Metropolis | Section Name
Metropolis Welcome to London Met
London Met made me stronger Journalism student Joey on proving her school teachers wrong and first-class success
Home or away Living away for the first time? Or thinking of staying at home while you study? We’ve got it covered.
Earn while you learn Find out how you can make a bit of extra cash during your studies at London Met. 1
What’s inside? Metropolis Produced by the marketing department of London Metropolitan University Photography Stephen Blunt Cover photograph From Hanasu series by Moe Sekiya, Photography MA, 2016. Part of “Is it about you? Is it about me? Is it about us?”, a collaborative project with Jordanna Greaves, Fine Art MA Design Turnbull Grey Metropolis is a magazine produced especially for you – our applicants.
Here at London Met, we place our students at the centre of everything we do, so rather than us telling you what it’s like to study here, we thought it more fitting for you to hear it from them. In this magazine you’ll find interviews, features and news stories about what it’s like to study at London Met and the opportunities available to you. Some of the articles are even written by our incredible students.
Contents 2. A year in news
Check out our highlights from last year.
4. Getting involved
There are many ways to get involved in student life, from joining a society to getting a part-time job. Find out more from our Games Programming, Animation and Effects BSc student Quoc.
6. Explore your community
Delve into the subject area you’ll be studying and hear from staff and students in the know.
10. I am ready for anything
Journalism graduate Joey talks about her studies, proving her school teachers wrong and first-class success.
12. Out and about in Holloway
Getting to know London is a full-time job – there’s just so much fun to be had. Follow our tips to get you started.
16. Home or away
Living away for the first time? Or thinking of staying at home while you study? We’ve got it covered.
19. A week in the life
Discover what Textile Design student Rosie Mizon gets up to in a typical week.
20. London Met as a mature student
Hear how mature student Miguel Ferrer-Gil was welcomed into the London Met community.
22. What our graduates say...
Achievements don’t come much greater than graduation. Hear what our graduates had to say on their big day.
24. Faces of success
Recognise any of these guys? They’re just a few of the incredible individuals whose footsteps you could be following in.
28. A day in the life
Psychology student Teresa Gomes Arrulo talks you through a typical day at London Met.
29. What’s next?
Wondering what the next steps are? Find out all you need to know.
2017 | Metropolis
A year in news
Quintuple green success for London Met London Met won a staggering five awards for its sustainability programme within just one week in 2016. The University, which has gained national attention for its green efforts, scooped up awards at the Public Sector Sustainability (PSS) Awards, Green Gown Awards and Energy Institute Awards, all within the space of seven days.
London Met sees huge rise in graduate employment figures 93% of all our graduates were in work or further study within six months of leaving the University according to the 2014–15 Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey. London Met also saw a 12% increase in the overall proportion of students in graduate level jobs, compared to the previous year’s results.
Student satisfaction reaches record high at London Met
93% of all our graduates were in work or further study within six months of leaving the University.
Last year London Met was awarded its highest ever student satisfaction score in the National Student Survey (NSS), with more than 80% of students who completed the survey saying they were satisfied with their London Met experience. A number of our courses also received 100%!
London Met beats top London universities for teaching quality London Met’s focus on teaching quality has seen it ranked above some of the capital’s most prestigious institutions for teaching excellence. We scored above universities including Imperial College London, King’s College London, University College London, Queen Mary and the London School of Economics in the Sunday Times Good University Guide’s category for teaching excellence.
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London Met alumnus becomes London Mayor It all started in May 2015 when Sadiq Khan decided to run for London Mayor as a Labour candidate. After weeks of rallying it all paid off a year later, in May 2016, when he was elected the new Mayor of London. Sadiq is an alumnus from our law school, having graduated from the University of North London (now London Metropolitan University). We couldn’t be more proud!
Metropolis | A year in news
RIBA success for architecture students Three students from our art, architecture and design school The Cass took home awards at the prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) President’s Medals Student Awards for their innovative work in architecture. They included Architecture BA student Phillipa Longson, who was awarded a commendation in the Dissertation Medals for her dissertation “Are You My Mother? An exploration into the bonds between people and places”.
Tourism course recognised by national professional network In 2016, we became one of three universities in the UK to receive official recognition from the Tourism Management Institute (TMI), the professional body for destination management practitioners. The recognition puts London Met students ahead of our competitors, elevating their career prospects as well as giving them discounted TMI membership, which allows them access to events, professional development courses, jobs and a global networking database.
Keep up to date with the latest news on Twitter @LondonMetUni
London Met chemistry research named most cited A London Met-led research paper came in the top one per cent of the most cited chemistry articles for 2015–16. The study was led by London Met’s Dr Ken White, Director of the Molecular Systems for Health Research Group in the School of Human Sciences.
