Tell us a bit about yourself Charlotte!

I'm 21, I love clothes and everything about fashion and I am currently in my third year at LCF and loving every minute of it. I have made some really good friends and have gained amazing experiences and I still have another year to go. I can't wait to see what is in store for me!

What were you doing before coming to LCF and what was it that made you want to study here?

Before I started at LCF I was working part time as a sales assistant, along with studying for my A Levels. For me, fashion has always been something that I have loved and had a keen interest in so it was a natural progression for me to continue my studies in a field that I am very passionate about.

What made you choose BA (Hons) Fashion Culture and Communications Part Time (now BA (Hons) Fashion Media)?

I knew that LCF was where I wanted to study as it is part of such a great University and it was just somewhere I really wanted to be a part of. As for the course itself I applied for both BA (Hons) Fashion Culture and Communications Part Time and also BA (Hons) Fashion Management but I soon realised that the part time course was definitely the way forward for me. Not only did the course itself offer a fantastic and broad content in what it covers over the 4 years but it also suited me as it meant I was able to continue with part time work. It has also allowed me the time to fit in fashion internships along the way, which has been great experience for me.

How have you find the course in terms of fitting in with your life?

The course fits in well with my life and it enables me to work along side my study. I think I have a happy balance as I work three days a week and then the rest of my time I dedicate to my studies and also the occasional internship, which has given me the opportunity to gain some experience within the industry.

What have been the highs and lows of the course?

The highs have been getting to work alongside some amazing people from industry; just recently we have been given the chance to work on creating a brand bible for brands owned by Rodger Wade. I also really enjoy learning and developing new skills including styling, photography and film making.

I haven't really come across any lows since I have been on the course. There have been some challenging times especially within group work when personalities can clash and people have different views, however, I feel this is all part of the educational journey and helps us put differences aside and concentrate on the end result.

I understand that you were selected to travel to India as part of the India Shared Talent Project. Can you tell us about your experience?

I was chosen from my course, along with two other students from different pathways to go to New Delhi. This fantastic, once in a life time opportunity came about after we all collaborated with each other to produce a project that was about sustainable fashion and Indian textiles.

The trip included working with Indian and English students and designers on developing designs that promoted Indian fashion and textiles in the sustainable fashion industry. My role whilst I was in India was to help document the whole process, including interviewing several people from the Indian fashion industry and to provide supportive photographic content from the workshop and Delhi itself. The work I did contributed to a documentary-style film that accompanied a collection representing sustainable fashion and textiles. This collection was showcased alongside the promotional and documentary style films by Estethica, at London and Indian Fashion Week. To be part of the shared talent project was an amazing experience and one I will not forget in a long time. I feel it was an enormous benefit from both a personal and educational perspective

What are your hopes for after you've completed your degree and do you think your degree will help you?

Once I've completed my degree I'm hoping to go traveling and then find a job within the industry. At the moment I think I want to go down the route of working within a press office as I have had some previous work experience in this field and I really enjoyed it. I think my degree will definitely help me as I've learnt so many new skills and gained valuable experiences and confidence throughout it.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to change direction and try and make it in the world of fashion?

I would say if it is something you love and you are determined then go for it!!

What tips would you give to students wishing to study part time at LCF?

Make sure you stay on top of your work and reading and don't leave it all until the last minute. Finally enjoy your university experience!