Preperation and Research for 'Speaking from Experience' Brief.

List five things a first year needs to know...

1. If at all possible, spend the summer and first two weeks induction of the course hibernate. Once you enroll, you will never sleep properly again.

2. A student loan may seem shiny and exciting- but that can of baked beans at the back of your cupboard won't if you blow your bank account in the first week.

 

3. The studio will be your second, if not first home. It might be worth packing an overnight bag...

 

4. You'll spend more time in the digital print room than you will do at home- make friends with technician James at an early stage, and you'll go far.

5. Uni opens at 8 o'clock. Graphic design o' clock, however, is always o' clock.

List five problems a first year will encounter...

1. Confusion over timetabled schedules- make sure you look at the online VLE system at least twice a day...or you will be slaughtered (literally if you do it more than once...)

2. You and your work will be critised regularly. This is completely normal and constructive- aimed to HELP you. Try not to take it too personally.

3. Software and equipment will get you far- although it may seem a little pricey, it's a worthwhile investment- having software accesible at home will allow for far more development and design time.

4. Finances, sure, it may be tight but BUDGET. Although you could get a job on this course, you will be a lot more focused without one.

5. Flatmates won't always be the people that you wished for. Try to be grown up, reasonable, and talk through your problems sensibly.

List five rules a first year needs to learn...

1. Blogging is NOT an option...it's a way of life.

2. Bribery is everything- Fred likes Haribo (Starmix is his favourite).

3. Don't eat in the studios or drink by the shiny, prestine macs. Treat the studios with respect, and you'll be treated with respect.

4. Holiday? What holiday? Christmas day is the only day off in the year...and even that's pushing it.

5. Respect the rules and regulations of the course and the building. If not, you won't be recognised as a cool, edgy designer- just a bit of a tool.

ONCE YOU HAVE COMPLETED THIS FORM, YOU WILL NEED TO POST THE CONTENT TO YOUR DESIGN PRACTICE BLOG AND GATHER EVIDENCE, MATERIAL, FACTS AND STATISTICS TO PROVE IT.

I will now, as aforementioned, go on to develop this information in preperation for the 'Speaking from Experience' FMP brief for the year- accumilating experience to relate to first year students about the LCA BAGD experience!