Chan: My first year at UAL

What an exciting and daunting realisation that my first year at Central Saint Martins has come to a close.

It feels like only yesterday that I was in my first 'crit' and meeting my course mates. Some of whom have become my closest friends, yet it still feels like I met them yesterday.

My first term was intense, new and stimulating. We had exciting guest lecturers and tutors who urged us to visit a multitude of exhibitions within London. Which then immersed me into the city’s diverse art scene like I had never imagined.

Christmas soon flew by, then I found myself settling quickly into the second and third term. Now a local resident at the Central Saint Martins’ Library, I discovered new ways of accommodating my increasing workload. Where large servings of caffeinated beverages and friends whose own deadlines had past became very handy!

However, it has not been entirely an easy ride, my creative skills and ability to cope under pressure have been tested. Not to mention the capacity of how many pieces of work I can carry by myself on a bus to Archway. But the deadline stresses and artistic blocks were all worth it at the end, as seeing myself as a realised artist who is surrounded by like-minded individuals is an incomparable feeling.  

This year has made me into someone who is no longer afraid of taking risks and grabbing opportunities. It’s okay to be fearful going into new situations, but know that those fears usually subside and everyone finds themselves exactly where they want to be.

I look forward to my second year, having the opportunity to pick and choose who I live with means that I’m going to be living in halls again alongside my new confidantes, one of whom I’m even planning my first exhibition in London with!