Within a 4 month span, I learned more than I possibly could have imagined. Topics and programs addressed at other schools are covered from day one at AAU. I learned enough in a year to start doing my own freelance work. Not only did I learn a lot in my own field, but I got to handle slr's and old super 8 cameras, experiment in traditional, 2d, and 3d animating, improve my sketching and sculpting, and learn my way around various design programs.
Did enjoy being here
The academy is not for everyone, primarily because of the setting. I, however, enjoyed going to school at AAU and I've got to say it was the most exciting time of my life. The first year undergraduate dorms are not nearly as nice as the continuing or graduate dorms (which are extremely nice, like hotels or apartments) but they were comfortable and enabled me to enjoy a very active social life. The facilities were conducive to my education and the instructors were friendly and professional. I loved the classes, my classmates, the food, my room, my roommates, the city, everything. Not everyone will have as good an experience as I did, but the school is grade A quality and offers a good education in a creative backdrop.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
You get what you pay for - quality courses, experienced instructors (still working in the field), good facilities - but as a private art school AAU is definitely expensive. Unless you can already afford it, paying the academy's tuition is tough. Use your high school or previous college time to build up your portfolio and activities, then just apply to every grant and scholarship you qualify for. It's a lot of hard work but you have to do what's necessary and once you get to AAU it's worth it.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
-Housing is extremely helpful. You don't have to worry about paying rent, difficult neighbors, etc. You meet more people through the dorms and you have an all-you-can-eat style meal plan ready for you, as well as the academy's student shuttle.
However, if you're having a hard time already affording tuition, I suggest finding a living space or apartment early on before coming to the city. Start looking up places & prices now, as well as potential roommates. Make appointments to see places at least 2 months in advance, every student will be looking and you don't want to end up with a place overpriced that you don't like.
-If you are an incoming freshman ask about submitting your portfolio to get a grant, that's about the only monetary assistance you'll get from the school. Inquire too about working on campus. There are positions available in the cafes, as security, as nude sketch or fashion models, in Utrecht, as lab assistants, and as RA's for the dorms. The academy pays good for their student workers, but landing one of the jobs is highly competitive.
-Look up local craft and art stores for supplies, the school's art store, Utrecht, can get pretty pricey (though they do offer ready made packs with all the supplies needed for each class).
-Manage your time well but don't forget to have a social life. I've seen both extremes at AAU and neither are healthy. There's so much to do and explore at AAU and in the city. Public transportation is convenient, take some friends and go around the bay. Taking advantage of the area will really make the whole experience a good one, and it's a good break from all the school work.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
AAU is great for students at any level, but beginners are fortunate to have a curriculum made for even those who know nothing about the field and teach real knowledge and technique. AAU has an open acceptance, they take in anyone who applies.
However, the courses are rigorous and only those willing to put in the time and effort will see quality results and progress. Expect to be surrounded by intimidating artists and to work hard to get your grade. You’ll see an amazing difference in your work habits and art skill after just one semester.
Within a 4 month span, I learned more than I possibly could have imagined. Topics and programs addressed at other schools are covered from day one at AAU. I learned enough in a year to start doing my own freelance work. Not only did I learn a lot in my own field, but I got to handle slr's and old super 8 cameras, experiment in traditional, 2d, and 3d animating, improve my sketching and sculpting, and learn my way around various design programs.
The academy is not for everyone, primarily because of the setting. I, however, enjoyed going to school at AAU and I've got to say it was the most exciting time of my life. The first year undergraduate dorms are not nearly as nice as the continuing or graduate dorms (which are extremely nice, like hotels or apartments) but they were comfortable and enabled me to enjoy a very active social life. The facilities were conducive to my education and the instructors were friendly and professional. I loved the classes, my classmates, the food, my room, my roommates, the city, everything. Not everyone will have as good an experience as I did, but the school is grade A quality and offers a good education in a creative backdrop.
You get what you pay for - quality courses, experienced instructors (still working in the field), good facilities - but as a private art school AAU is definitely expensive. Unless you can already afford it, paying the academy's tuition is tough. Use your high school or previous college time to build up your portfolio and activities, then just apply to every grant and scholarship you qualify for. It's a lot of hard work but you have to do what's necessary and once you get to AAU it's worth it.
-Housing is extremely helpful. You don't have to worry about paying rent, difficult neighbors, etc. You meet more people through the dorms and you have an all-you-can-eat style meal plan ready for you, as well as the academy's student shuttle. However, if you're having a hard time already affording tuition, I suggest finding a living space or apartment early on before coming to the city. Start looking up places & prices now, as well as potential roommates. Make appointments to see places at least 2 months in advance, every student will be looking and you don't want to end up with a place overpriced that you don't like. -If you are an incoming freshman ask about submitting your portfolio to get a grant, that's about the only monetary assistance you'll get from the school. Inquire too about working on campus. There are positions available in the cafes, as security, as nude sketch or fashion models, in Utrecht, as lab assistants, and as RA's for the dorms. The academy pays good for their student workers, but landing one of the jobs is highly competitive. -Look up local craft and art stores for supplies, the school's art store, Utrecht, can get pretty pricey (though they do offer ready made packs with all the supplies needed for each class). -Manage your time well but don't forget to have a social life. I've seen both extremes at AAU and neither are healthy. There's so much to do and explore at AAU and in the city. Public transportation is convenient, take some friends and go around the bay. Taking advantage of the area will really make the whole experience a good one, and it's a good break from all the school work.
AAU is great for students at any level, but beginners are fortunate to have a curriculum made for even those who know nothing about the field and teach real knowledge and technique. AAU has an open acceptance, they take in anyone who applies. However, the courses are rigorous and only those willing to put in the time and effort will see quality results and progress. Expect to be surrounded by intimidating artists and to work hard to get your grade. You’ll see an amazing difference in your work habits and art skill after just one semester.