Meet BA Fashion Communication: Image and Promotion student Vivian Liu

We recently caught up with Vivian Liu, a BA Fashion Communication: Image and Promotion student at Central Saint Martins. Vivian gives us insight into her move from Sydney to London and her experience as a student at UAL.

What made you decide to study in London and at UAL?

I started off as a Fine Art and Media Communication student in Sydney. I always wanted to study a fashion-related course at uni since I had an interest in styling and photography however, the only available course directly related to fashion in Sydney was Fashion Design. I’ve always wanted to go to Europe as it is one of the most influential regions for fashion and art. That’s when I came across UAL through my research. It wasn’t just London’s diverse mix of cultures and backgrounds that drew me in, but also its strong sense of inclusivity. This made me feel that both my Chinese roots and Western upbringing would be acknowledged and welcomed. From my research I discovered that UAL encourages students to explore and experiment with innovative ideas, broadens their perspectives, and supports them in showcasing their work. That’s when I knew UAL was where I wanted to study.

How did you hear about BA Fashion Communication and what made you apply for the course?

I heard about BA Fashion Communication: Image and promotion through Chinese social media. A student was sharing about her time on the course. From what I’ve seen, not many people in China or Australia are familiar with the course. Through hearing her story, I was exposed to something very new to me. It was the first time I’d come across a course that offered such freedom of exploration — allowing students to experiment with various pathways like photography, styling, creative direction, and post-production across different visual forms, without being limited to fixed roles or outcomes. To me, this was a perfect degree, as it provided many projects for students to experiment with many visual techniques and career pathways. It matched my way of creating.

How did you find the process of applying from Australia to study at UAL?

The process of applying from Australia was smooth. UAL’s Australian representative was extremely helpful. They organised several events where we could learn more about the university and the courses on offer. They also invited alumni to share their experiences at UAL, which helped ease my concerns about moving to a new environment. They consistently followed up on my questions and provided professional sessions to review my portfolio and share other important information. In the end, everything felt much less difficult than I had expected.

How have you found the student community?

The student community at UAL is incredibly welcoming and friendly, with people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. It’s an inclusive environment where everyone can share their story without judgement. You’ll find like-minded people with similar backgrounds, as well as those with completely different perspectives. At first, I found some people to be a bit reserved, but once they opened up, they were genuinely kind and friendly.

How has the transition been from Sydney to London?

The transition was challenging at first, especially when adapting to the different weather. London’s winters are much colder than Sydney’s, and the cold season lasted even longer than I expected. I also had to adjust to the currency difference — the pound is stronger than the Australian dollar, yet prices are quite similar, so I had to be mindful with my spending. Despite these initial challenges, meeting new people and making friends really helped me settle in. Exploring a new, creative environment so different from Sydney, has been incredibly inspiring and has deepened my passion for this career path.

What's your favourite spot in London so far?

So far, my favourite spot would probably be Soho. It’s not just the variety of shops to explore but some of my favourite bookstores and coffee shops are there too. The area is full of artistic inspiration, but also has plenty of relaxed spots to hang out with friends.

What do you hope to get out of your time at UAL and in London?

During my time at UAL and in London, I hope to gain some of the most unforgettable and valuable experiences, especially those that challenge me in areas related to a fashion career path. I see this time as a period of trial and error, where I can explore different paths and discover what I’m truly passionate about and skilled in. With the many opportunities UAL offers and London’s creative atmosphere that encourages artistic expression, I know I’ll deeply value the experiences I gain here. I believe they’ll become a foundation I can treasure and will help lead me somewhere exciting.