College for Creative Studies
Detroit, MI, USA

Reviews

College for Creative Studies

Sarah

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
CCS is a challenging, fun, and rewarding school to attend. It demands a lot of hard work and effort due to the rigorous curriculum and high expectations. However, it is one of the best schools in the United States for the visual arts and hard work really pays off in the long and short term.
Tips for prospective students
One of the biggest recommendations I would suggest for students planning on or are going to attend CCS is to be aware of time management. One of the main problems students have is managing their time efficiently and staying on top of their work. It is also very important that students put forth their best effort and work hard. Students who do not work hard and/or don't put a lot of effort into their work will not last long here. Even if your work is not the best in the class or up to par for what it should be, as long as your teachers know you are trying your personal best and putting in the time for your work, that's what matters. I think it is also really important for students to be prepared for how much money they are about to spend here. There are a lot of art supplies needed especially in the first year and it is very costly. Try to save as much money as you can before attending here because you will probably end up spending a lot more money than anticipated on supplies. I would also strongly suggest getting to know your fellow peers, upperclassmen, teachers, and staff. Networking is a huge part of life at CCS and the people here are a big part in helping you while you are in school and later on in your career. It is also important to use the resources available to you are here like the gnomon workshop, Lynda.com, printmaking, etc. Outside of school these resources cost money, might as well use them here as their costs are built into an overall resource fee. I would finally recommend getting to know the city of Detroit and its culture because it is a big part of CCS. There are a lot of art galleries and upcoming studios in the local area and it would be a good idea to check them out.
Academic Rigor
The academics are very strenuous and demand a ton of work and time. You are constantly working on a lot of projects at once and it is very important to stay on top of your work for this reason. You can't get away with procrastinating because you will become really behind in your work and fall behind in your classes. You really need to start your projects when they are first assigned to you and work on them little by little so you can finish all your assignments on time. Art takes time to complete and you can't just make it up or copy from other people. It is important to use as much time as possible (that you have) to complete an assignment and to give yourself more time than you think you will need to finish a project. When you rush to complete your work mistakes always seem to happen, so don't let the same happen to you!
Dorm Life
There are two different dorms at CCS depending on what side of campus you are on. The ACB dorms are on the WB campus and the other dorms are at the Taubman campus. Both of the dorms are larger and give a lot of space for the students to do their work. The ACB dorms at one time used to be a large apartment so the door rooms are actually larger apartment rooms. This allows students to have a lot of room to work and do their art which is important. These dorms also have a small kitchen in all the rooms. This building is older however, so there are some maintenance issues at times with the dorms like mold, water heater problems, and issues with the pipes. Other than the age of the building which sometimes causes problems it is a great place to live. The Taubman campus at one time used to be the GM Argonaut building and it was later converted into the Taubman building for CCS. This is a newer building and has newer dorms in comparison to the WB campus and ACB dorms. The dorm rooms on the Taubman campus do not have kitchens in comparison to the ACB dorms, however, they are newer and don't have as many maintenance issues. However, if you live on the Taubman campus, you have to have a meal plan (in the ACB you can opt to have one or not). Each building has its pros and cons and are overall very good, it just depends on your personal preferences and taste. The dorms are very homey and people in the same floors and same building tend to become friends and hang out a lot.
Food and Dining
There are a lot of different dining areas that are close to campus. Some of the popular restaurants that are close by are: Good Girls Go To Paris Crepes, Wasabi, Detroit One Coney Island, and Slow's Bar BQ. There are also a lot of fast food places that are nearby like Domino's, Jimmy John's, etc. Greektown and downtown Detroit have a lot of good restaurants also. Most of the food in the city isn't super expensive also so it's good for students on a budget.
What to do for fun