Lecturer from The Cass receives New Year Honour Leading artist and London Met lecturer Patrick Brill, aka Bob and Roberta Smith, was awarded an OBE in the 2017 New Year’s Honours list in recognition of his services to art.
The Cass named amongst London’s most influential A number of people from across our art, architecture and design school The Cass were recognised in the Evening Standard Progress 1000, a list of London’s most influential people of 2016. The list included architecture tutors Peter St John, Deborah Saunt and David Hills, architecture alumna Hana Loftus, and the Turner Prize-winning collective, Assemble, whose members include architecture alumni and teachers at The Cass. The list was topped by Mayor of London and London Met alumnus Sadiq Khan.
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2017 | Metropolis
Getting involved There are plenty of ways to get involved in uni life at London Met. Not only are there events to attend and societies to join, there are also job opportunities – such as becoming a success coach or student ambassador – that allow you to earn while you learn. Quoc Luu Nguyen is in his third year of our Games Programming, Animation and Effects BSc, but he’s also a member of the Computer Games and Animation Society and a success coach for first-year students. Find out more about his London Met experience…
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Metropolis | Section Name London Met really stood out. I knew it was for me once I found out about this course. I spoke with the course leaders about the course content and it really appealed to me so when they made me an offer I accepted. The course tutors are fantastic and they are so passionate about their work. They support you and if you have a particular goal they will guide you to achieve it. I love that on my course I have the freedom to use my ideas in assignments and be really creative. I’m looking forward to showing off my work at our third-year showcase. Companies can come and view your work, which looks really good on your CV. London Met gives you opportunities to help you to succeed when you graduate. I’m the Club Secretary for the Computer Games and Animation Society. We’ve grown the club to over 300 members in just a year. We do a lot of socialising together at events such as paintballing, Comic Con and movie nights. Joining a society has really enhanced my student experience and making friends with students on other courses has been great. Being a success coach has been really enjoyable as you get to interact with first-year students. I know what they are going through and it’s great to talk through their issues and help them. Seeing them go on to achieve their goals is really satisfying. I would recommend this role to students who are looking to build up their mentoring skills as it will be useful once you go out to work. There are many opportunities given to you by London Met so take advantage of them all. For those on creative courses make sure you work on building up a portfolio while you’re here. It will be held in high regard by an employer even if your grades aren’t what you expected. You will stand out amongst competitors. Make friends with your coursemates and work on projects together because it will help you to build connections and find opportunities.
Three reasons why Quoc loves London Met:
1.
ondon Met has given L me the opportunity to meet people from big companies and go on amazing trips. This has given me an insight into what it’s like to work in the industry.
2.
The people I’ve met are incredibly friendly.
3.
I love the atmosphere and the passion that the teachers have.
Earn while you learn at London Met… We provide our students with a number of opportunities to earn while they learn during their time here – and all of these roles are paid the London Living Wage:
Met Temps Met Temps is a job service for London Met students that can help you find work while you study. Met Temps is part of the Job Shop, which is run by the University’s careers and employability team. This service has been set up to give students greater opportunities to gain work experience whilst studying.
Student ambassadors You can also become a student ambassador and provide valuable support and inspiration to young students from local schools and colleges. Becoming a student ambassador gives you the chance to improve your CV by gaining work experience at the same time as offering you free training sessions and the chance to make some extra money. We find that the type of work offered improves our ambassadors’ communication and presentation skills, and builds their confidence.
Peer Assisted Support Scheme Another option for second and third year students is to become a success coach by joining our Peer Assisted Support Scheme, the PASS Scheme. Our success coaches provide guidance to first-year students studying the same subject. They can draw on their own knowledge and experience of the course or subject area to help other students develop what it takes to achieve success. As a first year student you’ll obviously be able to benefit from the help of these success coaches to boot! 5
Explore your community
Metropolis | Your community
I’m looking to study…
Art, architecture, design, English or performing arts (The Cass) What kind of people are involved with The Cass? Artists, designers and creative professionals such as Patrick Brill (Bob and Roberta Smith), who was awarded an OBE in the 2017 New Year’s Honours List, Angharad Rees, Editor of Grafik Magazine, Jerwood Applied Arts winner Simone Ten Hompel, and photographer Spencer Rowell all teach at The Cass. Architecture studios and units are led by leading architects and practices including Peter St John (RIBA Stirling Prize 2016). Our English and performing arts students benefit from the experience of published writers and theatre professionals making an impact on the international stage. Where will I work? You’ll enjoy purpose-built teaching spaces and access to specialist facilities including wood, metal, plastic and ceramics workshops, fashion and textile studios, printmaking and letterpress facilities, a photography studio and darkrooms, contemporary media production and digital manufacturing technologies, and studio spaces with sprung floors. Will I get work experience opportunities? You’ll gain real-world experience in both individual and collaborative projects, engaging with professionals, communities and companies. We’ll ensure you’re work-ready as well as creatively engaged through events such as Making a Living, our annual festival of employability and entrepreneurship.
