Kristina Kurkina completed the Kings Art & Design Foundation and went on to study Fashion at Kingston University.
She talked to us about how Kings helped her get here.
Hi Kristina. Why did you choose Kings to do your Art Foundation course?
The college has a very good reputation and I liked the variety of the subjects I could choose from amongst which my favourite and most important was Art. In addition Oxford seemed like a good place to start this 'grown up' journey. It has a nice student community and amazing mixture of cultures and similar ages. This made it easier to improve my English.
How does Kings help students achieve their goals?
Apart from the vast amounts of attention that students receive from the tutors there is an amazing stream of inspiration coming from the Vice Principal. I'd always been fascinated by the amount of care put into relationship and her personal involvement with student's life, their successes and difficulties.
What makes studying at Kings so good?
I loved the fact that groups were really small, hence every student could get more attention. In classes everyone could express their point of view. I personally learnt how to listen carefully and create an interesting, balanced discussion.
"I loved the fact that groups were really small, hence every student could get more attention. In classes everyone could express their point of view."
What do you like about life in the UK?
Culture and Art. Endless resources of inspiration, history, breath-taking architecture and ability to mix with people of different ages and cultural backgrounds. I enjoyed doing internship where I could meet and communicate with professional people and learn a lot from them!
What are your plans for the future?
I am planning to develop my skills as much as possible to become really good at designing and creating. After my graduation I would love to stay in the UK to get a good taste of working in the fast-moving fashion industry. I am in love with this country I want to become a part of its creative life.
How did the teaching at Kings help you to succeed at university?
Getting into a habit of working hard, being more serious and responsible about my future and doing it for myself is one of the most crucial lessons I’d learnt. Tutors at Kings made it clear from the first days we're not there to please them but to achieve something that we’re aiming for.