There are a lot of different activities and events going on in downtown and midtown Detroit all the time for students to go to. There are almost always good shows nearby in venues like the Fillmore Theater, St. Andrews Hall, The Majestic Theater, and The Magic Stick in downtown Detroit. Comerica Park is close by so students can go catch a Tigers Game. CCS is also near the Fox Theater and they show different kinds of plays there all the time. During Memorial Day weekend there is Detroit Electronic Music Festival (DEMF), where a lot of people attend. Around this time there is a large Jazz festival in Detroit also. The DIA, African American Museum, the Detroit Science Center, and the Detroit Historical Museum are all in walking distance to CCS and are good places to visit. Belle Isle is an interesting spot to visit in Detroit and they have a conservatory, aquarium, nature center, swimming beach and a lot of open park and area to walk around. This is a good place to visit in Spring and Summer when the weather is nicer in the year. Detroit also has Campus Martius in the downtown area where there are a lot of shops and restaurants and it is a fun place to walk around. It also has open ice skating in the winter. Greek town is a fun place to visit on the weekend, and there are a lot of good restaurants in that area. There are also local art galleries in the area which are good for students to check out also.
Bang for the buck
Utrecht is a local art supplies store close to school that has really good discounts for students and a lot of times you can get quality supplies on sale. Biggby coffee also has weekly discounts on an assortment of their drinks for people who like to drink coffee or enjoy specialty drinks. The school bookstore on campus has discounts at different times of the year for students on supplies which is helpful also.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The Screaming Peacock is our mascot which is pretty unusual compared to other mascots. During finals week at CCS they have massage therapists come in and you can sign up for massages during lunch and get a massage which is cool. They also have a room where they supply students with free food during finals week. Sometimes the school provides fun activities on campus for students such as: moon bounces, zip lines, live bands, moving showings etc. Our school also has art contests on campus at times like: pumpkin carving contests, building a skeleton, drawing characters, etc. Throughout the school year art and business professionals come in and talk to students and answer questions about the art world, career opportunities, upcoming internships, display their work, and more. At the end of the school year we also have a Student Exhibition where they showcase the best works of the students from all the different majors where the general public, staff, students, and business professionals look at the work.
Great for these types of students
CCS is great for motivated, talented, and hard-working students. It is the ideal art school for students who really want to improve their work and develop as an artist. It is also really good for students who want to broaden their horizons; there are a lot of people from different walks of life, experience, and background. People who are open-minded and have positive attitudes are great fits for CCS also. If you are a student who is willing to work to their fullest potential, improve their work, and have a good attitude, this is the school for you.
Clubs and Activities
There are no sports at CCS but we do have GSA and a Student Government for the different majors. We have different activities on campus like print making and different workshops but that is really it. CCS also has volunteering opportunities available in Detroit for students and helps organize groups of students for convention events.
Greek Life
There are parties in the area with Wayne State kids who live in apartments and CCS students who live off campus also. Because of school rules and policy you can't have booze in your dorms rooms or anything like but you can find it close by if you know people who party. A lot of times students at CCS are so busy with their work they don't have a lot of time to party, but you will get opportunities to go out when you really need it. You can organize a group of people to hang out at the bar or something like that, they usually don't ID in bars in Detroit.
Campus Safety
Campus is really safe and secure at CCS. There are a lot of cameras on both campuses and there are always campus safety people walking around campus. Campus security is strict about who they allow in the buildings on campus and you need your ID to get everywhere. The parking structure is also exclusive for CCS students, faculty, and employees. You need an ID to get in and get out of the structure. Wayne State has their own police force which is always patrolling the area and by our school because of Wayne State's proximity. CCS is on top of their security and good about keeping it safe, I am a female and I almost never worry about my safety there which is good. At night you do need to be more aware of your surroundings but other than that it's fine.

