Melody Loader is 22 and is a final year student studying BA (Hons) Fashion Design Technology: Womenswear. She was born in North London but currently lives in Cordwainers Court Halls of Residence, where she is senior warden. She has four A levels and is fluent in Japanese.

Can you explain a little about your course?

We study how to design and produce garments for women. In the first year, we study the basic construction methods of producing woven, stretch and tailored garments, as well as producing a portfolio of research, design CAD/CAM. We also produce essays, looking at fashion from a historical and academic point of view. In the second year, we have electives which enable us to study the more specialised subjects in depth. Most of the third year is spent preparing the final collection and we produce at least 6 outfits to put in the graduation show at the end of the year.

Which campus do you study at?

LCF Curtain Road site.

Why LCF?

I believe LCF offers the most thorough teaching of the technical side of fashion - garment construction, use of various different machines, etc. It is very detailed and the facilities are very good - you get machines here that you would not see in other colleges. I believe we are very well equipped.

Take us through a typical day.

Wake up, have a cup of tea. When my head feels awake enough, I work on my patterns - even if I don't have any assignments at college, I'm always working on some garments, mostly designed for myself.

Where do you go for lunch?

I usually cook at home.

Are you overdrawn?

No.

What money saving tips would you like to pass on?

Get a part time job. Don't buy things you don't need!

Describe your room in Halls.

The room I have this year is just wonderful. I am the senior warden so I get the biggest room here. I have my own kitchen and bathroom and I don't need to share with other students. My room has a built-in wardrobe, one computer desk, one table, a double bed, an upright piano, a cupboard, a TV, and a stereo. I like to keep my room simple so it's easy to tidy up.

You're surrounded by students day and night. What do you do to relax?

Play some piano. It calms me right down. When I'm too tired to even play, there is only one thing left: sleep.

Do you keep sketchbooks?

No. But I draw and write on loose bits of papers and stick them between magazines and books.

Do you use a computer or draw your ideas?

Both.

What advice do you have for any student thinking of applying to LCF?

Think hard about what you really want to do in your foundation course. Be prepared to work hard.