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Architecture
I suppose the first thing that springs to mind if I was asked to write about my course would be the amount of time spent in studio. It really does take up a tremendous section of your week and it can seem like the work never ends, even if you do love it as much as I do. There is lots of help with studio work though, so if the arty side of architecture isn’t your forte, don’t worry. It is the level of personal attention you get that was one of the things that attracted me to Architecture at Cambridge, and I wasn’t disappointed. It really is difficult to feel unwanted or unaided here. The one negative point about studio work is the amount of money you spend on the materials. It is a large drain on the pocket and some Colleges, mine included, don’t give you any additional funding towards this.
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Lectures can be boring and there are a lot of them, meaning that you are constantly trying to find extra hours in the day and night to get all your work done. But the exams are set by those who give the lectures, so it makes sense to go to them.
“ The level of personal attention attracted me... you never feel unaided. ”
Don’t worry, by the way, if you don’t have Art A-level. I know Architecture students who didn’t do Art A level and a student on another course who didn’t apply to do Architecture because he thought Art was necessary, even though he would have liked to. So don’t be put off and don’t make his mistake!
One major advantage of this place is the trip to Rome during the spring vacation. As Architecture is a smaller year group than most other subjects you do get to know your fellow architects better than your friends at your College might know their classmates, and the Rome trip just accentuates this. There is a great buzz in the studio now as a result of this, which makes working a pleasant experience.
The resources at the department are still a little bit in turmoil after construction work for the new building, but things are better and more organised than when I started earlier this year. The staff we come into contact with seem to be doing everything they can to make things better for us and I’m sure that behind the scenes work will continue.Best thing? Great location, great atmosphere
There is a quiet undercurrent of competitiveness in the department, but it isn’t hostile or anything like that. It’s more a feeling of “Wow, that person’s work is really good. I’d better up my game”, which I personally see as a good thing, as it does help you see your work up against the rest, which it will be in seven or eight years time when you’re out in the big wide architectural world.
Worst thing? Lack of department resources & cost of materials for studio work
So, despite moaning about the lack of sleep and late nights I have to do to get the work done, I do love this course and can’t imagine studying anywhere else!