Cosplay and College

[fleur_fraise]

I'm in my senior year of high school right now, and this past weekend I went to a preview of the college I'll likely be (hopefully!) attending next fall. But after talking to my mom, the people in charge of various sections of the college, and a few students there, I'm starting to wonder if it's even possible for me to continue making cosplay and doing sewing commissions in college, at least while being a freshman or living in the dorms. I mean I'd survive if I couldn't- school does come first and I have plenty of costumes I can re-wear.

Basically, I'm asking this:
Current or former college students (especially those of you who have lived in dorms) how did you continue cosplaying? Did you cosplay at all? Did you have time? Tell me everything.

[Washougal_Otaku]

Well, in my case, I'd buy my cosplays.  I don't sew at all, so I'd have to rely on others to make my cosplays for me.  There's an old saying: "If you love something enough, you'll find a way to make it happen."

[fleur_fraise]

Oh I have a hatred of bought costumes, it's usually just cheaper to make them yourself, plus they look and fit a ton better.

[Washougal_Otaku]

Well, I was implying having someone else making them for you.  That's what I've done with all of my costumes thus far (though I'm probably going to change that this year).

[nyahaha]

KATIE I'LL MAKE THEM FOR YOU AS CHRISTMAS/BIRTHDAY PRESENTSSSSSSSS

[Washougal_Otaku]

See?  You've already got an option!

[fleur_fraise]

KATIE I'LL MAKE THEM FOR YOU AS CHRISTMAS/BIRTHDAY PRESENTSSSSSSSS

OKAYYYY~

[Washougal_Otaku]

Glad I could be of help.

[~boogiepop~]

As you've probably seen from my facebooks and me talking Katie, you can do it...but it's really,really hard.

Basically, if I half assed in school I would have time to make costumes more. I know you're not the kind of person to do that though. I usually just make my costumes over breaks, and barely work on them during school unless I have a magical week of not doing homework before a con. It's really tough, which is why I always end up dropping costumes at the last minute.

What school are you going to? When I lived in the AiP dorms, there was not a ton of room to sew, but I made by with what I had. We had a whole apartment though, if you are going somewhere like whatever that college is in Corvy, the rooms there are TINY~ I dunno how someone would be able to sew in there if they had another roommate and an adequate amount of stuff. There may be places to work in the commons or stuff though.

Yeah so, any advice I could give is (I should be taking my own advice...haha) try to plan 1 to no new costumes per con, so you don't get all stuck with a bunch of **** to do like I always do. Save for cosplay if you still wanna do it but don't go starving yourself on cup noodles. You need protein and good stuff. And your life should go Your personal health> School> Family> Friends> Cosplay.

[Washougal_Otaku]

Yeah, where are you going?  Your college may also have an anime club that could have members that could help.  (If it's going to be Clark Community College, you've already got at least one friend from their anime club).

[Malaria]

Depending on what college you're going to, you might have something like an open art studio that will let students use their crafting supplies. You could try their website, but college websites have this tendency to be ass-useless, so you'd be best off asking a current student. I don't know about any other schools, but around here the art studio has sewing machines, silk screening, wood working and all sorts of other good stuff.

[fleur_fraise]

I'm hoping for U of O, which is in Eugene. I haven't actually seen dorm rooms, but our tour guide (who's a current student) said they usually have two beds and two tables. So I figure I could possibly fit my sewing machine on the table and then put it away when not using it.

I'm limiting myself, as a high school senior, to about one costume per con unless there's something I am in love with. Plus I'm not in need of making every piece of everything myself ;D

[Washougal_Otaku]

Yeah, there's those, too.  Also try the drama department.  I know that Clark's department head would opposet that; he's kind of a jerk to those outside of the drama department that ask for anything drama-related for purposes outside of Clark drama reasons, if that makes any sense.

I believe U of O has an open art studio...

[fleur_fraise]

U of O has an open art studio, but they don't have any sort of sewing or fashion classes, so idk how that would work.

