<p>i got accepted into both and im hesitating which one to choose</p>
<ul>
<li>i know more people in parsons and new york but i have friends who will be going to csm</li>
<li>i have more financial aid at parsons</li>
<li>housing situation is better at csm</li>
<li>at csm i can easily change to camberwell if i decide to purely pursue illustration</li>
<li>some say tutors leave you to sink or swim at csm</li>
<li>culture shock greater in london ( im from hk but i've visited the us a few times)</li>
<li>cutting edge art and innovation is supposed to be developing more in europe</li>
<li>at parsons i have a wider selection of art schools to easily transfer to (im a us citizen)</li>
<li>parsons is very design centered whereas central saint martins will support an illustration career better </li>
</ul>
<p>are these things ive heard true?
what should i choose, which one can i learn more from?</p>
<p>Do NOT go to parsons. Unless you are studying fashion (which you’re not) there are many many many other better schools to choose from. School like MICA and RISD excel in illustration. Depending on your style SVA or Pratt might do the trick.</p>
<p>I just finished going to CSM (illustration)- it’s expensive. You seem to have a decent amount of money though if Parsons and CSM are the only schools you are debating about.
I am also guessing that this is your first year, foundation? CSM has a great foundation program (second semester mainly). At the end of the year, once you have established a portfolio, you have the option to apply to one of UAL (University of the Arts London) 6 schools in the field of your choice. You can of course apply externally but you have a great chance to be accepted internally.
Camberwell is pretty good for illustration, as is LCC (where I later got accepted). I would avoid Chelsea and Wimbledon and London College of Fashion.</p>
<p>Problems with CSM:
The housing is bad. If you go to Don Gratton or Manna Ash it’s not too bad, but it’s not very sociable. If you’re stuck in one in south London (past Elephant and Castle) don’t bother going. Ewen Henderson isn’t awful since it’s close to Goldsmiths, but still. I was realllly lucky with my flat mates. If you do go there, don’t get a flat on the walk way (you’ll never sleep).<br>
Your entire course grade is based on your final project reviewed by one of your tutors. If that tutor doesn’t like it, you’re screwed (I’m speaking from their illustration department)
Be prepared to do research constantly (even in your sleep)</p>
<p>Bottom line is CSM is better than Parsons New School.
Even so:
If you are living east-coast USA (or even west) I would suggest staying there. It was extremely stressful moving to the UK even though I have extensive relatives and friends. It is also extremely difficult to transfer the credits you earn- even to art schools. I actually had one college (not art specific, more liberal arts school) reject it entirely.</p>
<p>I hope this helps somewhat. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.</p>