Things I wish I knew (fashion college student)
1. It’s Easy to Feel Like You’re Floating — Anchor Yourself
✨When you go to a non-traditional school, there’s no campus energy, no dorm-wide events, no football games — it’s just you and the city.
✨What helped: Building micro-routines outside of school. A morning walk to the same café, a favorite bookstore, a Pilates class every Thursday. That became my “campus.” It made NYC feel smaller, safer, and more like home.
✨ If you don’t build structure, this city will swallow your sense of direction. Create your own little world inside it.
2) Don’t Compare Yourself to ANYONE
✨This is, in my opinion, the most important tip. I still struggle with comparing myself, as I’m sure many of you do — especially in this type of school environment. People are always going to be ahead of you, doing more important things than you, getting more opportunities than you. Do not let this consume you.
✨For the past two years of school, this has been the main reason behind several of my breakdowns. I felt constantly behind in everything — grades, experiences, anything and everything. But it’s so important to understand that everyone moves at their own pace, and you’ll get to where you want to go eventually. Just breathe.
3. Friendships Take Time — Especially Here
✨NYC friendships don’t form like in traditional colleges. People live in different boroughs, they have jobs, internships, side hustles. Plans get canceled.
✨What helped: Instead of waiting to be invited, I started creating little plans and just asking. Want to walk through Central Park and get coffee after class? Want to thrift in Brooklyn Saturday morning? People crave connection here — they’re just used to being too busy or afraid to ask first.
✨Don’t wait for “the group.” Build your own community, one meaningful connection at a time.
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Starting a fashion school in New York City can be both thrilling and overwhelming. The transition to a non-traditional college environment, where bustling campus life is replaced by the vibrant city itself, poses unique challenges. One crucial piece of advice is to establish daily routines that ground you. For example, find a favorite café or enjoy weekly Pilates to create a familiar sanctuary amidst the chaos. Such practices help mitigate feelings of drifting, essential for maintaining both focus and well-being. Furthermore, it's vital to recognize that comparing yourself to peers can be detrimental, particularly in a competitive field like fashion. Each individual progresses at their own pace, and it's important to celebrate small victories rather than fixate on others' achievements. Remember, fashion is a journey, and your path will unfold in its own time. Building connections in a fast-paced city like NYC requires a proactive approach. While traditional campuses may facilitate friendship-building through regular interactions, NYC's unique lifestyle necessitates intentional effort. Don't wait for invites; take charge by initiating plans and reaching out. Whether it's a walk in Central Park or a thrift shop adventure in Brooklyn, such initiatives foster meaningful relationships. By focusing on building a supportive community, you can enhance your overall college experience. Navigating these aspects, from establishing structure to making friends, can transform your time at fashion school into a more rewarding adventure. Embrace the learning curve as part of your growth in the fashion industry.
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