[Washougal_Otaku]

Hmm...

[VampireFangs103]

I just started college this year, and I'm taking 15 credits. I'd say that it's definitely possible to continue cosplaying! I can't promise that you'll be able to continue doing commissions, but you'll be able to make cosplay for yourself. Just gotta find the right balance. :3

[Malaria]

Oh, sweet, I'm at the UofO so I can actually be sort of helpful. I can tell you with some certainty that there is no room for a sewing machine on those desks. Those rooms are tiny and the desks are tinier.

But the thing about the art studio holds true. For $15 a term you can buy a studio pass to the UO Craft Center and then you're free to use all the gear they have in there. Downside is that there's no guarantee that the person on site will know how to use their sewing machines when you're there. I also haven't been using it myself, since I have a sewing machine, so I can't tell you too much about the ins and outs. Next time you're here for a tour or Introducktion or something, ask about the Craft Center.

Class-wise, UofO has a theater department but not a costuming department, so sewing classes are kind of squished into the various theater arts classes. Their costume shop is separate from the Craft Center. I can get you more specific info if you want?

Your other option in Eugene is MECCA, (which is like SCRAP in Portland) which has an open studio with a similar range of awesome equipment, and you're pretty much guaranteed to have knowledgeable staff on site. They've got a $2-5/hour sliding scale fee for studio use. You pay what you can afford. Their hours aren't the best, though. http://www.materials-exchange.org/studio.html

[nyahaha]

U of O has an open art studio, but they don't have any sort of sewing or fashion classes, so idk how that would work.

You can get a major in Apparel Design at UfO so they should have some sort of fashion class...

[Fachion-pari]

Oh, this is a problem I've been facing as well.
Because I'm attending community college and then transfering into a University, I'll probably have a job to help fund both college and cosplay. Though, I highly doubt I'll be cosplaying after my Community College year, sadly. ):
And woo! I have relatives who live near the U of O, and I'm even applying there after my Community college year. Schools in Washington are nice, but an Oregon school is where I'd like to go if I were accepted.

[Washougal_Otaku]

^ Are you a Penguin, too?

[fleur_fraise]

Oh, sweet, I'm at the UofO so I can actually be sort of helpful. I can tell you with some certainty that there is no room for a sewing machine on those desks. Those rooms are tiny and the desks are tinier.

But the thing about the art studio holds true. For $15 a term you can buy a studio pass to the UO Craft Center and then you're free to use all the gear they have in there. Downside is that there's no guarantee that the person on site will know how to use their sewing machines when you're there. I also haven't been using it myself, since I have a sewing machine, so I can't tell you too much about the ins and outs. Next time you're here for a tour or Introducktion or something, ask about the Craft Center.

Class-wise, UofO has a theater department but not a costuming department, so sewing classes are kind of squished into the various theater arts classes. Their costume shop is separate from the Craft Center. I can get you more specific info if you want?

Your other option in Eugene is MECCA, (which is like SCRAP in Portland) which has an open studio with a similar range of awesome equipment, and you're pretty much guaranteed to have knowledgeable staff on site. They've got a $2-5/hour sliding scale fee for studio use. You pay what you can afford. Their hours aren't the best, though. http://www.materials-exchange.org/studio.html

YES I LOVE YOU.
And fffff about the desks. I know there's a sewing center in Portland (I have no clue what the name is, it might be SCRAP) and you can bring your own machine in. Does MECCA do that too? Although I doubt there'd be room in the dorm to store a machine anyways...

Also I had no clue there were any sewing classes at all, so from what you said, it sounds like there are some in the theatre department? Is this true?
I was just in Eugene this past weekend for the Duck Preview thing and I didn't even think to ask.

Haley- really? I feel so dumb, I knew we had talked about this but then I couldn't find the class on the list of majors.
Merina- COSPLAY TWIN AND COLLEGE TWIN~

[nyahaha]

yeah it was in the packet thingy we got at the college visitation at school...I'm pretty sure.

