Chelsea College of Art - Student View

It's one of the smallest colleges in the University of the Arts, with just over 1500 students. It has just moved to the Royal Army Hospital on Millbank - a terrific site and right next door to Tate Britain. Good news as the college had previously been scattered over west London and so lacked a strong identity.

Students expected to motivate themselves, and tutors with famous names can prove elusive. The Foundation course is excellent for having a great time and getting a place on a higher course. Being in central London, accommodation is a problem: there are 400 places in 2 university halls of residence but competition for places is stiff.

It's important to start looking early, as it may take months to find adequate accommodation, years to find sought-after housing co-op or council housing. Student Services runs a database of students looking to share a house/flat.

Typical student is easy-going, friendly and clad in shabby chic. Student shops (open five days/week midday-5pm) along with every other service are run for profit. Chelsea concentrates its meagre resources on the libraries and teaching staff.

It's an expensive place to study but help and support available from Student Services. Results are excellent due to the quality of the staff - and the quality of students its reputation attracts.