How should architecture students spend their university life?

In this blog, I will share my experience of studying architecture at the University of Pécs, and this blog represents my personal views only.

Staying up late is something that every architecture student has to go through; it often feels like all you have left is architectural drawings, so first, you have to have a life of your own. Architectural studies are only part of your life, and they can't be the whole thing. Every successful architect has an enviable daily life, they live their style, and I feel that this is the most important thing. Secondly, it's about meeting your daily studies, and it's not about the grades; it's about what you've learned.
In your first year, you have to study hard and try to enjoy the wonderful freedom of university life. You can participate in all the activities you can, don't have any worries. Maybe now I think that the first year was probably the easiest time I've had in years when I could relax without any guilt and make sure I studied simultaneously.

In your second and third year, the most important thing is to read more because, at this point, some of the architectural competitions you enter have very little chance of winning. The aim is to make you fall in love with the subject, while reading gives you an idea of the direction you want to take in your architectural studies.
Studying architecture is a process of constantly improving oneself and finding oneself; there is still a fundamental difference between an architect and a draftsman.
If you were to ask me how should architecture students spend their university life? - It is up to you, and any answer is meaningless.
But the five years I spent studying architecture at the University of Pécs was painful and enjoyable. I was happy to have met excellent professors who encouraged me and helped me a lot. The pain was the pain of not being able to come up with good proposals and the pain of staying up late on a deadline.
Here are my personal experiences:

1. Draw pictures while watching your favorite drama or movie, do not choose a drama or film you haven't seen; otherwise, you won't be able to draw
2. Do what you want to do. You don't need to read the masters and theoretical works all at once; you can look at them on the Instagram architecture tab, or if you don't feel professional enough, look at some of them on ArchDaily when you think, "omg, I love it" Then go back to the book.
3. If you must stay up late, prepare some snacks (if it is not healthy, please try them carefully)
4. Start learning software early 
5. Have a cup of coffee when you have no inspiration
6. Make sure you learn to draw by hand! It's the best way to document/express your ideas, most importantly!

These are all from personal experience, and I hope you can enjoy your university life!
 

Written by Rujin Wang
International Student Ambassador from China
Architecture OTM
University of Pécs, Faculty Enigneering and IT
rujin.wang@pte.hu