London By the Letter: Creative Writing in the U.K.
Every fall, the Accent London study center welcomes first-year students from UC Berkeley participating in the Global Edge – First-Year Program. Students gain international experience from the very beginning of college, through a combination of courses and on-site learning. As a part of the Reading and Composition course, students participated in a “Zine Fair.” The task was for students to create a newspaper or magazine on a topic, place, or community within London. To accomplish this task, students conducted hands-on field research, exploring specific areas of the city to immerse themselves in their chosen subject. This research included street interviews, photography, sketches, and on-the-ground observations from various London neighborhoods.
The resulting “Zines” were vibrant and diverse, each combining written content—such as stories, blurbs, or reportage—with visual elements like photography, illustrations, and drawings. No two projects were alike, reflecting the unique interests and perspectives of the students.
On October 29th, students presented their final projects in a dynamic, two-part event. The classroom was transformed into a colorful exhibition space where students showcased their creations. First, each student presented their Zine individually to the professor and classmates. Following this, the space opened up for an interactive exhibition-style showcase. Students had the opportunity to view each other’s work more closely, ask questions, and discuss the inspiration and research behind the projects. Accent staff and students from other universities, including Colgate College and the University of Southern California, also attended, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
The Zine Fair brought out the students’ artistic and creative talents, with each project reflecting its creator’s individuality and academic exploration of London. Topics ranged widely, from a food guide to Chinatown’s most authentic restaurants and tips on avoiding tourist traps, to an in-depth look at the evolution of beauty standards in London. The diversity of the projects highlighted how the format of each Zine was shaped by its topic.
This assignment was designed not only to help students discover London from an academic perspective but also to encourage them to channel their creativity into their coursework. Professor Sam Dolbear emphasized that “University should be more than just writing papers and taking exams,” and this project embodied that philosophy by allowing students to blend critical thinking with artistic expression.
To read more about this first-year program, visit our website. Accent collaborates with partner universities in developing semester programs for first-year students. From curriculum development and on-site support, these programs are designed with the specific needs of freshmen in mind, with a strong focus on residence life and student services. If you are interested in developing your customized first-year program, reach out to us at development@accentglobal.com