Graduate stories: new alumni tell all about Goldsmiths

Aviva studied MA Applied Theatre

What are you top tips for surviving university?

Volunteer in whatever community you end up in, if it’s not your own, even if it's not your usual one. Volunteer, you will meet people, learn about yourself and you’ll feel good. And then if none of that matters to you, at least it will look good on your resume. 

What would you go back and tell yourself on your first day? 

To be proud of my identity as an artist and a scholar because it does mean something to be an artist in this age, which is something that surprised me when I got here. Where I’m from, it's a small town and it’s difficult to come out and say to people that yes, I want to create political theatre for the rest of my life. It's something I learned to be proud of.

Theo studied PhD Cultural Studies

What did you discover while studying here?

I discovered the pubs of New Cross! And I also discovered how to take control of my own studies, which is necessary as a researcher. That was really encouraged from day one.

Why did you chose to study here?

I came for the links that the College has to the arts specifically, but also Cultural Studies as a discipline. The main building is named after Richard Hoggart, one of the founders of Cultural Studies. It has a long history of rigorous study in that area that was a big draw. 

Adrian studied MSc Psychology

What did you discover while studying here? 

You can come here and you can be anybody. I feel like this school has kind of transformed me into more of a well-rounded person and I’m honestly so grateful for that. So that’s one thing that I cherish about Goldsmiths, and I’m always going to remember this place, and everything that I've done here.

What are your top tips for surviving university?

Go into everything with a clear mind. You are always going to have preconceptions about situations, about people. The only thing you can do is try to meet as many people as possible to know who you are yourself. And give yourself more time on those exams and those assignments because obviously the more time you have to do it the more time you have to make corrections!

Anjali studied MA in Applied Theatre: Drama in Educational Contexts

What would you go back and tell yourself on your first day? 

I would say you are in the right place and you have no way of knowing what you will get out of the next year, which is okay. And also that I don’t need to give you advice because you are going to be fine. It’s a great experience just enjoy it for what it is. 

What did you discover while studying here?

Often I think it’s really easy to feel pessimistic about the times we are living in and worry about careers and all of that kind of thing, but Goldsmiths feels like this big forceful explosion of everything that is good and of hope in the centre of London.

Mojitaba studied PGCE (Secondary): Science Education: Chemistry

What did you discover while studying here?

I discovered very close friends here and I have made friends for a lifetime. Meeting people from different cultures, different backgrounds and being able to communicate with them and work together - it was an open-minded kind of experience. 

What’s you favourite thing you learned here?

I thought it was a kind of burden to want to go into teaching. And my idea of teaching was different, I thought teaching was that you get some facts and you pass it on to students. But throughout my course experience I've learned that it’s about critical thinking it's about analysing, it's about ways to question, ways to differentiate. And the idea of teaching has completely changed, I feel like I’ve changed as a result of that. 

Gareth studied MA Social Research

What did you discover while studying here?

The course was everything that I expected it to be and a lot more. My hair’s a little bit greyer for the experience but it was really enjoyable. 

What would you go back and tell yourself on your first day? 

I would tell myself not to be so scared and enjoy it.  Rely on people who are going through the same thing because they know exactly what’s happening inside your head.

Joanna studied MA Social Research

What did you discover while studying here?

I’ve discovered that it’s never too late to go to university. I was 46 when I came back and joined the course, and I think if you’ve got the motivation and the commitment, you can really do it. I made the decision to change my career, so it’s completely possible. 

What was the most difficult moment of your time here?

In the second term I let my work slip a bit. The assignment dates were coming up close and I was having a few personal issues. I had a really supportive conversation with the Stats tutor, and she got me a two-week deferral, which was great. But there was still that sinking feeling of knowing that I should’ve brought it up earlier and I would encourage people to do that too.

Desmond studied BA History an Politics

What are your top tips for surviving university?

Keep reading, whatever you do keep reading. No matter how cool you think you are, keep reading. The staff here, they’re at the top of the tree and they know when you’re not pushing yourself. And if ever you’re down or you’re in a bit of trouble, talk to somebody. I have a lot of friends who graduated from here and they’ve helped me through some difficult times. So we all do stick together, like a mad and twisted family at Goldsmiths. 

Chasity studied MA Creative and Cultural Entrepreneurship, Design Pathway

What’s your favourite thing you learned here?

Goldsmiths made me open up to more possibilities and be a more ‘go with the flow’ type of person. The best thing I’ve learned is to be more of a critical thinker rather than to work towards objectives that have been outlined for me. 

What would you go back and tell yourself on your first day? 

I’d tell myself to get more involved in the events, talks and activities they do here, and the opportunities to mix and mingle because one of the most valuable things that I’m leaving this course with, is a network of my classmates and the colleagues I’ve met.