How Did I Survive My Four Years in Architecture?

7 PRO TIPS FROM A FIFTH-YEAR ARKI STUDENT

“Why did you choose architecture? Are you good enough in drawing?” These are two of the questions I often heard as I studied architecture. As I thought of them deeply, I came to realize how simple my answers were. I was well aware that I was not skillful enough in drawing, but I was still determined to choose architecture. The ultimate reason behind my choice was to build my family a house that was spacious enough to shelter us and allow us to easily enter common areas.

My dream started small, and as the years passed by, I learned that it might not get easier. However, I was driven by the love, passion, and support from people who believed in me. When my parents first asked me what course I should take in college, I was hesitant to tell them about architecture because it is hard and only few people survive it. Honestly, civil engineering was my first choice, not architecture. I only knew that both of them were related to buildings, but I pursued architecture because of my result on the National Career Assessment Examination (NCAE). Surprisingly, architecture was second place after the vocation of becoming a nun.

As I step into my fifth year (or shall I say my last year) in college, it seems like just yesterday I was a first-year student. Where did the time go? Oh, time flies so fast! I’m reminiscing now back to when I was surrounded by all of my drafting tools, a cup of coffee, and cheese bread while doing my plates. I will never forget what it was like being a first-year student. So, let me tell you some of my own experiences and what I have learned throughout this course.

Now before we go any further, let me ask you a very important question: how often do you sleep? Mentioning sleep may sound a little frustrating to you because I assume you need it as much as I do. Yes, at this exact moment we should probably be sleeping (or getting more sleep), but deciding not to means we can complete our studying. Choosing architecture is just the beginning of what might be a cycle of sleep deprivation. Did you know that “sleep” is the most terrifying enemy in the field of architecture, yet it is also one of the keys in surviving this course?

Since becoming a licensed architect requires five years of study, plus a two-year apprenticeship, totaling seven years, I will share seven survival facts on my four years in college. So, sit tight and relax.

1. Watch and observe.

I watched architecture-related videos like documentaries, lives of famous architects, massive building construction, and tutorials. For me, this was the most inspiring part when making my plates because I learned about other people’s work and design methods.

2. Read.

I read articles and history books as much as I needed to, even though I am not fond of reading. I somehow managed it because I knew I would be reading about architecture stories, which made it more interesting.

3. Sketch before draft.

I make sure to sketch every detail I wanted to put on my plans and design before finally drafting them either on my tracing/drawing paper or on my 3-D modeling software. I usually use my pencil and some extra scratch paper for sketching. Very useful!

4. Ask questions.

I do not normally raise questions because I am timid. But when curiosity arises, especially if I do not understand a problem or a certain topic, I ask my classmates, senior students, or instructor for clarification. (To be honest, facts no. 1 and 2 were the best ways to answer all of my questions. *wink)

My dream started small, and as the years passed by, I learned that it might not get easier. However, I was driven by the love, passion, and support from people who believed in me.

5. Do not procrastinate.

Do your plates right when they are given! I procrastinated, but I also knew my own limitations. My father would always tell me that architecture takes a lot of great effort and patience. That was his way of motivating me and reminding me that if others did it, so can I. (Note: I cannot procrastinate when I am motivated. So keep motivated and be inspired. *wink)

6. Sleep is better than coffee.

I suppose architecture students are expected to stay awake for a longer period of time than most other students. I learned that sleeping is way more helpful than drinking multiple cups of coffee a day. It helps your brain rest, cool down from any unwanted design/plan, and allows your brain and body to function well. (Note: exchange the habit of procrastinating into sleeping)

7. Pray.

This was the most powerful tool I found in college. Having faith in what God has given me and using it accordingly is my utmost motivation. I ask for His guidance at every moment, so doing my plates reminded me of the task He gave me, and that I was not doing it alone.

These seven major habits greatly helped me get to where I am now in my fifth year. Although a first-year architecture student has all the pressure of “first times,” I assure you that you will enjoy it as much as I did. Rendering models and achieving straight lines may not look easy, but the fulfillment you get is as high as you get on finishing your plates. I simply took it one step at a time, enjoyed the process of deriving design concepts, and became more patient with finishing my plates. Let’s be honest: the most important hack I can give you is to get enough sleep. So, sleep while you still have time, focus on the necessary steps to overcome your fears, and sharpen the talents that were given to you. Do not get discouraged too quickly because those battles are just parts of where you can learn and grow. Finally, always remember that struggles and hardships will always be part of the process.

Submission from KC, a 5th Year student at UV-Main.

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