Shillington is the Original Graphic Design Bootcamp Graphic Design Bootcamp

Reflection from Aisha, Shillington New York International Student

2_Aisha_NY_Brooklyn
London-based Aisha Kareem had never been to New York before deciding to study at Shillington, but she calls applying for the M-1 student visa and taking the plunge the “best decision ever!” Today on the blog, we hear more about Aisha’s experience moving across the pond on a student visa, including tips on the interview process, using AirBnB to find the perfect place to live and how to juggle “student-tourist” life.

Why did you decide to move to NYC and study at Shillington?

The main deciding factor was the M-1 visa. If that wasn’t available, NYC would have just been a very distant fantasy. Also, my life in London was pretty much perfect but predictable. I needed a change and I had always wanted to live to NYC for some time so I thought to myself ‘This is your chance. Do it!’.

I was excited about being in a new city, adjusting to a different culture and being inspired by a new visual environment. So it had to be Shillington New York.

How did you find the process of applying for the M-1 Student Visa?

I have travelled to a number of countries around the world in the past and many of them required visas which was always a jarring and long-winded process so I expected nothing less. However I found the process of applying for the M-1 Student Visa surprisingly seamless. The instructions on the Shillington website were concise and really helpful, and so was the checklist on the US Visa website. I was also in contact with the NY Studio Assistant, Victoria, who sent the pre-interview documents I needed within like a day.

Thankfully I never felt unclear about what I needed to do or what was required. On my interview day at the embassy I had a massive folder filled with my documents and was ready to be there for the whole day. To my surprise, I was done within three hours and my visa was approved right there and then! I still get emotional thinking about that day. 

Any suggestions or reminders for anyone who’s going through the application process?

Make sure you’re organised, I would suggest writing down a list of what needs to be done so you’re not overwhelmed by what documents you need. Also ask as much questions as possible so you’re clear about the process. Lastly, at the interview, stay calm and be confident when answering your questions. 

Where did you live in NYC during the course? How did you find your accommodation?

This was something I was worried about because I literally knew nothing about NYC. I didn’t know what places were safe or how much was too much or too little to pay per month. So of course I spent most of my time after work researching accommodation. I decided to use Airbnb because it was perfect for the long-term stay and I didn’t have to go through the effort and cost of a letting agent. I settled on a nice one-bedroom apartment in Inwood (around 207th Street) and commuted from there to school which was a straight train to Times Square. I later realised that I didn’t particularly like the commute or the area so I was only there for the first month. Using Airbnb again, I found another apartment in Brooklyn which I absolutely loved so I stayed there for the rest of my time in NYC. So I would 100% recommend Airbnb to anyone that finds themselves in my situation. 

What were the highlights of your NYC experience?

The biggest highlight was obviously studying at Shillington. It opened up my mind and heart to new ideas and amazing people.

The teaching, the teachers and my fellow course mates were way beyond what I could ever hope for and I will forever be grateful for the experience.

I’m a massive foodie so the food DEFINITELY enhanced my experience. Sorry to my fellow Londoners but London just doesn’t do food as good as NYC.

Another highlight was visiting and just being around iconic places in NY; Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, Chrysler Building (which I saw everyday on the way to school), Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Wall Street, Williamsburg Waterfront, Bedford Avenue, New York Public Library. The list goes on! Lastly a few of my friends from London came to visit me at different times while I was out there so showing them around and welcoming them to my new home was definitely an experience.

Any tips for other international students wanting study at Shillington New York?

It’s tough balancing studying and being a tourist because the course is incredibly intense but don’t forget to take some time out to realise that you’re living in a whole new country. How amazing is that?!

The M-1 Visa allows you to arrive a month before the course begins and stay for a month after the course ends so that a great opportunity to absorb what NY has to offer. I arrived a week before the course started to get familiar with the area and my commute to school, which I would definitely recommend. Then I stayed for three weeks after the course was complete which gave me time to do more touristy things, travel around the US and eat more food. I would definitely recommend every international student to do the same.

Now that you’re back in London, what do you miss most about NYC?

I miss the hustle and bustle of NY, the beautiful architecture, the food, the freedom and expression of art in form of music on the subway or graffiti on the street corners, the food, the unique personalities that each area had, my friends and teachers, learning, and did I mention the food? 

Thanks so much to Aisha for sharing her story! Check out the incredible work she did at Shillington on her website and follow her on Instagram for daily design inspiration.

Want to learn more about Shillington New York’s student visa process? Visit our website or shoot us an e-mail at newyork@shillingtonschool.com. And if you’re curious about accommodation options, take a look at our special partnership with Common.

Want to win some amazing prizes and stay in the loop with all things Shillington? Sign up to our newsletter to automatically go in the draw.