The Countdown To University

If you follow my Instagram, you'll have seen that my Foundation Degree in Fashion Studies at Staffordshire University was officially confirmed with a certificate stating my grade: Distinction. I was so surprised to get the email and see I had achieved this because my confidence was knocked a little bit when I had received my marks for my last two modules of the course. I was very nervous to find out what I would get as an overall grade but the joy was very much there when I opened the email and saw it was Distinction. It has given me such motivation now to do well and exceed further as I progress onto CCAD to study Costume Interpretation with Design (BAhons) for my final 2 years of higher education.

I had an unconditional offer from this course when I went for my interview which basically meant that I would have a place on the course whatever grade I got. It's nice to go in with a high grade as I can show others on the course what I'm capable of. I never thought I would go to study costume ever in my life. I was the girl who set out what she wanted to be in life since the age of 9, but things have changed and my decision has changed: I feel like I am better suited for costume than fashion. I love watching period drama and I am always fascinated with history and to be honest? Interpreting costume in an era I choose for a character I want to design for just appeals to me soo much more than fashion does. I love fashion don't get me wrong, but not enough to study it, especially with its constant changes and fast pace nature. I love thinking outside the box and I would my say my designs are not one for fashion: costume is going to be perfect for me.
Familiarising myself with my new course

The course prospectus is outstanding and has amazing links within the costume industry, including the costume designer from Game of Thrones (totally impressive!) who comes in to give talks. I follow current students on the course on Instagram and have been completely gobsmacked by the gorgeous costumes they make and the opportunities they have to make a name for themselves in costume. I'll be learning millinery and tailoring and have the chance to work on live briefs during my study so honestly, I cannot wait to get started next month!
Amazing work previous CCAD students have created

But before I start next month, I have got to deal with the hectic rollercoaster of emotions I have right now. At the moment, I am fluctuating between being really really excited to move away and being really really emotional and mentally forcing myself not to sort through my things ready to pack to move away. I think now the reality is starting to kick in and with that, I am pushing all this to the back of my mind thinking I have nothing to do for it. Only today was I saying to myself that when I move to university, I won't be feeling this negativity anymore; yet I need to get through the next month in order for this to happen. I'm dreading leaving home. I'm dreading leaving my friends behind, my family, my mum, my dad: if George and his family were not an hour away from where I'll be living, I honestly don't think I would last half a term. I know I am ready to study elsewhere because the city I live in and the general region, well, I am sick of it and I need a change. I need a new area for my inspiration and creativity to thrive. It's a difficult decision but I know I have to do this: I will regret it if I don't.
More amazing work CCAD students have created

I'm worried about starting in the second year of the course because I've come from a fashion course where I wasn't taught anything to do with costume. I wouldn't have been given an unconditional offer if they didn't think my work was good enough right? I'm worried students there already will be soo far ahead of me. I'm planning to jump into first year classes so I don't feel massively behind and it won't be classed as "homework" because I want to do the extra study. I feel like I am preparing well for this next step, but annoyingly as a person, I'm a glass is half empty kind of person. I'm trying not to think in a negative way but I do this so that I don't feel disappointed if it does turn out to be negative; however, I know deep down I am excited for this next step and all I am doing now is counting down the days until my moving in date and the first official lesson of this new part in my learning life.
Preparing for moving away

Sorry if this has sounded quite solemn or anything like that but I am being positive about it deep down! I will be doing constant updates about my uni life when it happens so keep an eye out for those! Plus the interior shopping is great and I may do a interior haul post, depending on how much stuff I get x Many trips to IKEA I think...

I would love to know in the comments below if you are also at the stage of preparing to move away for university! What advice would you give me and others in this position? Have you already done this and if so, how was the experience for you? I would love to hear from you all x

Until next time...
Much Love
V A x

Comments

  1. I haven't gone to university myself yet, but this was definitely something I was planning up until recently, when I realised I needed more time before I'd be ready to make such a huge step in my life. It sounds like we have a lot of similar concerns when it comes to moving away, but the fact that you'll have people you know living an hour away makes it slightly easier, I can imagine. Congratulations for having the confidence to take the leap and do something a lot of people feel unable to. I'm sure it's a case of getting there and realising what things are like before the anxiety about it all shifts, but good luck!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We never have to rush to go to university because it will always be there, but the pressure on us to go straightaway is horrible these days. I am hoping the nerves will shift sometimes soon and that whenever you decide to go to uni, that you will enjoy it and thrive in it xx

      Delete
  2. First of all, congratulations on receiving a distinction in your foundations degree! Second of all, costume design sounds so amazing! Since your passionate about, go for it with all your heart. I know it may be nerve wracking moving away for uni, but you'll have the support you need from friends, family, teachers and other peers. I hope the second year of your course goes smoothly! I can understand your worries about feeling behind since you came from a different course before, but I'm sure the teaching staff will be understanding and it's not actually as bad as you imagine! Good luck! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww thank you so much for this Enyiie! It's amazing how quick the time is going atm until I do move away, but I know it's something I have anted to do for a year now xx

      Delete
  3. Oh wow! Congrats on getting a distinction!
    Aleeha xXx
    http://www.halesaaw.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment