How to Romanticize your Life as an Architecture Student

1. Travel (Yes, Even on a Student Budget)

I get it—traveling can seem like a luxury when you’re a student spending all your money on cardboard :) But trust me, this is your sign to save up a little and invest in experiences outside the studio. If your university organizes trips, be the first to sign up. You can’t become an architect just by staring at a screen for hours-architecture is something you need to experience in real life. And no, you don’t need to book a flight to another country (we’re all on a budget, I get it). Hop on a train to the nearest city and spend a day exploring—walk the streets, look up at the buildings, and really take it in. Don’t be shy about lingering in front of a structure or even running your hand along the surface. It’s about connecting with the spaces you’ll one day design.

Last year, I joined a university-organized trip to Venice, and it was one of the best decisions I made. Seeing the architecture up close was incredible—Venice is truly a city you have to experience in person to fully appreciate. I loved every second of it.

2. Study Group

Misery loves company, and honestly, that’s what saved me during my years of architecture school. You know that moment when you’re panicking about not having done enough for your critique tomorrow, and you call a friend only to find out they haven’t even started yet? It’s oddly comforting and somehow makes the stress a little easier to handle. Having study buddies who are in the same boat kept me going, even when I felt like I was falling behind.

But beyond just easing the guilt, working together makes the process a lot more enjoyable. There’s something special about having company while building a model or brainstorming ideas—it’s less lonely and way more fun. Put on some music or play a movie in the background, and suddenly a long night in the studio doesn’t feel so daunting. Plus, you get to learn from each other, swap tips, and share materials. It’s a win-win: you’re more productive, and you don’t have to suffer through it alone.

3. Visit Galleries and Architecture Exhibitions

Last year, I had the opportunity to visit the Architecture Biennale in Venice, and it was very inspiring. Each pavillon told a different story about the complex relationship between collonialism and architecture. Walking through the exhibits, I found myself moved by the way architecture can serve as a lens for understanding deeper historical and cultural contexts.

Even if you can’t make it to major international events, look for local exhibitions, gallery shows, or pop-up installations in your city. These visits don’t just give you a break from your laptop screen; they open your mind to new ideas and perspectives you might never have considered. So, grab a friend, take a few hours to explore, and let yourself get inspired. You’ll be surprised at how much it can recharge your creativity.

These are upcoming events in Europe that I would love to visit :

ARCHITECTURE MATTERS 2025 https://architecturematters.eu/en/

RESPONSIVE CITIES SYMPOSIUM 2025 https://iaac.net/responsive-cities-symposium-2025-call-for-papers-projects/

OSLO ARCHITECTURE TRIENNALE 2025 https://www.oslotriennale.no/about

4. TAKE YOUR TIME!

I’ll be honest with you: it took me two extra years to graduate, and for a long time, I felt embarrassed about it. Watching friends finish their degrees sooner made it feel like less of an achievement, but I wish someone had told me what I’m telling you now: take your time—no, enjoy your time! Seriously, this is the only phase of life where you have this much freedom and opportunity, so don’t rush it. Go on the excursions, attend the university parties, join study groups, and soak in every moment. YOLO might sound cliché, but it’s true! You’ll never be this young again, with so much room to explore, make mistakes, and create memories. One day, you’ll be telling your kids about the crazy nights in the studio or the spontaneous trips with friends. The pressure to "keep up" with others is overrated—careers, mortgages, and all that adult stuff can wait. This is your time to live fully, so make the most of it!

5. Don’t Throw Everything Away

I get it—those giant models and endless rolls of plans take up a lot of space in your tiny student apartment, and after a stressful critique, you might just want to throw everything out. But trust me, keeping some of those pieces as memories is incredibly valuable.

Last week, I found the portfolio I submitted to get into university, and I was surprisingly emotional looking through it. It’s a nice reminder of how far I’ve come. Plus, let’s be honest—some of our models, no matter how imperfect, can actually make for pretty cool décor!

So before you throw everything away in frustration after a critique because your professor insulted you and your mum, take a moment to step back. At least take good pictures of your models or sketches before you say goodbye to them. These little moments can help you reflect on your journey, and they’ll be super useful when it’s time to build your portfolio later on. You’ll be amazed at how meaningful these “forgotten” creations will become over time

Now This... This is what I call art.