“ The great thing about The Cass is that it actively encourages live projects with established and prestigious companies.”
I’m looking to study…
Computing or digital media What facilities will I have access to? Our IT and computing students benefit from some of the most advanced Cisco labs in London. Students on our digital media degrees can also take advantage of our £100,000 journalism newsroom, which includes 40 computers equipped with the latest design software, large screen TVs and a mobile TriCaster that allows students to host outside radio and TV broadcasts while streaming live footage to the internet.
“ Guest speakers from the industry and trips to places such as Sky News and the BBC will motivate you to dream big. You will get to make your own television and radio shows, create your own magazines as well as become adept in media law.” Rosie Quigley, Journalism graduate
What employment opportunities will be available to me? Graduates of our computing and digital media degrees have gone on to have successful careers as graphic designers, network and software engineers, journalists, analysts and university lecturers.
Tim Summers, Furniture and Product Design graduate 7
2017 | Metropolis
“ We really try and place an emphasis on practical experience in the laboratory – our superlab is an amazing facility that allows our students to do a full range of practical experiments in all aspects of chemistry.” Daniel Sykes, Chemistry lecturer
I’m looking to study… I’m looking to study…
“ There were many amazing moments at London Met that I won’t forget, but the main highlight was that my course prepared me for the world of work.” Hussam Aleshaiker, Accounting and Finance graduate
Business, law or languages What facilities will I have access to? From a mock courtroom complete with dock, witness box and public gallery, to our Bloomberg information terminals and interpreting suites, we have state-of-the-art facilities where business, law and languages students can hone their skills. Will I get work experience opportunities? Our connections with many organisations, both nationally and internationally, help students secure high-calibre work placements. Our graduates have gone on to work for organisations including Adidas, Asos, Deloitte UK, J P Morgan, Coca Cola, Google, Thomson Reuters, the Law Society, PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Ministry of Justice.
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Science What facilities will I have access to? One of London Met’s greatest assets is our £30 million Science Centre, which features a superlab with more than 280 workstations and is one of the largest and most advanced science teaching facilities in Europe. Find out more about this incredible facility on page 15. What employment opportunities will be available to me? Graduates of our science degrees have gone on to work for organisations such as the NHS, the Nutrition Society, Arsenal and Chelsea Football Clubs, and GlaxoSmithKline, working as consultant nutritionists, sports therapists, lab researchers, food technologists, microbiology technicians, biotechnologists and more.
Metropolis | Your community
I’m looking to study…
Education, health, community or youth studies Who will I be taught by? Research undertaken by our academic staff is regularly published in industry journals, and staff often contribute to advisory groups, government policy and national television and radio programmes. Do you have industry connections? We make the most of our London location by maintaining strong relationships with partner organisations and professional bodies. We work closely with a number of public service organisations including the Youth Justice Board, Skills for Health, the NHS, the Ministry of Justice and the Social Policy Association to develop bespoke training to meet our students’ needs for specific management and leadership development skills.
I’m looking to study…
Criminology, policing, politics, psychology, “ I certainly believe that sociology or social policy the year I spent studying Who will I be taught by? Our lecturers contribute to real-world issues on a local, national and global scale. We’re proud that our teaching and research informs public debate about the issues important to people today. Our lecturers include experienced probation service professionals, senior police officers and world-leading researchers on feminist theory. In addition to our own academic experts, leading thinkers and prominent industry professionals regularly contribute to a lively schedule of events. Guests have included eminent feminist Mona Eltahawy.
“ The tutors are not only incredibly knowledgeable but also unbelievably supportive, giving 100 per cent. It's because of their support and belief in me that I am hoping to apply for my master's degree.” Natasha Curzi-Micallef, Early Childhood Studies student
at London Met was a once-in-a-lifetime experience from both an academic and personal perspective.”
Mariano Juan Tenca, Criminology graduate
What facilities will I have access to? You’ll have access to a host of learning resources and IT facilities. Psychology students also have access to facilities including a psychophysiological lab with specialist physiological monitoring hardware and software, a health clinic with cameras for remote observation and a number of computing facilities with specialist software. Our policing and security courses benefit from the John Grieve Centre for Policing and Community Safety (JGC), which has a vision to create a community of ideas and experience spanning students, academics, practitioners and policy-makers. 9
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Metropolis | Student life
I am ready for anything
London Met graduate Joey Tamburello describes how studying journalism at the University has set her up for life. London Met allowed me to study a shared passion. During my time at sixth form I completed a film studies course and I also wanted to go into film journalism. London Met offered a course that combined the two. After my first year I decided to focus more on journalism and changed route, which I did with the help of my lecturers. London Met allowed me to complete the course I wanted at a high standard. Going out into the field during my work placement was a highlight. I worked in three different areas of journalism – print, online and marketing – and got hands-on experience whilst also meeting new contacts including the editors of Total Film, Empire and Yahoo Movies UK. I have since worked with them on freelance pieces and transcriptions, which I am proud to have on my CV.
