Wednesday 27-10-2021 - 12:43

So you’re going to Art School? A guide on getting the most out of MSoA

Congratulations on getting into Manchester School of Art! Manchester is a great city packed with creativity and many opportunities. You’ve definitely chosen a great city to study in. University passes quickly, here’s a guide on getting the most of your time.

1. Learn your way around the Art School.

Many students tend to stay in the same areas and don’t explore the entire school. Don’t be afraid to leave your area and explore. There are so many hidden gems around the school, make sure to visit the Benzie and Chatham buildings.

2. The ‘A4 and more’ store has the supplies you will need.

The ‘A4 and more’ store is located within the Chatham building and is stocked with supplies for all disciplines. As a bonus, art students are funded up to £200 on their Met cards, so don't worry about spending your savings straight away. The Union Shop also stocks a range of art products all year round and you can pay on Met card for those items too.

3. Induct yourself.

In order to use most of the workshops you must have an induction first to be up to speed with all the regulations. As part of your course, you may have mandatory inductions as you will most likely be accessing those workshops regularly. However, don’t restrict yourself to the familiar workshop zones, explore and induct yourself into other work areas. Go and induct yourself into the photography studios. The technicians are super helpful and there’s a huge amount of equipment you can use to photograph your work to a high standard.

4.  Get to know the library.

Unfortunately, studying a non-academic course doesn’t mean you get away without academic writing. Most courses undertake a ‘Contextualising Practice’ unit during the year which consists of the writing element of the course. There is a lot of help available via the university library. Get to know the librarians assigned to your discipline as well, they’re extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Don’t leave going to the library until your final dissertation.

5. Find a balance.

 A lot of people use creativity as a hobby, but when you’re studying a creative subject it may be more fitting to do something unrelated. Join a society, go for days out around Manchester, or get involved in a sport, remember it’s just as important to enjoy life as a student as an art student.