New Beginnings...

Moving away from home is a huge thing for almost everyone who goes through it, but what about moving into a flat with nine others you have never met before?

I know university is meant to be a life experience, a chance to grow up and start fresh, but I didn't want any of those things to happen to me! I was completely happy at home with my doting family, amazing friends and loving boyfriend, but I knew it was something I needed to do to really grow in the industry I hope to work in one day. The fashion industry is so competitive, and having always wanted to work for a fashion magazine, I knew university was the best option to try and achieve this.

Arriving in Nottingham was a crazy experience. Having not even seen my accommodation due to it being completely new, I was excited when it was just as I had expected. The horrible 'goodbyes' to my parents and awkward 'hellos' began, and then that was it, I was left in this room, all by myself, knowing no one in this huge city; it was the perfect chance to explore...

The first few days of welcome week were completely hectic. Consisting of meeting new people, having parties, a few beverages, it was full of the usual things you hear of at many universities during freshers week up and down the country.

But what does being a 'fresher' really mean? These are not the reasons you come to university, and this had nothing to do with the amazing things I learnt this week. Yes they were fun, and yes I had an amazing time that I will never forget, but life lessons mean so much more. Living on my own for the first time, having to cook, clean, time manage and make my own decisions were all things I thought I could do well until I was actually on my own. But although these sound like the basics, they introduce you to trying and experimenting with new ideas and begin our independent learning; an aspect which is probably the most important in getting a great degree at the end of these challenging few years.

Introductions to FCP as a course were actually quite scary, as have many other things about these first few days away. Some of the hardest and most emotional things happen when you're most vulnerable, and I think you have to just pick yourself back up and tell yourself 'I can and will do this'. This is something I have already applied to university life and this course. At first, I felt intimidated by the standard of work some of the previous students had produced, but now I see it as a challenge. I intend my work to be as good, if not better than every piece I saw laid on that table, and I know with creativity and determination I will get there. Exploring new innovative ideas and concentrating on the individuality of my work will really help me excel, and that's why I really enjoyed the treasure hunt task and street style brief we were set this week.

Looking around the city for vintage and unique shops, cafes and printing facilities was enchanting. In this huge city it was amazing to find the backstreets of Lace Market, where around the corner from the buzzing city vibe was what seemed to be a secret shopping district with the quirkiest garments and people belonged. It gave me so much inspiration, just looking and photographing others outfit, proving to myself that it's OK to be a risk taker, and standing out and being different is an applaudable thing, something I hope to have the guts to do in the near future. But it also showed me where I was able to achieve these looks, with vintage stores and tea party cafes scattered across the pathways.

I hope that I'm able to continue to discover the more unconvential aspects of Nottingham, and that in doing so I will develop a clear understanding of what fashion communication really is. We don't all have to follow the trends and play it safe, as by being unique it will set us apart from everybody else, gaining masses of attention. This is not only applied to the clothes we wear, but also to the communication and production of fashion and lifestyle products, an aspect which I hope I can incorporated into my work throughout the FCP course, helping me gain this possitive recognition I will need in order to succeed.
#fcpreflection