I can’t recommend Falmouth enough

Hi! My name is Laura, I’m 26 years old, and I’m currently enjoying my third and final year at Falmouth University, studying Costume Design for Film & TV.

Before moving to England, I was born and raised in Colombia, but I spent the last 10 years living in Sweden; so, coming to the UK felt like starting yet another exciting chapter in my international journey.

Life in the UK has been such an adventure! I’ve met so many amazing people and made friendships that I know will last a lifetime. One of the things that makes this so easy is Cornwall itself. It’s such a warm and welcoming place, full friendly faces and beautiful spots to explore. It feels very safe, which helped me enjoy the surroundings even more.

When I first arrived, I chose the airport pickup service for international students. It was a very smooth process, the bus took us straight to campus with one stop on the way to rest and eat, our bags were delivered to our rooms when we arrived and the best part is that during that trip, I met my best friend, who I now live with in my final year.

She had already lived in England before, so she helped me a lot with understanding British food, slang, and culture, those little things that make daily life so different. My course mates and mentors were also incredibly kind and understanding. They made sure I never felt out of place, and I’ve always felt supported both academically and personally.

One of the things Falmouth University does well is providing dedicated sessions for international students at the very beginning of their studies. These meetings helped explain things like the grading system, how to open a bank account, and the paperwork needed to find a job in the UK. It made such a difference for all of us trying to navigate a new country and system.

Not only that, but Falmouth University is also very dedicated to making studying an easy and enjoyable experience for students whose first language isn’t English, as well as ensuring great accessibility for students with dyslexia, like one of my friends, or for those with ADHD.

Finding part-time work in Cornwall can be a bit challenging; it’s a small region with limited job opportunities. But because many students graduate and move away each year, new positions open regularly during the summer or at the start of every year. I started looking for a part-time job even before I moved to Falmouth, and it paid off! I began working in November of my first year and have been at the same job ever since.

Another role I absolutely love is being a student ambassador. I get to meet future students, show them around campus, and even help with online sessions for international applicants. It feels really rewarding to share my own experience and help others prepare for their move to the UK.

Before ending up here, I spent a lot of time researching my options. I knew for a few years I wanted to study costume design.

At first, I found a two-year costume-making course in another country, but I wanted more than just the making aspect. I wanted to learn both design and construction, and that’s when I discovered Falmouth’s Costume Design for Film & TV program.

At the time, it was still a relatively new course, but when I looked through the prospectus, I knew immediately that this was the one. The opportunity to collaborate with other creative courses and learn from mentors with real industry experience sounded perfect, and honestly, it has exceeded every expectation.

My time at Falmouth has been incredibly exciting and rewarding. This course has given me hands-on experience, taught me valuable skills, and helped me grow both personally and professionally. Whether you’re passionate about design, making, or both, this program gives you the tools and confidence you need to succeed in both.

I can’t recommend Falmouth enough, it’s a place where creativity truly thrives, and where you’ll find not only your craft but also a community that feels like home.

- Laura