Music with Foundation Year (Integrated Degree) - BMus (Hons)

Goldsmiths, University of London

I’m a mature student doing the BMus Music part-time at Goldsmiths. I’ve just come to the end of the full-time first year (which has taken me two years). Headline is I’d really recommend this course – it was definitely a good decision to apply. Over the first year I’ve done 5 year-long modules and coming to the end I reckon they have given me a really solid foundation as a musician in terms of my ability to play, write, analyse and think about music.

Initially when I moved to London from India. It was a huge and drastic change for me. As a child, I was always by myself since my parents were always working, and I managed to do everything by myself so it wasn’t too difficult moving away and living alone. But even then, London being a huge city with such a huge and diverse population, I felt lonely at times. But the facilities at Goldsmiths really helped with my loneliness a lot. My professors are also really understanding and always helped me when I struggling with my work. Going to the SU Bar (Student Union) was always a stress reliever for me. I would meet up with my friends and have a good time. Another thing that I want to mention is that, the facilities near the university is great. There are multiple student friendly supermarkets and great restaurants which are affordable. I also feel like the accommodation services could be improved a lot. I stay at Loring Hall, which is a university accommodation. The rooms and bathrooms could be improved a lot more. The bathrooms could be cleaner and a cubicle could be installed so that the water doesn’t seep out while showering. Larger en-suite rooms with double beds can be provided as an option in all the university accommodations. The location of the University is kind of a huge let down. London is such a beautiful city with so many things to do but since the university is located on the other end of London, it’s pretty difficult to commute to central london where the main attractions are located. Whenever I go to places like Oxford Circus and Mayfair, and return back to my accommodation, it feels like i’m in a different city. These are a few things that I thought would be worth mentioning. Thank you.

The location and facilities are perfect for music yet the student Union and societies rarely put on anything which interests me - despite me wanting to join in.

The university's atmosphere is great, considering the mix between old and new buildings. The lecture rooms are equipped with the necessary tools to study, showcase and teach.

The good thing is that the students and the teachers are very nice in Goldsmiths. As an international student, they are really make my life easier in England. They are willing to help. In this kind of environment it really motivates me to study. The bad thing is that Goldsmiths paid lack of effort after strike action. There were fewer strikes this year, but last year in my foundation year, the strikes were at least double more than this year. There was no refund, nothing.