Architecture is not an easy major to study. It has been ranked as the hardest department in several universities abroad. If there is one thing I have learned throughout my four years of studying, it is that it requires a lot of sacrifices and putting your work as a priority to the point that it becomes a part of you. As years go by through the studies, one either starts to realize that they do enjoy the process, or, in some actual cases, they decide to change departments altogether. It all depends on the person and what they like best. There are some tips for fresh years that are best to know before embarking on the journey that could make the studies easier:
- Learn to use CAD programs (2D/3D)
Although using any software program is prohibited during the first two years, it is still essential to have a bit of background to it. And no, the course taught during university is not enough. Try taking an extra course or watching YouTube tutorials here and there. The faster one learns them, the less one struggles. The elements studied through university are only the basis and a small fraction of the actual information that one requires.
- You do not learn everything
Education at university barely compares to the knowledge you would need. It is a matter of 40% by 60%— where a majority of the work would be on the student. A lecturer gives 60% of the information. It is up to the student to complete the required information. Researching a project before beginning is a crucial step that is majorly neglected. Overall, what is taught at college will not be enough to be secured in the working market. In the meantime, one has to experiment and gain knowledge outside of the given courses.
- Sleepless nights— even up to a week
Time management is the key to architecture life and it is something every student struggles with. Throughout academic journey, you should not hesitate to sacrifice sleeping hours. All students have come across cases where they have had to work even while their eyes were starting to get heavy. The best advice for that is to not work in your room— try the living or dining room. It is less comfortable, yes, but, comfort is not the case to go for on a submission night.
- Weekends and holidays are no longer a time to relax
It is a hectic process — even working endlessly on both weekend days could result in not getting the work done on time. Or, in fact, not getting anything done and, instead, returning to the first square. It is always best to work based on complete facts since that will reduce the number of critics and will give a valid argument.
- No social life
There is simply no time. Plans are put one day that need to be canceled since every second is valuable. However, a coffee hangout would still do the trick— it is still important to take a break so that one can make a fresh restart and be bombarded with new ideas.
- Existential crisis
With architecture, it is something completely normal to rethink your entire existence and the chosen path. It gets hard where only dropping out would seem to be the perfect solution. Especially after the criticism process. This is how it is. However, there is joy in it. Nothing is more satisfying than having something to do throughout the day.
- Backaches and posture
Crouching and bending while working on models or plans for hours straight could lead to great damage to the back. Straightening posture every couple of minutes is an important reminder to keep up with or it will cause permanent damage if not taken care of properly.
Mina Arjuman Hashim
Architecture Department