Every opportunity gave me an advantage over others. London Met allowed me to work, gain knowledge and find an area I was really passionate about. I left knowing that I still wanted to be a film journalist. In fact, because of all the advantages I had gained and gathered from the University, I am very close to getting there. I am passionate and ready for anything. Throughout my time studying I was shown by lecturers and classmates that I could do anything if I studied hard. This is now reflected in my current work. I like to complete a day knowing everything is sorted, emails have been replied to, editorial written and that I have made a difference. I have learned that you have to give everything a go. Areas that weren’t my strongest have become stronger because I have persevered. I’ve learnt that I am
capable of being a really good journalist, especially after being knocked back by a teacher at school. Working has shown me that as a team you can achieve big things. Both of my bosses have shown me such passion for their work and it has taught me that with that passion you can do great things. London Met made me a stronger person, because of the lessons I learned from my tutors and classmates but also by following my own advice. Be prepared for every situation and keep on top of your work. Most importantly, though, have fun! You don’t get to be a student forever (unfortunately) and the three years that you are go so quickly. Make the most of your time with the people you meet, those who teach you and the experiences you have been offered. I have proved many people from my school days wrong by walking away with a first-class degree.
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2017 | Metropolis
Out and about in Holloway
LONDON BOROUGH OF ISLINGTON
HOLLOWAY N.7 ROAD 12
Metropolis | Out and about
Getting to know London is a full-time job and, even if you’re a true Londoner, there’s always something new to surprise you. To help our students and applicants get to know the city better, we’ve started a new student blog introducing different areas of London, giving you an insight into the best food, drinks, entertainment, coffee and community activities on offer in the area. The first post covers the home of the University’s biggest campus – Holloway – and is written by graduate intern Lyubomira Nikolova:
Eat
Drink
MOMA’s Healthy Foods is a small place opposite the University’s Rocket entrance and it’s a definite winner at the University. As is already clear from the name, MOMA’s is all about healthy food served as quickly as possible. You can choose between hot wraps or meal boxes, and the best part is that everything is under a fiver.
The Edward Lear is a lovely pub that offers a happy hour every weekday between 3pm and 6pm where you can enjoy selected drinks for £3.25.
Dirty Burger/Chicken Shop are wellknown chains that always go hand in hand. The name makes it pretty clear what they offer and the prices are around £6 for a burger or quarter of a chicken. Zia Lucia brings a little bit of Italy to the Holloway Road – a pizza restaurant that offers four types of dough for all the picky eaters out there. You can either go for a sit-down meal or order through Deliveroo. The restaurant offers a great selection of appetisers, salads and pizzas, and you can always treat yourself to a Negroni while you wait.
Holloway Road Underground • • • •
Zone 2, Piccadilly Line Four mins to King’s Cross 10 mins to Covent Garden Opened in 1906
Impressive musical credentials The birthplace of rock band The Holloways, this corner of north London was also a one-time home to John Lydon of the Sex Pistols, legendary producer Joe Meek, grubby rocker Pete Doherty and Suggs from Madness. The Horatia, a favourite among the London Met crowd, is the nearest pub to the University. Enjoy its selection of more than 60 craft beers. The Highbury Barn, just a short walk away from Arsenal stadium, is a great place to watch a game with a special match-day menu offering barbecue food out on the terrace. The Landseer is a spacious pub and also just a short walk from the University. You’ll find a great outside area that offers gourmet food and tapas dinners. What’s not to love?
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2017 | Metropolis
Coffee and cake Vagabond, also found at The Cass in Aldgate, has it all going on. It even has a tiny patio where you can enjoy professionally made coffee and artisan snacks. Five Four Ate – a cute little coffee shop with a great selection of breakfast and lunch meals – has something for every appetite and even offers Sunday roasts. The all-day breakfast starts from only £4.60. Ez & Moss, one of the best independent cafés serving vegetarian and vegan food, cakes and great coffee, has comfortable couches and even does takeaway – get your order in fast though because they close at 5pm! Le Péché Mignon offers a double whammy of deliciousness. An independent French café and fine food store, it also has a cute garden at the back and lots going on. There’s a great selection for breakfast and brunch or you can simply pop in to stock up your cupboards with its exciting array of products, from wine and cheese to charcuterie and olive oil.
“ It’s the only road in the country where you can eat in an EcuadorianBolivian restaurant and buy a made-to-measure ’40s-style wiggle dress.” Time Out
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The Spoke – Welcome to this all-day eatery that’s about three things and three things only: coffee, burgers and cycling. It also offers drinks as the day turns into night. It’s known as one of the best burger places in north London.
