I studied here for a year and a half before transferring to a university. I would strongly advise not studying here.

The graphic design course was very out of date and it was like they were compensating by doing sessions on gimmicky new tech that isn’t widely adopted by the industry. The staff are all self-taught, which means they can try but it’s not the best, someone who knows the technology in every detail like I have had elsewhere is much more beneficial. The ‘opportunities’ weren’t really there, they invited a lot of speakers but the purpose wasn’t really planned out, they didn’t seem to be in contact with any design agencies.

The atmosphere at the university is not great either. I soon realised most of the students were acting like they were still in school, and because of how small the place is rumours spread fast. This is made worse by the university’s unwillingness to do anything about bullying and just assuming they’ll lie to them like school kids. They just seem to take their word for it even when presented with screenshots.

What happened here has caused me long term trauma. And I can’t forgive their unwillingness to do anything about the lies which were spread about me. I’m not the first person to drop out over their lack of support.

If I could break down a singular notion the Northern School of Art has taught me so far in my academic journey, is that not all of life’s compulsions have to necessarily be uptight and grotesque. In fact, they’ve showed me through their own passions, from lecturers to lunchtime staff, that a strive and a love for something you want to progress in is all about one’s own happiness and strive to move forward, without any pressures from external forces. The Northern School of Art has really opened my eyes not just mentally, but academically – through their small communities of workshops, accessible equipment and one-to-one’s regularly received by us students from our tutors.

Overall, The Northern School of Art has taught in such a small space of two and a half months, is that life is too short to take everything in life too seriously. Our passions towards our work and future holdings depend on our happiness and concentration we present now, whether that’s fine art, drama, or graphic design. In the end, life’s a beach.