How to survive your first year in architecture school

Expect it to be different

Architecture is taught through design studio: you work on projects, usually with a tutor, present your work and receive criticism. There are fewer exams and more continuous work. It can feel vague at first, and that is normal. You are learning to think as a designer, not just to remember facts.

Manage your time

The biggest challenge for many students is time. Projects can always take longer. To cope:

• Plan backwards from deadlines, and break each project into stages.
• Do not leave everything to the last night. An all-nighter before a review produces tired, rushed work.
• Set limits. Decide when you stop each day, and protect sleep, meals and some time off.
• Work in the studio where you can, because you learn from watching others.
• Say no to things that distract you, without cutting off friends.

Architecture is taught through design studio: you work on projects, usually with a tutor, present your work and receive criticism.

Learn to take criticism

Reviews, called crits, are central. Tutors will question your work. This is not a judgement of you. Listen, take notes, ask questions, and do not argue defensively. Look for what you can use. Over time you will learn to criticise your own work and others', kindly and honestly.

Draw and make constantly

Skill grows with practice. Sketch every day, in a notebook, of buildings, rooms, people and places. Make models, even rough ones. Test ideas by making. See Models: why we still build them and Drawing by hand in the digital age.

Look at the world

Visit buildings. Walk cities. Notice light, materials, how people use places. Read, look at drawings, and talk about architecture. The more you see, the more you can draw on.

Learn the tools, not just the software

Software matters, but ideas matter more. Learn enough to express your ideas, and keep learning. See Software every architecture student should know.

Back up everything

Lost files are a student tragedy. Keep copies in more than one place, and save often.

Look after yourself

Studio culture can glorify overwork. Ask for help early if you are struggling, with your tutors, your university's support services and your friends. Eat and sleep properly. Quality of work is not measured by suffering.

Work with others

Your classmates are your best resource. Share ideas, help each other with models, and learn from different approaches. You will work in teams for the rest of your career.

Be patient

You will not be good at everything at once. Progress comes in jumps. Keep your best work and look back on it later. You will see how far you have come.

In short

Plan your time, welcome criticism, draw and make every day, look at the world, look after yourself, and work with others.

Start a project