Metropolis | Out and about
Entertainment Odeon Holloway – It’s big, it’s bold and it’s a great night-out option. Students also get discounted tickets and food. Pleasance Theatre Trust has been one of the most exciting Fringe theatres in London since it opened its doors back in 1995. Its mission is to provide a platform for the talent of the future. Nambucca – Buzzfeed calls this place an “iconic venue every music fan should visit.” It hosts music and entertainment events on a nightly basis, is popular with up-and-coming bands and is an absolute must-see! The Garage opened its doors in 1993 and is considered to be one of London’s “landmark venues”. It has a reputation worldwide for hosting ground-breaking acts. Islington Arts Factory is the only multiarts community centre in the London Borough of Islington and provides over 50 educational courses in art, dance and music for children and adults. The Factory also regularly opens its gallery to both established and emerging artists. If you want to take a class you need to be a member and membership is very affordable with prices from £1/day, £8/ term (12 weeks) and £20/year. Community
Spotlight on... Our £30 million Science Centre Situated just off Holloway Road, our state-of-the-art Science Centre is one of the largest and most advanced science teaching facilities in Europe. It features a superlab with more than 250 workstations, plus a multitude of other facilities including: • specialist laboratories for tissue culture research and microbiology • a nuclear magnetic resonance room •a Category 3 laboratory suite for research on airborne and transferable diseases •a sports therapy clinic open to students, staff and the general public •a fitness assessment service •a n environmental chamber to measure physiological and performance responses to exercising •n utritional physiology and food technology labs Not only that, it also provided the setting for scenes in BBC crime drama Luther. Visit us Why not pop by and see it for yourself? We run regular campus tours where you can see facilities relevant to your subject area as well as our IT suites, study areas, social spaces and more. londonmet.ac.uk/campustours
Tender Education and Arts is a charity that works with young people to prevent domestic abuse and sexual violence. Tender uses drama and the arts to create spaces in which children and young people can explore sensitive issues safely and playfully. You can donate, fundraise, campaign or even become a guardian. Whittington Community Centre brings people of all ages and walks of life together. You can find a wide range of classes such as Hula Hoop, Latin dance, yoga and pilates or you can relax with a book at the Whittington Park Cafe.
Read more articles online at londonmet.ac.uk/features
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Home or away 16
Metropolis | Home or away
Choosing where to live at university is a difficult decision. There are so many things to think about. If you’re London-based, you might be considering living at home. If you’re taking the plunge into independence and preparing to move out for the first time you may be looking for advice. Here at London Met we’re here to help.
You’ll know the coolest coffee bars and hangout spots. Home I’m thinking of living at home… should I be worried? For many new students, university is the first time they will live away from home. The traditional vision of undergraduates starting uni life is of a car that, after many shopping trips, is packed with a new microwave, bedding and food. But what if you didn’t have to leave home? An article from The Guardian in 2014 found that at that time “more than 22%” of students were actually living in their family home and deciding to commute to uni instead. This number is steadily growing. If you’re planning to live at home whilst you study you shouldn’t feel like you’re missing out. In fact, there are many advantages that your hall-dwelling peers won’t have. Here are some of the best things about living at home when studying: You know your surroundings Students are often worried about how they’re going to fit in or get along with their new housemates, on top of the stress of going to university. By staying at home you will know what to expect and can return to familiar surroundings at the end of the day. You will also have familiar spaces around you to revise or work in, which could help your productivity.
You will still make friends… … and your knowledge of the local area may even help you out – you’ll know the coolest coffee bars and hangout spots. Plus you’ll be able to invite your new friends back to yours when they get sick of living on beans on toast from their student kitchen.
You’ll have a great support system There is nothing like the support system your local friends and family can give you. From making sure you have all you need to providing time to sit down and discuss your future, your existing support network will be on hand to help you throughout your studies.
You can still experience freshers’ fortnight Many students worry that they’ll be unable to get the full freshers’ experience while staying at home. We run events throughout the day and night that allow everyone to take part. From quizzes to parties, the two weeks of events are open to everyone. And if you’re living at home it might mean you have an easy commute back and can get a quiet night’s sleep after the festivities.
You can save money With the price of student halls and houses rising every year, living costs can soon add up. If you live at home you won’t have to worry about any of this, and you may be able to save money on the commute by walking or catching the bus (don’t forget to apply for a student Oyster card too). London Mayor (and London Met alumnus) Sadiq Khan has now introduced a new service that allows you to only pay the price of one fare if you catch the next bus within the hour.
Things don’t have to change You don’t have to face as many changes as those who move away. You might be able to carry on working in your existing part-time job and fit your family commitments around your studies (particularly handy if you’re a parent).
