London College of Communication - Student View

Elephant and Castle is not the most salubrious of addresses, essentially a roundabout with a dilapidated and bizarre shopping centre and surrounded by towerblocks that have seen better days - the college's included. However, look a little closer and there are some secret gems to be found.

Transport is excellent - overground trains running through London Bridge, Northern and Bakerloo tube lines, and possibly every London bus circles the roundabout at some point. A handful of pubs that are full of character (especially in the Christmas season). There's a gym with rolling green hills literally just at the back of the Tabernacle, as well as the area's many garden squares filled with roses in the summer.

The shopping centre itself has a top-floor bowling alley - very cheap food and bar (a funny place to experience, to say the least). Walking distance from Borough food market, the Old Vic. National Film Theatre and Tate Modern - an unrivalled location.

Term-time jobs can be problematic (as with any practical course) but with careful time-management a good social life, college work and financial work can co-exist. Tutors are understanding of financial hardship and consequent time-restrictions, if they are put in the picture from an early stage.

Boasting a great new media block, expanded library and better communal areas, the college is beginning to step into the 21st century. A pleasant and inspiring place to learn; perhaps what is most attractive is the diversity and calibre of students that its reputation is able to attract. Working in a truly multi-national and multi-cultural environment is a strong feature in itself. Very few work placements in industry; but what is offered is a range of lectures from visiting bigwigs - who can become invaluable allies when the college safety net ends.

Not an overtly active students' union, but the presence is there to make the most of. Being one of five colleges in the university has its advantages - there are cross-college Christmas parties etc, access to all five libraries, student bars and facilities - up to a point.

Studying in London is simultaneously an inspiring and depressing existence; it is most certainly not geared up for student nightlife in the way that some smaller cities are; however, London is an education in itself ... culture, art, facilities, diversity, liberalism, must I go on!