Ashley from Ottawa, IL

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A beautiful college that creates a welcoming atmosphere for students and faculty to learn the stunning and vivid qualities it takes to make fine art, animation, fashion, products, transportation and videogames for the community and world around to enjoy and appreciate. The instructors treat thier students if they were thier family leading them down the path of success each moment of the day. The students are all warm and inviting as a family as well; any child and adult looking for a college or home for thier art educational needs to suceed and move into a career College for Creative Studies arms are open!
Tips for prospective students
Don't let the work load intimidate you; the hard work and time you put in to understand of what you want as a artist and a career will drive you to be sucessful and pave a path for yourself; stay strong and always give 110% in the end its all about you and what you want to make of yourself, it is up to you to make you're mark in the world!
Academic Rigor
Wonderful classes that are always pushing you to get to the next level and become a better artist all in the process!
Dorm Life
Welcoming and wonderful students, the dorms are alcohol free, as well as smoking and other substances. many laughs are exchanged as well as hard working artists everywhere working in the dorms. Its a great experience for anyone worried for living in the dorms.
Food and Dining
Decent food; it could be better for what we pay for the school, but it is not as bad as many other colleges I have visted and witnessed.
What to do for fun
There is everything from free movies to see for students to sign up for, too many clubs and outing events from go-carting, paintballing club, as well as videogame club and game artists who want to invite as many to join in and relax from the stresses of homework once a week, clubs range from transportation to fashion to live action films. The sky is the limit with College for Creative Studies.
Bang for the buck
It is a bit expensive but college isn't going up in price every year? Play it smart apply for financial aid, and many grants and scholarships, take advantage of what is out there for you and anything can become affordable in these hard times.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There are so many from free food day at finals week when everyone is craming to get thier portfilios and reviews done. To bonfires and Our big end of the year Art exibition that you can even sell you're artwork in. Everything is a blast at this college.
Great for these types of students
It wonderful for artists and innovators that want to make thier mark in the industry as well as make a career out the natural born talent they have and improved from attending.
Clubs and Activities
There are so many from a paint ball club down to a videogame club, there are so many hard to keep up with!
Campus Safety
The saftey is AMAZING for downtown Detroit; I feel completely safe all times when I am on the campus!

CCS student

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
It has a dedicated faculty and many opportunities for individuals interested in art.
Tips for prospective students
1. Don't procrastinate.
2. Ask for help if you're getting behind or having difficulties.
3. Take advantage of the facilities.
4. Don't stress too much and take a break if you need it.
Academic Rigor
You shouldn't have an issue if you stay focus. The foundation classes (freshman year) are necessary for future courses. The better a student's drawing and design skills are the less difficult advance classes should be.
Dorm Life
Good for the most part. There are two dorm buildings, the Art Center Building (ACB) on the main campus and the second is a part of the Taubman Center (TC) campus. The dorms are apartment style in the ACB so there's more space available compared to most colleges. There's a bathroom, kitchen, dining room, living room, and bedroom for the smaller dorms (2-3 people). And then an extra bedroom or two and bathroom for the larger dorms (4-6 people). The TC is styled differently. There is a main space that includes bunk beds, bathroom, and counter space. There's a lounge on each floor though with a ping pong table, pool table, and flat screen TV.
Food and Dining
There are several small restaurants and fast food places within blocks from the school. Downtown is also about a twenty minute drive away if you want something in particular.
What to do for fun
Hang out with friends and attend college events. There is often yoga classes and Smash Bros. competitions. Also, local festivals like Dlectricity. There's more to do if you have a car and downtown Detroit and Windsor, Canada is about a half hour drive away.
Bang for the buck
The school is expensive, but the financial advisers will work with you. The facilities are top notch and readily available to all students.
Great for these types of students
Art kids.
Clubs and Activities
Self defense classes are common, yoga classes, Smash bros. competitions, anime club, and more.
Greek Life
Nonexistent.
Campus Safety
Always have your student ID.

Rachel from Troy, MI

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
It is super hard. But, it is also super fun. Expect to work hard!
Tips for prospective students
Ask your art teachers to pack on the heat now, this way, you won't be shocked when you have 6 hours of homework per class per week.

Also, ignore the person who said go into crafts. You want to go into Entertainment Arts.
Academic Rigor
Expect to work your butt off! This is the art equivalent of Harvard, so there is a lot at stake. You will make friends, but don't expect to have too many close friends or dating opportunities. A girl on my facebook said CCS is nothing like I imagined. Instead of making new friends, everyone is like 'friends? no thanks, I'd rather do my homework'. That is very true.
Dorm Life
I commute, so I can't really speak, but my friends who do dorm really love it.
Food and Dining
The food is moderately cheap, but if you commute, you definitely want to pack lunch/dinner. However, the food they have at the school is rather good. Except the sushi. Avoid the sushi at all costs.