Have the best of both worlds When you stay at home there is a worry that you may not have the same amount of freedom that others have living away. However this is not the case. There is freedom for all students whose university is close to home, whether they’re moving into student accommodation or staying at home. Many also spend the first year of university at home, but in the second year move out to live with the friends they’ve made and experience living away from home.
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2017 | Metropolis
“Life in London isn’t all about studying, it’s also about meeting new people, making friends, networking and socialising.”
“ I feel part of the London Met family.” Plamena Solakova, International Relations and Politics BA student
Emmanuel Egwu, Forensic Science BSc student
Away I’m thinking of moving out for the first time... will I be ok? Going to university isn’t just about studying hard – although you will have to do some work along the way (sorry!) – it’s also about meeting new people, gaining independence and learning new skills – from academic to culinary! For those looking to fly the nest there’s a whole new and exciting world waiting for you at university. And if you’re concerned about not having the same support system you have at home, don’t worry, you’ll find an incredible new uni family when you get here. Living away from home during your studies can be one of the best experiences of your life. Here are a few reasons why: You can reinvent yourself University is the ideal time to start afresh. While at school you may have felt under pressure to fit in and suppressed your individuality, living away from home offers you the opportunity to thrive just by being yourself. Universities are diverse communities – at London Met, we’re as diverse as they come – so you’ll meet an abundance of people who share your interests, beliefs and hobbies no matter what they might be. You may discover you’re a culinary genius Life without your mum’s home-cooked meals may seem like a daunting prospect but between the day you move in and graduation you could find yourself picking up a skill or two in the kitchen. You may even return home for the uni holidays and surprise your parents with your sautéing skills. If not, there’s always plan B… Beans on toast! 18
Making friends is easy Staying in halls is one of the best ways to meet friends outside of your course and is a sure-fire way to ensure you’ll never feel lonely. Many students also find future flat mates here so when you’re ready to take the leap to private accommodation – whether it’s while you’re still at uni or once you’ve graduated – you’ll have some great friends to share with – and already know what they’re like when it comes to the washing up! There’s no-one to check up on you While we offer a wealth of support during your time here we don’t feel the need to check up on you 24 hours a day. So if you fancy popping to the Students’ Union for a game of pool before heading home or decide to stay out late with friends, we won’t be tapping our watches and tutting when you get back to your room several hours later than you’d anticipated. You can eat, wear and do whatever you like No student has ever been judged for wearing the same hoody every day for three weeks. Nor has anyone in halls been lambasted for eating a pot noodle for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At university even the ridiculous is perfectly acceptable. You’ll appreciate the simple things in life A full fridge, clean linen and central heating have never felt so good as when you return home for the holidays. But, trust us, it’s not long before you’re begging to be back at uni again – once you’ve had a taste of independence there’s no going back.
I’m looking for student accommodation… where do I start? Finding a new home may seem overwhelming, but our Accommodation Bureau is on hand to help you find somewhere affordable and comfortable to live. Think about what you’re looking for and take your time to explore the options. Can I live somewhere that will give me independence? Halls of residence and private rented accommodation are two of the best options if you’re looking for independence and we can help you find both! Can I live within walking distance of campus? Our students have access to halls of residence that are conveniently located right by our campuses. They include Stapleton House, just across the road from our Tower Building in Holloway, Paul Street East, 0.4 miles from our Moorgate campus and Pacific Court near our Aldgate campus. What are the cheapest options? It’s often cheaper if you’re willing to share a room with other students. Helen Graham House and International Student House are just two halls that offer sharing options. I’m new to London – is there anywhere I can live that will feel like home? If you’re after a more supportive environment, you could opt for a homestay, where you’re placed with a British family. For more information about accommodation options and how we can help, visit: londonmet.ac.uk/accommodation
Metropolis | Student life
A week in the life So what’s a typical week like for a London Met student? We asked Textile Design BA student Rosie Mizon to keep a photo diary to give us an insight into some of the things she gets up to.
With friends at London Design Week at Angel’s Business Design Centre
Being a tourist at Piccadilly
My current project – a sample of weaving
Portobello Road market on a Saturday
A trip to Brighton!
A back photo of a loom ready to weave
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2017 | Metropolis
Miguel Ferrer-Gil was in his late twenties and working in the retail sector when he decided that it was time to make a big change in his life. Propelled by his long-standing interest in the visual arts, he applied to study our Fine Art BA and he’s never looked back.
London Met as a mature student –––
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Metropolis | Student life
“I’m aware of how lucky I’ve been to be part of an institution that truly cares about people and education.”
What made you decide to go to university? Since I was very young I’ve been interested in the visual arts and after many years of working in the retail sector I decided that at that point in my life I needed a challenge and to change my career. I realised that to make this happen I needed training and the options were clear: I had to go to university.
