It is coming to the end of the summer holidays (Boooo, I know, but be thankful you still have them!) and a lot of you will be starting to prepare for the new academic year whether that is as a first year where everything will be new or as a second or third year, more familiar with the processes and what to expect but perhaps with a few changes on what is expected of you...

In light of the looming academic year I have put together a list of 5 of the most important things I believe you need to do before your first day. All of these things you can look into now, and best of all they are all free! (Yes, travel and explore is a point, but do this within your own budgets! Sketching from your bedroom window is definitely an option!)

These are things I wish I knew as an architecture student and things I still try and incorporate and do prior to any significant change whether that’s moving city, moving jobs or when back when I was student, moving between years.

I hope these are helpful for you as an architecture student, assistant or Architect and if you have any to add, please write them in the comment box right at the bottom of the page. It would be very helpful for everyone else reading this too!

Enjoy! :)