If you’re thinking about studying architecture, starting your first year, or heading into work placement, this guide is for you. Architecture is as much about the process as it is about the final result, and that’s something many students don’t realise until they’re already deep into the course.

Not everyone who studies architecture goes on to become an architect, and that’s okay.

I remember hearing this during a RIBA Part III introduction talk and thinking, why would anyone go through all of this and not become an architect? Years later, with experience in practice, education, and life, I understand it differently. I am many things. One of them is an architect.

These are the seven things I wish I’d understood earlier, and that I now share with my own students.

One of the most important things you can do early on is start building your portfolio. This Portfolio Preparation Guide walks you through how to prepare for university interviews. If you’re looking for a broader overview of what architecture school really demands, start with my guide on how to study architecture effectively.

Architecture Student Tips for Starting University

Starting architecture school successfully means choosing the right course, building a strong portfolio, developing your design skills early, and gaining real-world experience before your first studio project begins.

1. Research Different Architecture Courses

Compare course structure, studio culture, and portfolio requirements to find a programme that suits your strengths and interests.

2. Develop a Portfolio Early

Focus on process work, sketching, photography, and experimentation - universities want to see how you think, not just final outcomes.

3. Enhance Your Design and Drawing Skills

Practice hand drawing, model making, and visual communication before university to build confidence in studio.

4. Stay Informed About Architecture

Read architecture books and magazines, follow practices online, and learn basic architectural vocabulary.

5. Gain Relevant Experience

Work experience in an architecture or design studio helps you understand how the profession really operates.

6. Visit Buildings and Interior Spaces

Seeing real architecture develops your spatial awareness and strengthens your design thinking.

7. Understand the Length of the Architecture Journey

Be prepared for a long but rewarding path - architecture typically takes seven years of study and training.

If you’re serious about studying architecture, start with my complete guide to studying architecture effectively.

architecture student tips for starting university studio culture portfolio and study advice

What should I do before my first year of architecture school?

Investigate different architecture schools to find the one that best aligns with your interests and goals, and don’t be afraid to change for your post-graduate studies. Look into their curriculum (what you will learn), faculty (the people teaching you), and the opportunities they offer for hands-on learning. Visit them and get a feel for the school and the studio; it’s important. Speak to any student on campus, and they’ll tell you first-hand what the course is like.

Brush up on your drawing, model-making, and computer-aided design (CAD) skills. These will be fundamental tools throughout your studies and career. Take online courses, download free workbooks, search YouTube, and set yourself some challenges to get you off to a good start and keep your skills up.

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What makes tutors notice a student instantly?

Keep up with current trends in architecture and design. Read architectural journals. Don’t just follow a handful of random designers on Instagram, but follow influential architects and design accounts, and attend lectures, webinars and degree shows where you can.

Look for internships or work opportunities that provide practical experience in the field. A summer work placement can be a great start before university or during term breaks. Even if it's just shadowing an architect or interior designer for a day, it can provide valuable insights and connections.

Whenever possible, visit buildings and interior/exterior spaces that inspire you. Understanding architecture in context will deepen your appreciation and inform your designs. Take in the landscape, lighting, materials, and acoustics. Try to capture your visit artistically with photos and sketches. These help train your eye and can also be used in your portfolio.

Understand that studying architecture is a marathon and not a sprint. Finding a balance that allows you to thrive both academically and personally can be a huge challenge. Don’t be surprised if you feel the need to take a break, a year out of your “year out”, go travelling, work another job, earn some money, fall out of love with architecture (I’ve done that a few times), fall back in love with it (always). Keep an open mind, do your best and do what is best for you.

What are the most common first-year architecture mistakes?

Scraping through and barely passing, usually because you either stopped attending class, you didn’t submit the required submission criteria for projects, or you are just in the wrong course, and it’s reflected in what you have produced. If it’s the latter and you know it but aren’t facing up to it, I urge you to save yourself time and energy and just meet with the faculty staff to talk about it. Chances are you can easily transfer to another course and not lose out on time or credits.

If it’s because you stopped coming to class, you know this. You might be burning the candle at both ends, and enjoying student life a little too much, but hey, that’s what the first year is about - you buckle down in the second year. And you’d better.

But if it’s about failing, bad grades and not submitting work that is “good enough”, then you can work on this, and it’s ok. Speak to the tutor - they want to help you. Make sure you understand what they are looking for and what you need to produce. Sit in on all student pin-ups and crits - you will learn a lot from your classmates and other years’ project presentations. Be visible, do not blend in or worse, hide.

How do architecture students build a portfolio from day one?

Begin compiling your portfolio to showcase your creative work. Focus on quality over quantity, and ensure your portfolio tells a cohesive story about your design philosophy and skills so far. Even if it just starts with one sketch, document your journey and start to tell your story. Your portfolio is an expression of yourself, and you should brand it from day one.

What to do next

Related post: Learn the difference between 1-Point and 2-Point Perspective

Resource: Download the Perspective Practice Sheets (free)

Next step: Explore the full Perspective Drawing Ebook

Book a Portfolio Review

Embrace the Journey

Studying architecture is a transformative experience that will challenge and inspire you in equal measure. Be open to learning from every experience, and never stop questioning the status quo.