What did you enjoy most about your time at London Met? I really enjoyed the opportunity to share a large workspace with amazing people. These are people who I’ll always be in contact with, and that means a lot to me. Other than that, the most significant thing for me was the time I spent working with my tutors and art professionals who gave us so much knowledge.
What made you apply to London Met? I was looking for a place where I could develop my creative skills, learn from the best professionals in the art world, have access to a big variety of modern facilities in a good location and have as many opportunities to show my work as possible. At the same time I wanted a university that understood my situation as a mature student. London Met was the best option for me.
What was your experience as a mature student like at London Met? Being a mature student isn’t only about being older than 21 years old, it means more responsibilities outside of university. Before I applied to London Met I was scared that I wasn’t going to be able to combine university with life. This fear soon disappeared as at London Met you have never-ending support – from your tutors to administrative professionals – which really makes your life easier.
Why did you choose London Met over other universities? London Met means diversity. Personally for me it is very important to be surrounded by different people from diverse backgrounds. Every day I learned something different, not only from my exceptional lecturers and technicians, but from all the students with whom I shared this amazing time. What facilities did you have access to? I still remember my first day at London Met, when my tutor showed us all the facilities we could take advantage of at the University; it was the first sign that I’d made the best decision. First of all my studio, the space where I developed all my work during the three years, then all the workshops – metal and wood mill, print rooms, video and photo studios – where I could create whatever passed through my head. I’ve also been one of the lucky graduates who’s been able to benefit from the graduate internship programme.
Do you think your experience differed from other uni students? Being a mature student at London Met didn’t make me feel like I belonged to a different group of students. Integration is one of the most palpable characteristics of this University. I never felt in any way different being a mature student. Since the very first day I felt welcome at London Met and felt sure that I was going to have the same opportunities as everyone else on my course. Are you glad you came to London Met? I’m more than glad! After my three years at university, London Met is part of me. And this is because I’m aware of how lucky I’ve been to be part of an institution that truly cares about people and education. What advice would you give to mature students thinking of studying at London Met? Do it! There are many ways to study and it’s never too late. Don’t let anything stop you. And once you’re at London Met, use every facility this university has, learn, meet people, be open to new experiences and be yourself.
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2017 | Metropolis
What our graduates say... Who better to tell you about what it’s like to study at London Met than our most recent graduates? They’ve been here, they’ve done it and they’ve got the graduation hat to prove it. Here are a few of the things that our class of 2016 had to say about their London Met experience, courtesy of our label-adorned graduation tree. You may even find a few snippets of advice...
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Metropolis | Section Name
2017 | Metropolis
Faces of success
Imogen Belfield Jewellery designer Imogen Belfield studied silversmithing and jewellery at London Met and is now the deserved winner of numerous awards including Trendsetter Designer Jeweller. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, Imogen crafts rockesque jewellery sculptures that have been worn by the likes of Rita Ora, Uma Thurman and Nicole Scherzinger. Schermazing!
Our alumni have gone on to impact the worlds of politics, business, entertainment and more. You may recognise some of them... 24
Metropolis | Faces of success
Vic Reeves Comedian Vic Reeves is one of our many multi-talented alumni. One half of comedy double act Reeves and Mortimer, but also an actor and artist, Vic studied in our art, architecture and design school The Cass. He’s also an Honorary Graduate of London Met.
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2017 | Metropolis
Warsan Shire Poet and collaborator with Beyoncé Even the biggest stars dream of landing a collaboration with Beyoncé, but our creative writing graduate Warsan Shire has already ticked that off her wish list. In 2016, the London Met creative writing alumna’s poetry featured in Beyoncé’s ground-breaking visual album Lemonade. If Queen Bey’s seal of approval isn’t the epitome of success, the addition of Warsan’s Young Poet Laureate title might just be. Since graduating in 2010, this young woman’s career has continued to soar.
Cristina Leggio Lifesaver We consider Cristina Leggio to be one of our London Met heroes. After completing her Biomedical Science BSc degree, she began working for Public Health England and in November 2014 she answered a call for volunteers to be deployed to Sierra Leone as part of the UK response to the Ebola outbreak. Cristina was part of the team to set up the third PHE Ebola Diagnostic Laboratory in Makeni, Sierra Leone, which was built within the Ebola Treatment Centre (ETC) in the Bombali district. The lab had to be built and stocked from scratch to provide the diagnostic service required to identify and isolate suspected Ebola patients. Cristina’s work made a direct impact on people’s lives and we think that’s incredible.
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Sadiq Khan Mayor of London In 2016 London elected its first Muslim mayor. This is a man who’s launched the hugely important #LondonIsOpen campaign, frozen Tube, bus and tram fares until 2020 and appointed a “night tsar” whose job is to turn the capital into a 24-hour city. Frankly, we love the guy, and that’s without considering the fact he’s one of our incredible alumni.
