Sumaya Dada is 21 years old and currently in her first year studying BA (Hons) Fashion Business (Part time).

What were you doing before you started this particular course?

I did an art foundation at Middlesex and I absolutely loved that, and then I started a Textiles BA at Loughborough University, which I thought was for me. But after two years I discovered that I couldn't do it any longer. It was a task and a half, it just wasn't for me. At the last minute in the summer I decided that I wanted to change. I live in London, so I started looking at courses in London, instead of looking away from home. I saw that LCF did a part time Fashion Business degree, loved the look of the course, had a late interview, and they accepted, which was amazing. And so far I am so happy with it, because it fits me. The course is right for me, the part time aspect is great, because you can work at the same time. And living in London, you are inspired constantly - just by walking from the tube to the college. And you know - the biggest thing for me was the tutors. The tutors at my last university were not there for you, there was no contact if you needed help.

Even though it was full time?

Yes - if you asked for help, you just felt like it wasn't there. Whereas here - first lecture in, they said 'if you ever need help - you can talk to this person, you can talk to that person. Everyone's so helpful here. You can be friendly with them. It's not just a teacher-pupil relationship.

What are you currently doing work- wise?

I am currently working for my father at a chartered accountants, but I'm hoping to get some more retail experience in the near future at Agent Provocateur at Selfridges or in their Soho branch.

What do you want to do ultimately?

I am still deciding. I suppose I've got four years to decide. But I'll be looking for a lot more work experience in the industry, for example at Selfridges or Harrods.

What has been the highlight of the course for you so far?

I like the fact that we constantly have guest speakers. You know - living in London, being at a London university, and with the reputation of the college, they're able to get people like Ben de Lisi to talk. Making these high-profile contacts is invaluable. There's also a big sense of achievement, personally, for me. I know that I have done all right with this course so far compared to the last one.

What would you say to a student who was thinking about starting one of the courses here, but who was unsure about committing to four years?

If fashion is your passion then four years is not much of a sacrifice. Four years is not long, for what you will gain for a lifetime. And it's manageable, and you're enjoying it at the same time, so you should go for it. And because it is part time, it means that you can go for other things as well. It's the best of all worlds.

Fantastic - thank you.