Anthony Lowery is a professional writer across several artistic mediums. His works have attracted the attention of various media outlets such as the BBC, as well as prestigious literary festivals, while earning him the admiration of established industry peers. With five years’ experience of entertainment journalism craft – two at senior editorial level – Anthony has grown into a reputable film critic, contributing at Empire Magazine while holding resident positions at several regional print publications. He talks below about his time at Kent.
What do you value most about your time doing Film at Kent?
There’s so much to be grateful for. Kent is my home from home, and I value the relationships I forged with fellow students and faculty members. Making friends (and even colleagues) was never a reason for me to go to university, but in making the most of the inter-personal aspect of being in that environment, I’ve been able to meet people whom I wouldn’t want to live without.
Surprisingly, my time studying Film at Kent bolstered my passion for the subject even more, and from that I knew I was pursuing the right path. I also value the knowledge and life skills I learned throughout the three very short years.
Why did you choose Kent?
It might sound ridiculous, but it’s almost as if Kent chose me. I think, when they visit universities during open days, a lot of students just know what is right for them. I fell in love with everything UKC had to offer, as well as the city that houses it. I could already see myself there, as a student, before I had even acquired the entry grades.
For me, there was so much to like about the place: its friendly and wooded environment, the fact it’s so large yet so self-contained that I never needed to leave campus, the on-campus cinema and theatre was appealing – especially given the nature of my course, its reputation for being one of the country’s longest running Film Studies universities… I could go on.
Sure, that’s all great stuff, but what made me consider Kent in the first place? On the wall of my A-Level classroom, my film tutor posted a list of the top fifty courses across all subjects and universities rated by its students. At number 8 was Film Studies at the University of Kent.
In what ways did your degree prepare you for what you’re doing now?
During my time at Kent, I acquired detailed insight into the workings of an industry that turned out to be tougher than I had imagined. Nonetheless, my degree (or more accurately expert lecturers) equipped me with the knowledge and technical skills to see that I at least had a fighting chance of making a success of it.
What advice would you give to first-year students starting a BA in Film at Kent?
Do what you can to have zero regrets and also try to have some idea of what it is you really want to do – then shape your choices accordingly. It’s easy, and maybe even ideal, to believe that it’s OK not know what it is you want from life post-university, but the sooner you figure that out, the more you stand to gain from your experience at Kent.
The only other piece of advice I would give is to do the work! It might sound obvious, but actually it isn’t. I’ve known students to get so distracted by the lifestyle that they neglect the very reason they’re there, and before they know it, they’re in their third year scrambling to make a 2:2.
Spend your time wisely. Don’t wish it away. And enjoy every minute.
