen to the short version (2:13)
Tamar
Tamar shares her experiences of bringing her family to London, moving into a new career and starting an MA.
▶ Listen to the short version (02:21)
Frank and Nicolas
Frank and Nicolas discuss expectations versus reality upon arriving at UAL, navigating collaborations with friends and peers, the value of peer mentors, how to seek support, the value of getting involved in sports at UAL, as well as advice for prospective students.
▶ Listen to the short version (03:16)
Shupin
Shupin reflects on arriving at UAL, navigating different cultural references, adapting to new learning environments, reflecting on your work, the importance of expressing your ideas, and overcoming fear of trying new things.
▶ Listen to the short version (02:19)
Uzo
Uzo reflects on her time at UAL as a study abroad student and the difference between studying in the UK and the US, the importance of open-mindedness, confidence and why she changed courses to do something she loves.
▶ Listen to the short version (03:22)
Raahim
Raahim speaks about overcoming doubt, advice for students of Asian backgrounds, navigating self-directed study, the importance of having an open mind, as well as time management and ways of learning.
▶ Listen to the short version (2:56)
Lourdes
Lourdes discusses her expectations, hopes and fears upon starting a one-year MA at UAL, how to overcome disappointment, the importance of building relationships with peers and tutors and advice for prospective students.
▶ Listen to the short version (2:08)
Babett
Babett reflects on deciding to change courses, arriving at UAL, the advantages and challenges of collaboration, communicating effectively in groups, adapting to new learning environments, self-organization and managing stress.
▶ Listen to the short version (03:39)
Lesley
Lesley reflects on her experience coming to UAL from China, understanding cultural differences, navigating self-directed study, language support and valuing process not just technique.
▶ Listen to the short version (3:04)
Veronique
Veronique reflects on her experience of UAL as an international student, the value of diversity and inclusion, navigating research and writing, understanding assessments and crits and the importance of reflection.
▶ Listen to the short version (02:40)
Molly
Molly discusses her experience studying Foundation at UAL, self-confidence, the advantages of working with UAL students from around the world and how university life has made her more positive.
▶ Listen to the short version (02:52)
Charlie and Sissy
Charlie and Sissy discuss their impressions of UAL before arriving, what a typical week at uni looks like, qualities needed to succeed, reasons for studying art & design, appreciating London’s diversity and using your real name versus a chosen name.
▶ Listen to the short version (03:09)
Vince
Vince reflects on his preconceptions before coming to UAL, academic writing, failure and uncertainty, health and wellbeing, embracing different ideas, deconstructing feedback and connecting with different people.
▶ Listen to the short version (03:25)
Rose
Recent graduate Rose shares her experience studying at UAL and gives advice for incoming and prospective students, including navigating the dissertation, understanding assessment, the value of criticism and what she would have wish she'd done differently.
▶ Listen to the short version (02:46)
Anders
Anders reflects on the challenges of studying at UAL, living in London, time management, overcoming loneliness, friendships and collaborations, failing and adapting and choosing what advice to take.
▶ Listen to the short version (01:53)
Hannah
Hannah reflects on her experience as an international student and the initial challenges she faced with language and British culture, finding a place where she could be herself and managing her time at UAL.
▶ Listen to the short version (01:29)
Catarina
Catarina shares her experience applying to UAL, the importance of open-mindedness, understanding assessment, making friends, seeking support, as well as her typical week at university.
▶ Listen to the short version (03:14)
Enubi and Vy
Vy and Eunbi discuss changing career paths, adapting to a new work pattern, learning to work with different nationalities, dealing with stress and the importance of maintaining personal connections with friends and family.
▶ Listen to the short version (3:17)
Mathilda
Mathilda shares her experience preparing for university, and reflects on how university differs from school, the importance developing a working process, writing as a creative practice and studying with a learning disability.
▶ Listen to the short version (02:32)
Charlotte
Charlotte speaks about her approach to studying as a mature student from London, being exposed to different study practices and how this has changed her own practice at university, as well as making the most of UAL resources.
▶ Listen to the short version (02:57)
Jade and Mim
Jade and Mim discuss their experience coming to London and studying Foundation at UAL, learning how to work independently and seeking support and guidance.
▶ Listen to the short version (02:55)
