Whether you’re already at school, looking to find a new school or even considering moving overseas to study, nothing beats hearing from the students themselves! We speak to Emily Davison about the ins and outs of studying at Futureworks School of Media in Manchester.
The Specifics
What’s the name of your school?
I studied at Futureworks School of Media. It’s a small college whose degrees are supplied by the University of Central Lancashire.
What’s the name of the neighbourhood?
Manchester!
Closest train station or public transport option?
Public Transport to Futureworks is so easy. There’s a train station right across the street and buses go everywhere. We’re also half an hour’s walk from both Victoria and Piccadilly station, so that’s super convenient if you’re commuting! Plus there’s the tram stops about 20 minutes away too.
How long have you been there?
I’ve just graduated after being there for three years.
Why did you choose to study here?
I hadn’t heard of it until I met someone who went there and recommended it. I’ve always been a bit shy and when I went to the open day I really liked how small it was and everyone seemed to know everyone! My course, Game Art, seemed like a really good option. There weren’t a huge amount of courses which offered what I wanted, so it was great to see this one did.
The Scene
When you walk out of the school, what is the first thing you see?
So many things! We’re right on the canal, so that’s right there. You can see into Spinningfields, where there's a lot of high end shops and businesses there. We’re on the doorstep of the People’s history museum too! But it’s Manchester, so the first thing you see is probably roadworks.
The closest shop to outside your school is:
We’re actually right on top of a Tesco Express. Pretty convenient if you ask me!
Your school is great, but you wouldn’t mind a bit less:
Could be said for any games course, but a lot of people seem to walk in thinking it’s going to be a piece of cake and don’t try. It’s still a degree folks! You have to try!
The unofficial uniform of your school is:
I honestly think you could turn up in anything and nobody would bat an eye!
A mandatory stop for anyone new to your city:
The christmas market is truly magical when it pops up. Try avoid the crowds though!
A common myth about your school is:
Because it’s small there’s not much going on. We have game jams, guest speakers, even cake in the student lounge!
A massive night out for students at your school is likely to be:
Not that massive really. We’re more ‘pub and hanging out at someone’s flat’ people.
The Superlatives
You won’t find a better place to eat than at:
Crazy Pedros is as crazy as it sounds. The wackiest pizzas you’ve ever seen. Burgers on a Pizza! Madness!
The strangest thing you’ve ever seen at your school is:
Oh gosh, it was fairly normal really. Sorry I don’t have anything for that!
One thing you’d never change about your school is:
Can’t I pick more than one?! First of all, how small it is. I really loved that it was all in one building, you knew basically everyone. Secondly, all the tutors work part time, and they all work in industry. Having advice from people who know what’s happening NOW is so beneficial.
But one thing you wouldn’t mind seeing changed is:
I’d love to have more tutorials. The tutors are great at helping if you have questions, but sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know!
Someone gives you $1 million to soup up your school. You use it to:
Get the fastest computers! Get all the programs! 3 monitors per computer! Cintiqs for everyone!!!
