Norman Vorster
Course: BA (Hons) Contemporary Music and Technology
Career Goal: My dream has always been to be a singer/songwriter but since I’ve started this course I gained some experience in other areas, like theatre. I guess it’s safe to say I want to be a performing artist!



Why did you choose Havering College?
Important factors for me were: a decent institution with an adequate amount of resources, low fees, a friendly environment and a college big enough to meet new people. Havering College ticked all the right boxes from the first day. I remember on my first day of visiting the College, I meet with two tutors, who told me a bit more about the course. They made me feel at ease and answered all the questions I had. That was the day I made up my mind that Havering College would be the place where I would obtain my degree.

Dealing with the financial side, was quite tricky. I needed to pay the fees as soon as possible and transferring that amount of money from South Africa, takes a few days, if not more. The overseas admissions officer was so helpfully during those few days. Every day I would go to her office with hundreds of questions, which she happily answered. I think it’s small things like this which are very important for anyone enrolling at an institution and it was definitely these things that convinced me to study at Havering College.

What subject are you studying? What do you feel you have achieved so far?
I am studying BA (Hons) Contemporary Music Practice and Technology. When I think of my first year at Havering College and the experience I’ve gained, I think of “Strawberry Fields Forever”. A month after enrolling, I auditioned for the College’s cross-over project, Strawberry Fields Forever, The Musical - directed by Peter Dayson. The main performance was in the London Palladium Theatre and there were 5 performances in Columbus, Ohio, USA. I was cast as a solo singer. It was an amazing experience and something I would cherish for the rest of my life. Every performance I had in the past year, I see as a stepping stone towards my dream. I can’t imagine studying and gaining so many opportunities elsewhere. I take everything, positive/negative, as constructive criticism and envy the lecturers that we deal with on a day-to-day basis.

What would you say to someone thinking of studying at Havering College?
Don’t think, just do it. You won’t regret one day, I know I didn’t. Havering College is more than a college, we’re a family! The opportunities are endless and if you’re willing to work hard, you’ll soon find that you can easily reach the top.