Are you a creative thinker with an eye for detail and design? Are you known among your friends for your signature style? Maybe changing trends throughout history fascinates you? If you have a sketchbook overflowing with ideas for funky new outfits, if you’re a whiz with a needle and thread, if you religiously follow your favorite beauty bloggers and brands, maybe Fashion School is for you. A structured education can be the first step in landing your dream job in the fashion industry – but first, here’s some things you should know.
Fashion School Can Be Expensive
It doesn’t have to be. Course fees can be prohibitive and intimidating, but there’s no need to let the expense of your dream course stop you from following your heart. Not everybody knows that there are easy ways to change your relationship to your student loans, but with a little time and research, you’ll discover multiple options for extra financing, and be able to work out a plan that suits your budget and needs. If you have existing student debt, there is the option to refinance student loans so take some time to check and see if refinancing means a lower rate for you.
Decide Beforehand What You Want to Get Out of Your Course
Are you a recent school leaver, looking to gain your first experience in the fashion world? Or are you interested in higher education – say, a university degree that will help you get your foot in the door? Do you want to learn from home, or does the camaraderie of a campus community appeal to you? It’s worth knowing beforehand what you want to achieve throughout your course, and where you hope to be by the end of it. These decisions will also affect your lifestyle, budget – maybe even where you live.
Every Fashion Course and School Is Different
Some institutions will value theory and coursework over practice. Others will want you to take a very hands-on approach throughout your education, completing work experience placements, participating in-group projects – maybe even running your own fashion show. If you’re interested in the analytical and historical side of fashion, you should look for a course and a school that prioritizes those elements. If you’re desperate to get your hands dirty, an apprenticeship or skills-based course could be the right fit for you. These will incur different costs, and have different requirements – for example, maybe you’ll need certain qualifications before being accepted. It’s important to know what financial resources are available to you, and how you can manage your money throughout your course in order to have the best possible experience.
Remember to Have Fun
Use your time at fashion school to make new friends and professional connections – after all, you’ll be surrounded (whether in person or digitally) by people with similar interests, ambitions, and goals. It’s always worth the time and effort to chat online, or go to bars, cafes, and museums with your new course mates as you never know where a group call or an outing might lead.