Metropolis | Faces of success
Lord Bilimoria Founder of Cobra Beer British Indian entrepreneur Karan Bilimoria is one of the two founders of Cobra Beer. Since studying accounting at London Met, he’s not only found success with the popular alcoholic beverage, he’s also been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) and been appointed an Independent Crossbench Life Peer in the House of Lords (among other high-profile achievements).
“ Some of my fondest memories date back to my years as a student at the University of North London, now known as London Metropolitan University.” Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
Jesse Quinones Writer, producer and director Jesse studied both his undergraduate and master’s degree with us, in creative writing and film and broadcast production respectively. His film, Calloused Hands, has won an array of awards including Best Feature Film at the Fingal Film Festival (2014), the Hearts Mind and Soul Award at the Rhode Island International Film Festival (2013), and the Best Actor (Andre Royo, Luca Oriel), Best Actress (Daisy Haggard), Best Screenplay and Best Cinematography Awards at the Golden Door International Film Festival (2013). He’s also working on his first major feature film... We wouldn’t want to jinx it but something tells us he should invest in a bigger trophy cabinet. 27
2017 | Metropolis
A day in the life Psychology student Teresa Gomes Arrulo talks you through a typical day in her life at London Met. Expect delicious lunches, surprise gifts and spectacular views… oh, and the odd bit of coursework too.
8.27am
11am
2.10pm
2.30pm
4.53pm
7.15pm
Already missing this cutie – off to work! #studentambassadorduties
The food’s finally here! Happiness never smelled nicer… Can life get any better?
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When one of your managers from London Met’s events team decides to brighten up your day! What’s there not to love about this job… #thanksDiahann
When you were dreading coming back to uni to do coursework, but the view from the eighth floor is too good for you to complain! #nofilter
Lunch time! Surround yourself with the right people… the ones who will take you out for lunch when they know you’ve got an afternoon of assignments ahead.
Finally submitted it! One down, many more to come… The joy of being a third year student.
April 2017 | Metropolis
What’s We hope that we – and our many next? incredible students featured in this magazine – have given you an insight into what life at London Met is like. We’d love for you to join us. So, what should you do next? Come and see us If you haven’t already – or if you fancy coming again – pay us a visit. Coming along to an open day is one of the best ways to find out about the University’s facilities, meet students and staff, and get a feel for what it’s like to study in one of the world's most exciting capital cities. Plus, we offer events created especially for you – our applicants. Book your place today: londonmet.ac.uk/applicantdays Get all the facts Make sure you’ve read all the essential information about your offer. You’ll find this in the email we sent you but you can also find out all you need to know on our website: londonmet.ac.uk/offerinfo Talk to us Confused about your offer? Have a question? Just ask. We’re here to help, so whatever your query, give us a call or send us a message. You can even chat with us online: +44 (0)20 7133 4200 londonmet.ac.uk/contact londonmet.ac.uk/onlinechat Apply for funding It’s really important that you apply for funding as soon as you can. Remember, you don’t have to pay any of these loans back until you’ve finished your degree and are earning £21,000 per year or more. If you’re worried about your funding or need help with your application you can come along to one of our funding workshops where we can help you complete your Student Loans Company application. londonmet.ac.uk/workshops 29
Get further support Our student support services can provide you with advice on a range of matters including academic, financial, personal and developmental issues as well as disabilities, dyslexia and accommodation. We offer support through one-to-one meetings as well as over the phone, via email and through social media. londonmet.ac.uk/studentservices Find somewhere to live London is an incredible place to live, but if you’re living away from home for the first time it may feel daunting. We can help you find somewhere safe, comfortable and affordable to live. Visit our website or find out more on page 16: londonmet.ac.uk/accommodation Look out for those deadlines Don’t forget, there are some key dates you need to keep an eye on. We’d recommend adding them to your diary now: ucas.com/key-dates Keep your details up to date Double check that the details we have for you are correct. If they change, make sure you let us know. If you’re unsure about anything, get in touch. Accept your offer Don’t forget to update your decision via UCAS Track: ucas.com/track
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London Metropolitan University Facebook rating
“I have made friends for life.” Pharmaceutical Science BSc graduate
“The teachers are openminded and supportive, always looking for new ways to help you achieve your potential.” Textile Design BA graduate
“Studying at London Met has without a doubt been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.” Diplomacy and International Relations BA graduate
“I am so grateful for my time at the University and will miss London Met a lot!” International Relations BA graduate
Come and join us. londonmet.ac.uk +44 (0)20 7133 4200 /londonmetuni @LondonMetUni @londonmetuni /LondonMetUniversity
We were recently named as the number one university for carbon reduction in England and Wales (University Carbon Progress Report). To continue our commitment to environmental sustainability we’ve printed this magazine on recycled paper.