You'll never really know everything unless you try it right? Well, after majoring and getting my undergraduate degree in architecture at Ohio State, I learned a lot. However there is a lot of stuff that came with the major, that I wish someone told me about before I majored in architecture.

Thinking

You cannot Google any answer. There is no right nor wrong answer to architecture. And the major as a whole is really subjective. But because there is no right or wrong answer, you have to seriously put your brain to work. Thinking of creative solutions is not always easy. Sometimes a creative block can be detrimental to a project deadline, however, power through - you got this!

Architecture Lingo

There are so many new terms in the field of architecture you will have to quickly learn. Some of them are more complex than others. But, once you learn the basic architecture lingo, the major and field becomes easier. I created an architecture terminology series which you can view on my YouTube channel if interested!

Review Days

So much work is required to prepare for a final review day in the major. Hours, days, weeks, and months of hard work boil down to a 8 minute long presentation only to be roasted (sometimes - not all the time!) but roasted by the jury. To best prep for a review day, go home and shower. Make yourself look presentable and be respectful toward your jury. The jury provides invaluable knowledge to the conversation and pushes your mind's boundaries. It is a good thing! But at the same time it can be stressful!

Lack of Closure

When does an architecture student actually finish a project? Although reviews signal the ending of a project with that deadline, however it can be unfulfilling. It can be frustrating too. Also there is much internal debate if you should return to your drawings and redo them. Or, do you just give up on it? Who knows!

Toolkits are Expensive

I've stated this multiple times on my YouTube channel! But, I had to buy so many toolkits and "student discounted kits" that my teachers told me to buy. I literally did not even use everything and just wasted a boatload of money. Instead of listening to my professors, I really should have asked the seniors in the class if they used everything that was in the kit. They probably would have said no! On this site, I compiled a list of items I actually have used myself or know that would help any architecture student. So if you are new to the major, but do not know what is actually necessary in the major, I would check that out!

Physical Model Making

Be warned!!! Your first model will look absolutely terrible. But you will have some sense of pride in it. Until your pride is crushed when you show your friends what you have been working on and it looks like trash. But keep your head up. Also, another thing to point out is that you can also injure yourself while making a model, I have known a bunch of people who have cut their finger skin off and hurt their nail beds from not being hyper-focused on modelmaking. Keep in mind you are using sharp blades when model making. So pay attention and consider keeping some band-aids in studio!

All Nighters in Studio

Coffee is your new BEST FRIEND! Architecture majors are in fact the most sleep deprived major. I can attest to this. Lack of sleep is just considered a normal part of this territory. One thing I did not know though was how all nighters disrupt my body's natural rhythm. So after pulling an all nighter, I get intense stomach pains and my body physically hurts sometimes.

Music and Movies

A total perk to the major is that you can watch movies and listen to podcasts while you work on studio. When you get to a comfortable point in studio where you have to think less, and mindlessly work, that is when you can jam out or binge watch a new series! It is great!

Wrecked Posture

Every architect and architecture student seems to have the posture of a shrimp. So, find yourself a very nice chiropractor.

Balance of Work and Play

Just please trust me on this: learn to say no. You do not have to committed to everything. Architecture is very intense and just learn to say no!

Resources

There are so many wonderful resources available to any college student. But make sure you know what they are and actually use them. Keep in mind you are paying for this degree, and it is your professor/TA/GTA/advisor to help you out! Don't burn bridges either! A lot of professors will hire students to work at their own firms - so go the extra mile and stand out in studio. Work hard now and reap the benefits later. Also use your friendships to your advantage too! Your friends in the architecture major are going to learn so much alongside with you. I have learned so much from my peers in the architecture major - it is fantastic!

Software

There are a ridiculous amount of softwares you are expected to know. You are expected to know photoshop and adobe illustrator almost off the bat. Summer before you go to school, watch some tutorials do some fun vector art, learn how to photoshop the tower of Pisa in ur backyard. Do something to prepare!

Trips and Traveling

A HUGE PLUS! Traveling becomes a whole different experience and adventure. You know more about buildings and the art behind their design. The world becomes more beautiful to you.

Creativity

With the major, you are encouraged to be as creative as possible. This is the part of architecture I love, where I can really express myself.

Starting Salary

You will not be a starving artist, but you will not be making doctor - kind - of - money. I am making this analogy as you go to school for architecture for about 7-8 years! In a way, we become doctors of buildings. I digress. The starting salary for an architect has a vast range. But if you are in the field for a bit of time, expect to be making around $80,000USD.

Wavering Motivation

There are so many challenges with this major. And there is this constant voice in the back of your head, thinking maybe architecture is not the right path for you. Even though starting salary is not great, understand that architecture in general is a labor of love. It takes a lot of dedication. But once you work your way up, and understand how the benefits of architecture outweigh the frustrations, that is when you know architecture is perfect for you! Stay positive! You got this!