[Malaria]

Fleur: SCRAP is this magical place where people donate totally random stuff and then you can buy it for really cheap. MECCA is like that, where you can buy totally random stuff, from fabric scraps to electronic bits.

I dunno if you can bring a machine to MECCA, but you could totally call and ask. I bet they'd be open to that sort of thing. I've been in a couple people's dorms (living off campus yeeeeah) and there's storage over the bed. As long as you don't bring an overwhelming amount of stuff with you to college, fitting stuff like a sewing machine and wigs would be totally doable.
You know, I bet you could use your sewing machine in the Crafts Center too. That'd be a lot less of a walk, since MECCA's out by the Amtrak station. Not the funnest walking distance if you're carting a sewing machine with you.

They're not sewing classes specifically, they're theater arts-type classes like Intro to Design and Costume Design, and there's a Costume Lab involved with one of those. I think they come with some prereqs, though. I'm not taking theater so I'm not really an authority. Pretty sure Intro has a lot about pattern drafting. And you're pretty much slaved to helping make costumes for the university theater productions.

[Fachion-pari]

Oh my god, Katie. We really are becoming twins. (You need to be called Man-ri too, now! And how did that start?!)The U of O actually visited our Choral department last week and I had yet another reason to apply, not to mention since I was little my relatives have been telling me to apply. (Chamber choir is what made me jump out of my pants...not that anyone is a choir nerd...) Also, I'll probably get an apartment if I do attend the University since my mom is against me using the dorms. So. If I do attend the college you can use my place to sew?

[Washougal_Otaku]

Also, I'll probably get an apartment if I do attend the University since my mom is against me using the dorms.

And logically so.

[Malaria]

Also, I'll probably get an apartment if I do attend the University since my mom is against me using the dorms.

And logically so.

They are like tiny cells, arranged to maximize storage and leg cramps while using your desk.

[Washougal_Otaku]

And she's a young lady, most likely getting a solo dorm.  I'd be freaked if one of my sister's did that, so I can see how her mother would want to make sure her daughter is in a safer place.

[Fachion-pari]

@Malaria & Washougal_otaku: You two are so sweet. ;A; And yes, that's my mother's issue, she doesn't exactly like the idea of me living with someone whom is a stranger... Not to mention I'm not exactly thrilled with the idea of a small cramped dorm...

[fleur_fraise]

Malaria- Oh pffft shows what I know. I still have a lot of time and options, but thank you SO much for your help!

Merina- Aw yeah, my mom wants me to live in the dorms for at least a year so I can live "college life" >: But hey if you do get an apartment there, I'm open to rooming with you ;D

[Washougal_Otaku]

Awww... thank you, and you're welcome!

[LtCommanderRichie]

I go to UO, take 16 credits and still manage to somehow have time to cut fabric, pin things, sew thingers and knit a scarf. It's all time management.

Also, I only have one class on Tuesdays so I usually do all of that in one big sit-down all Tuesday after class with the telly on in the background. I usually manage to go about eight hours just doing nothing but sewing things.

[Malaria]

Fachion: Haha, thanks. Living with a stranger isn't that scary, since you can get a new roommate if you two really don't get along at all.

Fleur: Emphasis on having time. You've got a lot of housing options and class options, and there's no need to try to sort it all out right now.
You're welcome! Glad I could be of service.

[Washougal_Otaku]

I'd recommend considering picking a day of the week for cosplaying stuff and doing what you can to schedule classes on other days.  You could also just do it on Sundays, (or Saturdays), if you don't regularily do things on one (or both) of those days.

[fleur_fraise]

Oh snap Richie I totally forgot you go to U of O! Do you live on campus?

[Fachion-pari]

Malaria- Oh pffft shows what I know. I still have a lot of time and options, but thank you SO much for your help!

