Axel's Journey through the Berghs Bachelor Program and Product Design at Ravensbourne University London

Hi Axel! Could you tell us a little about yourself and what made you decide to apply to the Berghs Bachelor Program in the first place?

I’ve wanted to study at a university abroad ever since I did my exchange year in the USA back in high school. Berghs Bachelor allowed me to do just that, while retaining the comfort of going through a Swedish system.

What do you work with today, what does that entail and what do you enjoy most?

I work as a 3D designer. I build assets for brands to help them visualize the outcome before taking it to manufacturing. I love the people I work with, and I look forward to going to work everyday. I’m currently working on a pop up for a cognac brand. The building is going to be displayed at festivals in Africa and North America.

How would you describe your semester at Berghs — what were your biggest takeaways or favorite parts?

Doing my semester during Covid, I had quite a unique experience but my biggest takeaway is the confidence I started to build during that time as a designer. I think getting good feedback from the teachers and my peers at Berghs, and then being able to build on that led to an increase in confidence.

How did your time at Berghs help you prepare for your studies abroad?

The pace at Berghs was fast, way faster than it was at Ravensbourne. That helped me stay on top of things and still have time to work on the side of uni.

Why did you choose Ravensbourne University in LondON as your destination?

Well I actually wanted to go to the US or Australia initially, but were not allowed into either of the countries due to Covid. London was my last choice, but I’m grateful for that today. London is the perfect distance from Stockholm, I love the culture and I have so many amazing friends.

How was the transition from Berghs to Ravensbourne — in terms of learning environment, culture, or pace?

Difficult in the sense that we arrived in the middle of a Covid lock-down. We were five Berghs students living together in quarantine at an Air Bnb for the first month. After the first year it got easier, but for the first year I only knew other Swedes. 

What degree did you pursue, tell us a bit about it, and which parts of the program inspired you the most?

I studied Product Design. It’s a course about learning how to appreciate the everyday products we use in life. Shoe horns, scissors, chairs etc. Then apply that appreciation when designing new products. I loved the ideation process of the course. “What do I want to design?” There are endless possibilities with that question. 

What’s it like to live in London — any favorite neighborhoods, cafés, or routines?

London is hectic. If you don’t learn to keep up with the pace or find routines that allow you to slow down it gets overwhelming. I mainly stay in my area, Hackney, as a result of that. Slower pace, beautiful parks, fun people. 

How do you feel London’s creative scene inspires you?

London’s creative scene is a melting pot from so many cultures that it's hard to not find something you like. I get inspired by the lack of rules within it. The Barbican is a must to visit in London. It has many great exhibitions, cinema and the eco brutalist architecture of the building is an inspiration in itself. Hackney Wick is also a great area to visit, with its strong ties to subcultures and experimental art.

DID you experience any cultural surprises or lessons when you moved abroad?

Everyday. From new words, slang, to ways of seeing the world.

What have you learned about yourself through this experience?

The main thing must be that I’m more capable than I expected. It’s always a bit scary when you try out something new, but if you trust the process things tend to work out. 

How has your journey through Berghs & Ravensbourne shaped your career?

Well my boss is an old Ravensbourne teacher so it’s safe to say that it helped me get to  where I am today! I’ll definitely stay in London for a while but I see myself moving back to Sweden at some point. Stockholm has become unexplored territory in a way now. Been away so many years that I’m excited to rediscover my own city. 

What advice would you give to future Berghs students thinking about joining the Bachelor Program and studying abroad?

Do it, you can always move back home if you don’t like it. Also don’t move west with all the other Swedes. London is big for a reason.