Speaking from experience; evidence.

1. The course requires hard work
Generally you get as much out of this course as you put in, so if you want to succeed then work hard! In first year we're in four days a week 9.30am - 4pm, loads of time to work hard. 


2. Always check moodle and the timetable
All the information needed for the course can be found here so its always an idea to look here before pestering the tutors. The timetable is updated with changes too so its always a good idea to check just incase your required earlier than first thought. All briefs can also be found on moodle. 


3. Theres no such thing as a holiday
Even during 'breaks' we are given briefs to do, usually research. Its important these are completed because they always link to the next project given when we are back at uni. 


4. Always book in advance in digital print
Digital print is always busy, especially when deadlines are approaching so its always a good idea to book a slot a week in advance if not further. This also links in with time management. 


5. Keep an up to date blog
Putting blogging off generally leads to stress because it gets on top of you and fast. It makes more sense to blog as you go along in a project then you know what stage your at and where you need to be to progress. As a rule we should try to blog every single day. 


6. Lack of money
Its a good idea to try and budget, maybe by limiting yourself to a set amount each week for food shopping etc. Money seems to disappear and fast! 


7. Time management
This is probably one of the most important things on this course because if you don't manage your time, work is bound to get on top of you and you may even miss your deadlines. Being ahead of the game is sometimes quite a good idea. Making 'to do' lists also helps or even little timetables so you know what you need to do. 


8. Tiredness
The work load tends to lead to tiredness because your constantly on the go designing things to meet deadlines but this is never a bad thing. I have a normal sleeping pattern but other graphic design students tend to have very little sleep so this could also lead to tiredness. The general timetable and spending most of your time in uni will make you tired too with it being full days, so a normal sleeping pattern is suggested. 


9. Finding a job is hard
Theres thousands of students in Leeds between Leeds uni, Leeds met and Leeds College of Art so finding a job is quite difficult because other people search for jobs too. I've applied for approximately 20 jobs and only had one interview so its not as easy as I first thought. 


10. Theres not enough hours in the day
You'll always feel as though you could do more and 24 hours is not enough time to get things done. Uni opens until 9pm apart from fridays so there is still a good chance to get a lot done. 


11. Don't miss a briefing
Its generally really important not to miss a briefing because very relevant information is always given and you will be in trouble! Tutors generally don't like to repeat themselves. 


12. Don't leave anything until the last minute
Leaving things until the last minute tends to stress everyone out because your in a rush to get everything done. The other reason you shouldn't do this is because projects will not be done to the best of your ability. 


13. Keep the studio tidy
Its your working environment and generally really annoying when you come in and theres things spread all over your table from the previous day that you have to then move. A messy studio also doesn't impress visitors. 


14. Dont eat in the studio
Bits of food and wrappers left all over generally don't give a good impression either. 


15. Always sign in
Your attendance should be kept about 80% as a rule. If you haven't signed in the people are going to think your not here.