Amanda Jones is 19 and is a first year student studying BA (Hons) Fashion Management. She has three A levels: Art, Textiles and Psychology. She lives in Bow, East London and recommends students scour local pound shops and charity shops to make ends meet. Her dream job changes every week as she finds out more about the industry.

So, what is Fashion Management?

You learn about all aspects of the business side of the industry. I love the business focus of the course and the broad introduction you get in the first year before specialising in the 2nd year. You don't realise how many directions you can take on this course: buying, merchandising, PR, marketing as well as slightly random jobs such as operations manager. Although every conversation begins with "It's not a design-based course".

Which site do you study at?

I'm mainly at the Davies Street site but I'm at John Princes Street about once a week.

Why LCF?

Being in London was a huge factor, as it's the heart of the English fashion industry. LCF also has brilliant links to the industry and is highly regarded. This was really important as the fashion industry is so competitive. I wanted the best start possible.

How many colleges did you visit before choosing LCF?

I visited Nottingham Trent and Westminster, but there wasn't much competition really.

Did you go to LCF open days?

I went to three before deciding this was the course for me.

Where do you go for lunch?

Anywhere round LCF. It's cool to find random new places, although the canteen is cheap and the lunch menu at The Loop is pretty good.

What do you do to make ends meet, eg, scour Pound Shops, bring sandwiches etc?

My diet changes with the "buy one get one free" offers in the supermarket. Charity shop shopping is ace and cheap; you get new, unique things at student friendly prices. I pour pints in a local pub to earn some extra money to spend on shoes!

How many societies did you join during Freshers' Week?

I signed up for pretty much everything as our societies weren't very well represented. Free pens were definitely an incentive. I'm a course rep so I did a lot of training for this role in the first part of term.

What's it like living in the famous East End?

It's vibrant and full of character. I love it because it's close to central London and getting to college is fairly hassle free, but it's far enough away to have green bits and be affordable. It's a really friendly, lively student area, and the place for a halal kebab! I haven't learnt enough Cockney yet though!

Do you share a flat?

Yes. I have just moved in with friendly people, a girl and a boy, both medics at Barts and the London University (friends from home).

What are your flatmates like?

Typical students, and great fun with it: bad at washing up, friendly, happy, broke, disorganised, rarely in bed before 4am.

If you could pass on one bit of advice to a prospective LCF student what would it be?

The College and the course give you a fantastic start to a career in the fashion industry so put your best into the course; there are so many opportunities and things to take in. You need to be proactive; get out and see what's going on. The industry is so fast paced you need to be constantly noticing the trends and changes. A lot of the lecturers used to work in the industry so make the most of their knowledge. Make the most of being in London, get involved in everything you can, keep up with the daily changing trends in Topshop.

Favourite magazine?

Vogue