Aida Aghayeva

My Journey to the AA: How World Travel and a Year of Preparation Shaped My Architecture Studies

Hi! My name is Aida, and I’m currently 20 years old, diving into my third year of architecture studies. It’s been quite the educational adventure, taking me from Newcastle University for my first year to the prestigious Architectural Association School of Architecture (AA) in London, England, where I’ve spent the last two years.

From Canvas to Concrete: Why Architecture?

My interest in creativity started early. Since childhood, I was immersed in the arts, constantly attending art classes. As time went by, though, my focus began to shift. I found myself increasingly drawn to the more technical aspects of design.

The real inspiration, however, came from the world itself. Traveling and seeing the diverse urban fabric of cities across the globe was eye-opening. Seeing how different cultures built, shaped, and inhabited their environments crystallized my decision: architecture was going to be my occupation.

The Dream School and The Need for Preparation

The AA School of Architecture is renowned globally, especially for its unique approach to developing individual creativity in student projects. It was a dream school for me. However, I didn’t jump straight into the AA for my first year, and there were a few important reasons why:

• Age and Readiness: I wasn’t quite old enough yet.

• The Dedication Factor: More importantly, I felt unprepared for the sheer amount of work and dedication required. I knew I needed a solid foundation and some preparation before taking on such a challenging program.

Finding My Anchor: Support Through the Storm

This is where I owe a great deal of thanks to Caspian Hazri. They were instrumental in guiding me through this complex process. They provided unwavering support, not just with the mountain of documents needed for international study, but also emotionally. They truly felt like a second family, and I’m very proud of that relationship.

When I finally started, the initial few months were definitely a struggle—the culture shock was intense! But as time passed, I adapted, learned to be more independent, and made some incredibly valuable memories.

I feel like taking that preparatory step was a very valuable experience for me.

Stepping into Adulthood: The Value of Studying Abroad

If you have the opportunity to study abroad, I strongly believe you should take it. It offers so much more than just a degree:

1. Global Perspective: You learn how the world works and how people from all over the globe think.

2. Independence: It forces you into the first phase of your adult life, where you learn to act individually and manage your own world.

3. Knowledge Expansion: You get to broaden your knowledge and information far beyond what you might have access to in your own homeland.

To navigate this exciting but challenging transition, finding the right support is crucial. For me, that support was Caspian Hazri. They helped me with every step—from the physical documentation struggles to the emotional ups and downs. Honestly, I don’t feel I would have been able to go through it without them.