Q: How has your first term at BCS been?

A: Amazing! Honestly, I really enjoy it here. I’ve made lots of friends. I really enjoy the process of studying itself, and I find it very satisfying to go to my lessons.

Q: What subjects have you been enjoying the most?

A: I think my personal favourite is Photography. I really like the teachers and the projects. It’s entertaining, we take photos, we edit them and turn them into a project. It’s really interesting.

Q: Did you study photography in Russia or did you start at BCS?

A: No, this is one of the reasons why I moved, and I decided to study here. My country doesn’t offer such courses. Photography, Music, or Music Technology can’t be studied in most Russian schools.

Q: How long have you been studying music for?

A: I’ve been studying music for about 11 years now. It’s been a long time because I graduated Russian music school and then decided I wanted to keep it up and continue to learn it somewhere else - which was BCS.

Q: What instruments do you play?

A: My main instrument is the flute, but I play piano as well. I’m starting the saxophone and playing guitar and ukelele.

Q: Are there any musicians or composers that you’re particularly inspired by?

A: Definitely, there’s plenty of them to be honest. At this stage of my life, I’m really into academic music I must say. Right now, it’s a composer who’s writing music for films and TV shows, Angelo Badalamenti. You may have heard him in ‘Twin Peaks’ or other movies and TV shows. I highly enjoy his works, it’s very inspiring.

Q: How are you finding living in a multi-cultural boarding house?

A: I do feel extremely comfortable talking about the combination of different nationalities and mentalities. It’s not a problem that we don’t have many Russian or Slavic students because everyone is capable of connecting without having mutual languages or cultural standards. It was surprising to me that there weren’t that many Russian students, but it doesn’t make me any less comfortable being here.

Q: What would you say to someone who was considering coming to BCS?

A: I would say that you shouldn’t be afraid at all. The way I live my life is making sure I’m confident with my decisions. If you want to try something new, then BCS is one of the best options you have because there’s plenty of interesting people that are highly dedicated to what they’re doing and this is such a rare vibrant community. But the main thing I can say is to not be afraid and try it out. That’s the most important.