If you commute like I do, and you forget to pack a lunch/dinner, your ID will act as a credit card with a $300 limit on it. Use it sparingly, however.
What to do for fun
If you are on the Ford campus, you are in the center of the museum district of Detroit. There is so much to do right out your doorstep. The teachers will tell you of upcoming events that you can go to.

On the campus itself, they do a good job at keeping the kids out of trouble. When they are not doing their homework, there is always a club activity or a guest speaker going on. Even before the semester started, they had activities to get the kids out of their dorms and into the community.
Bang for the buck
At roughly $17,000 a SEMESTER, you are expected to work hard. Even after one day of class, you will learn so much about art. After a month of attending, I have seen a visible improvement in my art.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Really, I haven't been here long enough to tell you. However, there is Geek Week, which I will talk more about under Greek life.
Great for these types of students
The artist who is open to criticism. Seriously. If you don't like to hear negatives about your art, you will drop out after one day.
Clubs and Activities
I am in the GSA and I am loving it. As I said before, there are a lot of clubs for people who want to do that. There are bulletin boards around the school that will tell you what's going on when.
Greek Life
There is no Greek life, but we do have our departments. During Geek Week, which is our equivalent to Home Coming week, we have department competitions. One of them this year was an Oreo licking contest. I don't know who won because I had to go to class, but I was rooting for EA.
Campus Safety
Very nice, so as long as you are nice to them. If you forget your ID, you will have to sign in, but be nice to them. They are there for your safety and they do a good job of it. If you are in one of the 24-hour labs after 11 pm, you will have to go to campus safety to let them know. Again, be nice to them and they will love you.

As far as the security of the buildings, they are very safe. Your student ID acts as a key card to most places (to include the offices at the Detroit Institute of Arts I recently discovered). No one can get on campus with out being noticed. The campus is probably the safest place in Detroit.

Nathaniel from Troy, MI

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
College for Creative Studies is the best thing that has happened to me. The teachers and students there are so passionate about their work. It is one of the top schools in the country for a reason.
Tips for prospective students
Whatever you do, don't procrastinate. If you're going to commit to CCS you have to be ready to not sleep some nights. This is preparing you for the real world; the holding of your hands ended when you received your high school diploma.
Academic Rigor
Its something you just have to be ready for. At CCS its sink or swim. If you're not ready to swim you shouldn't have jumped in the water.
Dorm Life
I've technically never stayed on campus but I did spend a significant amount of time in the dorms my Freshman year. The security guards are really nice. The only downfall was that the elevators would break down sometimes.
Food and Dining
A little expensive for on campus dining but its pretty great tasting food. There's a lot of restaurants off campus as well. Some actually give you little discounts for being a student at CCS.
What to do for fun
There's a few things to do on campus like table tennis, billiards, and basketball (Thursday nights for basketball). Off campus there's clubs assuming you're old enough, parties, and the Detroit Zoo is a good attraction as well when the seasons permit.
Bang for the buck
If you put your best effort forward you will get a whole lot in return. Not only lifetime friends and mentors, but networks to the industries you desire to work in.
Great for these types of students
Anybody with a creative passion and drive will fit right in at CCS.
Campus Safety
The campus safety does a really good job of keeping the students safe. Whether it be weather alerts or disturbances in the campus area, campus safety is usually on the job.