Merina- Aw yeah, my mom wants me to live in the dorms for at least a year so I can live "college life" >: But hey if you do get an apartment there, I'm open to rooming with you

Pssaw, Katie, college life is just partying and doing papers at 3am! (Haha, just kidding, of course!)
Oh, and that would be so much fun! I'm open for living with someone, since living by myself in a different state is a bit overwhelming. Now I really have to work hard and get into the U of O! xD
@Malaria: True! But my mom is the wallet, so it's up to her, haha. (Thank you for the advice as well. :])

[Washougal_Otaku]

in a different state

If I remember correctly, you can qualify for special scholarships and grants just because you're from another state.  I may be wrong on that, but I think that's how it works.  Definately something to look at.

[fleur_fraise]

Hey Merina what year are you in school? Are you a senior? Dana said you're 18, so are you in college already?

[Fachion-pari]

in a different state

If I remember correctly, you can qualify for special scholarships and grants just because you're from another state.  I may be wrong on that, but I think that's how it works.  Definately something to look at.

Oh, yes, it's a Western Coast exchange scholarship, I believe. I was looking at applying for it since I was attempting to apply to schools in Arizona my Junior year. It might be different for applying to Oregon schools, however...
@Katie: No, I'm a senior as well! And oh, maybe I confused Dana. I turn 18 in March, haha. (Actually, my school was the school they used in the movie Ten things I hate about you!)

[fleur_fraise]

OH GOD ARE YOU SERIOUS ME TOO. My birthday is March 1st. I'll be turning 18.

[LtCommanderRichie]

No, I don't live on campus. My mum doesn't think I need to, and I can navigate LTD like a big girl. Really.

>:I

[Washougal_Otaku]

Oh, yes, it's a Western Coast exchange scholarship, I believe. I was looking at applying for it since I was attempting to apply to schools in Arizona my Junior year. It might be different for applying to Oregon schools, however...

I believe that's the one I'm thinking of.

[nyahaha]

in a different state

If I remember correctly, you can qualify for special scholarships and grants just because you're from another state.  I may be wrong on that, but I think that's how it works.  Definately something to look at.

Oh, yes, it's a Western Coast exchange scholarship, I believe. I was looking at applying for it since I was attempting to apply to schools in Arizona my Junior year. It might be different for applying to Oregon schools, however...
@Katie: No, I'm a senior as well! And oh, maybe I confused Dana. I turn 18 in March, haha. (Actually, my school was the school they used in the movie Ten things I hate about you!)

lol that movie

[Malaria]

No, I don't live on campus. My mum doesn't think I need to, and I can navigate LTD like a big girl. Really.

>:I

I'd only recommend living on or right by campus if you're really fond of drunk people. Dry campus my ass.

Plus, somewhat pertaining to the topic, you get more space to work and do crazy cosplay stuff at home than you would in a lame dorm or campus apartment.

[Washougal_Otaku]

Dry campus my ass.

[LtCommanderRichie]

@Malaria: Indeed. I don't want in a campus dorm even if I had the option to be in one. That way I get to keep my bed, only have to spend money on food and can sew into the early hours of the morning without having to bang on the wall to get the guy next door to stop shagging his girlfriend so loud.

I love the campus food though. Bombay Palace and Maple Garden are so freaking good.

[Washougal_Otaku]

Yeah, I've heard that the Bombay Palace is great!

[Malaria]

Richie: Yeah, I don't envy my friends that get periodically get kicked out of their dorms so roommates can engage in the aforementioned shagging.

Holy Cow is the best <33

[Washougal_Otaku]

This is actually the first time I've heard of Holy Cow; what kind of food do they serve?

[fleur_fraise]

I ate lunch at this bar/grill place that's across the street and down a bit from the Duck store on campus.

The food was good but it took over an hour to get.

[LtCommanderRichie]

The Glenwood? Yeah, their food is good but their service is always atrocious. Their prices are a bit out there, too.