I have studied at both an art college and an academic college and there is a vast difference between the two. The approach which you need to take when you are heading into an art college to study is far different from how your friends who plan to study history or journalism will have to approach their education. I studied philosophy for a short while before I decided to change tact and enrolled in the AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts, this turned out to be the best decision which I have ever made and the most striking thing was just how different an art college was from where I had studied previously. The key to this opportunity is that you give everything that you have to make the most of it, and here are some tips on how to go about it.
Social Life
We all know the reputation which many colleges have when it comes to their social scene but this is something which you just can’t get involved with during your time at art college. Whether you are studying to work in performance or another aspect of the arts, there is simply too much to do and too much studying for you to be able to afford to spend your time partying. Focus now and it will pay you great dividends later on down the line.
Trying Out
You may be a great singer who wants to go to art college to perfect your singing style, understand music more and get a foothold in the industry. This does not mean that you can’t try out different disciplines in the arts and see how you fare. In fact art college gives you the perfect opportunity to try your hand at acting, set design, fashion design and playing an instrument, and you would be foolish not to take advantage of the wide range of options which you have in front of you. Many of my fellow students signed up for one thing and ended up specializing in something else altogether, perhaps you will too.
Expression
You must ensure that you are doing all that you can to express yourself at all times, this is a place unlike anywhere else in the world where you can be who you want to be without any fears of judgement on prejudice. Whether you are working on a project or giving a performance, you must ensure that you are always digging deep to be as expressive as possible.
No Fear
When you first enroll in the college it can be easy to be overwhelmed by others and their talents, but it is important that you focus on you and you alone. I saw many who arrived at the college looking like the best singer/actor/designer in the building, yet by the end of college there were some who advanced way beyond them. Remember that college is about learning an improvement and that peel develop at different times and under different guidance.