I am just about to finish the BTEC Art Foundation Diploma at DMU. The course is HARD WORK, but it's definitely worth it in giving you the best chance of getting onto the degree course you want. The tutors are fabulous, especially in the Fashion/Textiles pathway (my pathway) and they are really helpful. All of our tutors are practising artists/designers so they know what they're talking about! It also frees you up and makes you think differently, after being so restricted at A Level. The workshops are fabulous and there's something for everyone. The technicians are really helpful in every workshop. Although sometimes it's a bit of a struggle to get facilities/equipment because there's quite a lot of us, I haven't had too much of a problem. We all have our own designated area on Foundation which is nice as you can display work and have your own "home" to keep all of your stuff. The foundation course has been invaluable in securing a place at University of the Arts London, and I feel I have learnt a lot. I would definitely recommend to do this course if you are unsure about what are of art and design you want to go into at degree level, or if you want a year to get your head straight, or try out loads of different things. With regards to the uni: I live at home as the course is free and I live quite close, but I think the halls are okay and not that expensive. Leicester is quite a good city with everything you need and plenty of quirky shops and also some good art shops. The uni itself has a well-stocked art shop. The library can get quite full during the middle of the day and sometimes it's hard to find a computer, but that's expected. It's open 24 hours though. There's some amazing art/design books and I couldn't really ask for much else.

• Facilities 5.0
• Students' union 4.0