Goldsmiths, University Of London www.goldsmiths.ac.uk

Ever since applying to study MA social research at Goldsmiths University, I have experienced problems.

Firstly, the level of support provided is very weak. Disabled student's support didn't know I had Autism even though I'd declared it when I applied. Right now, I can't get anyone to sign my DSA form. Nobody replies to emails and I'm constantly told that the university is too busy to deal with me.

The taught sessions are also quite poor. Each session is 3 hours long, which is far too long to take anything in, and there's groupwork in every single session, which I despise.The univeristy is trying to give students to make lectures more interactive. However, in practice, this 'interactivity' just serves as an apportunity for some loud-mouthed student to talk about themselves.

Library and IT services are also bad. There's very few books and computers at the university.

I'm really disapointed with the course. If it weren't for the money I'd already spent in fees and rent, I'd have dropped out by now.

I would like to put forward my views to balance out the negative views of others. I am having the time of my life at this university. There is fantastic diversity amongst my classmates, the class is only about 50% white, amongst which you have students ranging from true working class to middle class to upper class, english to austrian, aged 22 to 40. The other 50% are black and have the same age and class diversity, but also around half are from west african or caribbean nations. And these factors dont even take into account the most important diversity which is diversity of professional experience, something that really enhances the learning experience for all involved. Everyone has a good attitude to the course and each other, I think the selection process is commendable.

As for the university itself, the library facilities are good - you might struggle to find a computer to work on unless you know where to look (a thorough exploration of all the rooms in the library is often needed) but I've never failed to find one when Ive really needed it.

There is a decent range of clubs and societies, the uni run nightlife i have to admit i have not partaken in but the entirety of new cross road has a great array of pubs and eateries, many of them with a built in student discount.

I think what stands out for me about this college though is the community atmosphere - it is not a large campus but this really lends itself a friendlier more personable experience to the student.

I have to admit that although the teaching is almost entirely excellent, I resent having a good proportion of the course taught by a phd student, whose lectures are not up to scratch and who consistently 'forgets' to get back to emails or give timely feedback. For the money we are paying I think the fully qualified staff should take a greater role.

This has been my experience at Goldsmiths University

Lack of facilities: classes were cancelled on many occasions due to lack of classrooms. When we were lucky enough to have a class room the facilities were horrible cramped and did not adequate heating. Some of our lectures were held in classrooms with not enough seats and students sat on the floor.

No diversity: the campus I found was very middle class.

Poor teaching: a week an assignment was due we received guidance as to how the assignment should be done.

Personal Tutors have not answered my emails.

Some students that attend this university are of poor quality for example: I am a postgraduate student and a fellow student did not know the difference between qualitative and quantitative data. My sister is in high school and she knows. If you raise the issue ? how am I suppose to do research with individuals who do not understand the term methodology. Answer: many people on this course have never done research methods. My question would be what on earth did you do in your undergrad Studies? And if you did not do research in your undergrad. You should not be here.

Goldsmiths is my second university, after quitting a certain South West university last year. I felt I defiantly made the right choice, but I also felt that I probably could have stayed at the other university if I... A) Made the right choice in the fist place, and B) Stuck to what I was doing and held my head up.

The best piece of advice I could give is that you need to make the right choices with your courses. If you're not 100% sure, don't do it! Secondly, University is what you make of it. People aren't going to make friends with you (they might if you're lucky), but you also need to be extrovert and go with an open mind. People are often quite subdued in the first week, so make the most of freshers week and don't be afraid to adapt to change.