Experience in London Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, United Kingdom by Renuka

Generally, what is London Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design like?

Central Saint Martins is a great environment - you meet people who really have a desire to push themselves and come up with some truly inventive ideas. The ambition is definitely there, and is one of the great things about the place, as well as all the help and facilities available to you if you make the effort to go and use them. It is quite pricey, which is the biggest gripe I have, as material costs aren't covered by the uni in almost any form, despite the tuition fees being steep. There are many talks and events organized by the college and this always helps to introduce a sort of cross-disciplinary atmosphere.

What are the facilities like?

The facilities are great - the building we moved into only a couple of years ago is beautiful, and a lot of the equipment is state of the art. You are able to borrow some of it for use outside the college from the college loan store which is great, and the library is amazing for all sorts of resources. There are also so many different types of machinery, that can do pretty much anything that you could imagine in all the 3D workshops, from laser etching to a lathe and steam bending wood, 3D printing, jacquard weaving etc.

What are the tutors like?

Mostly, the tutors are always around to help - however given that the majority of them are working on their own practice and research on the side, it can be quite difficult to get to them but this is not a large problem by any means. What I do like about CSM is that they really encourage an independent means of working - they are able to give suggestions and guide when students are lost, but they are also not ones to steer away and hinder when a student is experimenting but rather aim to try and hone that process.

Are the lessons easy in London Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design?

It can be or you can always make it quite challenging for yourself - CSM doesn't want to feed you answers on a silver spoon so they really leave you to push yourself which is great. You can go and do the bare minimum and they won't say anything but it will be reflected in your work really, or you can push yourself and go the way you want. They give you the facilities and tools to succeed, it's really just about how inquisitive you are and how badly you want it.

Does the University organise activities? If so, what are they like?

The university does this in a variety of ways - they organize some really insightful industry talks so students can get a better idea of what they want to do later. There are also relevant events, such as lectures on climate change etc. and how design can be brought in to combat it, to get students really thinking about modern issues. The university also has a students union that goes to great lengths to organize some more social activities, like christmas parties, fundraisers for charity, opportunities to voice concerns to college authorities, and just ordering societies that operate within the college like the cinema club.

Do you think there is a good quality of teaching?

The knowledge and experience with a lot of the tutors is quite high, and I would say that I have benefited from this. Again, they may not go out of their way to help unless initiative is shown, then they are happy to give their time to get the best out of you, and help you reach the end goal you desire. Mostly very friendly staff, they are easy to approach and a tome of advice not to pass over.

Are there any stories you can share?

I love CSM for all the crazy events and things that happen here. Each day is super different. I could be scheduled in to be doing a cyanotype workshop, and then witnessing a first year fashion show in the hallways the next week, as well as a trip to the school museum collection and archives etc or a Fine art open studio show. There are so many nooks and crannies to the school that really, as sad as it may seem, you could be here all the time doing something different. The most magical moment I had was walking in the annual First Year Fashion White Show, where students make garments out of white felt and cotton. Confetti flew from all corners of the school as it was also part celebration for the end of term but it was just an incredible sight to see all these beautiful white garments moving through the building for all the students and staff to take in.