Ekaterina

"I've heard of Goldsmiths while studying my A-Levels in London. My art teacher highly recommended the university to me, regarding it as one of the most open-minded and forward-looking in the whole of Britain. I now know that he was completely right!

My journey to becoming a Goldsmiths student has started with the open day. I tried to think critically and compare the quality of the art workshops to what I saw in the other universities. By the time I saw the studios I was almost sure, that I want to study here but then the studios stole my heart. Big and bright, they seemed like a perfect place to create.

After the decision was made I started working really hard to prepare an online portfolio worthy of my future course. I've also focused on my studies aiming to get A-A* in all of my subjects. Just thinking about my future course was pushing me forward in my studies. Knowing that the fine art course in Goldsmiths is very free and self-driven I started working more independently, preparing myself for the struggles I was going to face. I also thought carefully about my art practice and approach to life overall and tried remodeling my routine to fit the university lifestyle. I have since become much more free in the expression of my ideas, and have developed my research and comprehension skills.

Now, a month into my studies, I am starting my new life full of new ideas and chances to take. Having been given almost complete freedom on my course I've learned to constantly search for new opportunities to enrich my knowledge and unleash my creativity – the college atmosphere really helps me with this! There is always somebody organising an interesting talk or discussion, putting on a performance, or exhibiting their work. I feel like being set free to express themselves the Goldsmiths students really take the creative opportunity to go beyond the limits and create something amazing.

The whole area around Goldsmiths is filled with young musicians, writers, and artists interconnecting their practices and constantly inspiring each other. Sometimes it feels like creative individuals are just drawn to Goldsmiths.

I love the eruptive energy of London and see a lot of creative potential in the New Cross area in particular. Here is the place where I want to work and grow as an artist and be inspired by the people, who are growing alongside me."