During Anastasiia's time at Kingston College she was recognised at the Rotary Adult Awards:
"I was honoured to receive the Rotary Adult Award during my time at Kingston College. It was awarded in recognition of my academic progress and personal development. It meant a lot to me as it reflected the journey I had taken to restart my education in a new country.
"My tutor Rob Miller once told me: ‘Don’t think, just do.’ That simple phrase stays with me. Sometimes the best way forward is to stop overthinking and just start — that’s how real change begins."
Why did you choose an Access course?
Studying architecture has always been my dream. After moving to the UK from Ukraine, I was looking for a course that would give me a strong foundation in art and design and prepare me for university. The Access to Art & Design course provided exactly that – a balance of practical and theoretical learning, and the opportunity to build a portfolio suitable for higher education.
Why did you choose Kingston College?
I chose Kingston College because of its excellent reputation and its supportive environment for adult learners. The facilities, especially the spacious studios and access to materials, really stood out to me. I also appreciated the friendly, professional atmosphere and the dedication of the tutors.
Was College life what you expected?
From the very beginning, I felt encouraged and supported. The atmosphere was creative and supportive, and I found myself surrounded by passionate people. But what truly made the experience special was individual attention from tutors and the chance to explore my ideas freely. Rob Miller, my architecture tutor, was the person I worked with the most – his teaching helped me understand architectural thinking and design on a deeper level. Emily Limna was always there to support me in every possible way – her encouragement meant so much, especially during challenging moments. It truly felt like a space where I could grow creatively and personally.
What are you doing now? Has the course helped in your future career plans?
I’m very happy to say that I’ve been accepted to study Architecture at Bartlett School of Architecture at UCL. The Access course played a key role in this journey, giving me the tools, portfolio, direction I needed and confidence in presenting my ideas.
Since completing the course, I’ve also been actively involved in the architecture world: I volunteer at architecture events in London and Chicago, take part in workshops at Royal Institute of British Architects, which continue to shape my understanding and passion for the field.