O'Shea from Southfield, MI

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Though this school is in the middle of Detroit, it is well secured using I.D. cards for almost everything, including the elevators. The schoolwork and competitiveness is intense and if you're not serious here, you might fall behind. Many sleepless night will be had but this school will prepare you and make you the best you can be.
Tips for prospective students
Don't play around and have great time-management. This school will make you or break you. If you fall behind it is extremely hard to catch up and all-night projects are common here.
Academic Rigor
The workload is massive, leaving you with little time for side activities during the weekdays. Manage your time carefully and this won't be a problem. Weekends can be used to catch up, stay on top of your game, or do whatever makes you happy or inspire you.
Dorm Life
Great dorms with great security. The wifi is great and there is a sufficient amount of space for you and your roommates. Only the ACB has the kitchen and apartment-style design.
Food and Dining
Although the Taubman Center campus requires dining dollars, it is optional at the ACB. The food is pretty good and you can easily get full. Though the prices may be on the more expensive side, it's definitely a life-saver if you don't know how to cook.
What to do for fun
There are some side activities and groups like the soccer team, flag-football, paintball, and many other small groups. You can even make your own group with the school board's permission. There is plenty to do in downtown Detroit, but please be careful.
Bang for the buck
This is the Harvard of art schools. Yes, the price may be on the expensive side but it's definitely worth it in the end. Find as many scholarships as possible , some grants, and some loans and you'll be fine. Don't stop freshman year, keep pushing for scholarships throughout your college career.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
You will find the largest gathering of hipsters here. Not that it's a bad thing. If you throw hundreds of creative minds in one place, you're going to get hundreds of creative fashion styles.
Great for these types of students
Students who focus on their work and like to work in the digital field of art will love it here. There is also a Fine Arts major and from what I have heard it is quite intense as well.
Clubs and Activities
There is plenty to do here and most people are friendly. You may not find the time to do everything however, as the workload is phenomenal. Time-management is key here...
Greek Life
There isn't a Greek Life, though your classmates in your major will seem like your sorority/fraternity since they tend to stay in their own little groups.
Campus Safety
Excellent. I couldn't ask for anything better. You have to sign guest in, show you I.D.'s when you walk through the door, and most doors are I.D. sensors. You can't use the elevator unless you have one and commuters can't access the dorm area without the on-campus I.D.'s (although that may be a nuisance if you're trying to see your friends). Security is always around day and night. The cameras are pretty impressive on the display screen as well.

Jane from Michigan

accepted here and planning to attend soon
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
The professors are very well educated and have done a lot of past projects. They seem to bring that into the classroom and the classes are structured well. There seems to be a lot of homework and work that goes into classes here. Students spend a lot of time studying.
Will enjoy being here
There does not seem to be many clubs and activities to do, and students seem to spend A LOT of time studying. I will see when I attend.
Bang for the buck
The school is VERY expensive. While some of their majors are very employable the scholarships are on the small side (max 10 thousand) and many students go into debt to go here.
Tips for prospective students
Look for scholarships early. Be prepared to work hard and be challenged.
Great for these types of students
Creative yet organized. Laid back - yet conscious of surroundings (school is in a safe area of downtown detroit)

Joshua from Novi, MI

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Ccs is a very challenging school and you get a bang for your buck. The teachers are very passionate and so are the students. This school is really pricy though so make sure this is what you really want to do.
Tips for prospective students
Don't come to this school expecting not to do work, this school will keep you working. Make sure you are good at time management or else you're going to be losing a lot of sleep trying to get your work done.
Academic Rigor
This will make you a good artist. You will be working with kids who have the same passion as you, and that creates friendly competition and you always strive to be better than each other. The teachers will challenge you also, they have a standard and that standard is usually high. They will push you to your limits. There are also class critics, and after a few weeks into first semester students don't pull punches, so don't take them personally.
Dorm Life
The dorm life is good, all the students are really kind and you won't have any problem making friends. There are two different types of dorms, the A.C.B and the T.C. They both have their advantages, the A.C.B is an apartment style building with multiple bedrooms and some have two bathrooms, and they have a living room and a dining room. The biggest thing is that the A.C.B has is its kitchen, so you can cook. The only thing is that it is an older building and doesn't have air conditioning. The T.C is a hotel style dorm, so it's one big square with multiple beds and one bathroom. The sinks are outside the bathroom, and is air conditioning because it is a newer building. There is no cooking in the T.C though besides microwave food. Both dorms have a gym, but the T.C has common rooms for people to work and hang out.
Food and Dining
There are multiple places you can get food on the campus and because of the location there are restaurants all around. The T.C has a Tim Hortons on the ground floor of the building and a lunchroom on the second floor. The food in the lunch room is okay but its not the best. The Tim hortins is also combined with a Sedexo Grill which is on both campuses, and the same could be said about their food.
What to do for fun
There are always a movie night going on at the T.C and there are ping-pong tables and pool tables on both campuses. During the warmer seasons most students are playing soccer or volleyball. You also have art supplies all over so you can always work on a personal project if you want.

