Ross Raisin

An inclusive and supportive environment 

I think I found Goldsmiths less culturally exclusive than I perhaps, naively, imagined. It was a very welcoming, inclusive place; still is. By far the most enjoyable aspect of being there was the community of my peers, fellow emerging writers, and the support and friendship of the creative writing cohort.

That, and the tutors. I was fortunate enough to have some great ones, whose friendship and counsel continued years beyond my graduation.

Life after Goldsmiths

Since graduating, I am now writing (novels mainly, but also short fiction) and teaching creative writing. Much of the way in which I was taught at Goldsmiths informs, now, the way in which I teach, myself. 

Advice for future students

It's a stage. It's not a time during which you should exert so much pressure upon yourself to make it count that you suppress the enjoyment of the experience. It's not going to make or break your future, your life, but it can be an excellent springboard.