Megan

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
College for Creative Studies is a school where everyone can learn to have fun but also learn the basics and advanced levels of art. Students and professors at CCS are passionate about all types of art and are willing to expand their talent and knowledge for there future careers.
Tips for prospective students
Tips for prospective students is that you have to make sure you're passionate about what your doing as well making deadlines meet. When doing work that is specifically art related i feel that in order for you to achieve great success you have to enjoy it. You need to make sure your having fun while meeting homework requirements and projects but also need to have a set pace to understand that projects assigned, just like in the job world, have to be completed before the deadline.
Academic Rigor
When attending College for Creative Studies you need to make sure you understand what professors are trying to teach you. You need to ask questions when you don't understand a lecture or study and you need to learn how to have fun. Homework just like in high school will be tedious but you need to learn how to finish deadlines before there due and have fun doing the work you are assigned.
Dorm Life
Personally, I've never experienced dorm life first hand considering i live off campus but from my friends experiences they had a lot of fun. College for Creative Studies is in a great place downtown next to everything imaginable. If you want to go to the school library to study it's right across the dorm rooms and if you want to take a stroll at an art museum and catch up on history lessons it's just a block away. Everyone on campus is incredibly friendly and if you need help in any way from academics, getting a ride back to the other side of campus or trying to figure out the coolest sushi restaurant in the area people all around campus are happy to help.
Food and Dining
I usually bring my own lunch and dinner to school but if I don't i usually head over to the dining halls. The food there is reasonably price and surprisingly good. If you want healthy food such as salad, yogurt and sandwiches they have many options you can choose from. If you're the type of person that needs caffeine for an all nighter and maybe a bag of chips just in case you get hungry they also have many options as well. Hours are convenient for everyone and it's really nice running into someone in the cafeteria and enjoying your meal with a group of people.
What to do for fun
There are many things to do for fun around campus and off campus that is school related. There are many creative labs at school to work at and just enjoy being around other peoples company. You learn a lot from your own experience when creating something fun for the next school project but you also get be social with your classmates. With classmates and even for assignments you can tour the City life of downtown Detroit and walk to the Detroit Institute of Arts or hang out at the interesting sites downtown woodward avenue or even tour historical places.

Hannah from Dearborn Heights, MI

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I've learned so much just in my first semester! Faculty and staff are wonderful and helpful as well and great teachers. Be prepared to work incredibly hard because yo can't slack off here, and the only thing that would make it better was if it wasn't so expensive!
Tips for prospective students
Work Hard!
Get involved!
Don't forget to eat and sleep!
Do not pull all nighters!
Time managment is key here!
Academic Rigor
This curriculum is tough! Prepare yourself, and get a planner, You will need it.
Dorm Life
I don't live in the dorms, but i've heard it's great. I have been in them and they are very nice. It's right in the middle of midtown detroit, so there are lots of things to do in a short walking distance.
Food and Dining
Cafeteria food is alright, way better then in High school! There are also many resturants nearby that are really great if you choose to go off campus.
What to do for fun
The detroit institute of art! (you get in for free with your CCS ID)
Tigers baseball games and Joe lewis Arena are nearby as well as Wayne state's campus so you can meet more people!
The detroit science center, Museum of contemporary art Detroit, Detroit Historical museum, many resturants and there is almost always something going on on campus or in Midtown.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
GEEK WEEK! we do not have greek week, instead we have geek week. This is when the departments (i.e. Photography majors, Illustration Majors) face off in competitions all week long.
There are also bands on campus during lunch.
Great for these types of students
Art students!
Clubs and Activities
Student government
Yoga
Swing Dancing
Movie Nights
School trips (to concerts, sports games, the zoo)
Greek Life
None
Campus Safety
Really Great!