FIDIM in Cali, or Art Institute in Fort lauderdale Fl?

Jun 20, 2012

Stephanie M.

I'm torn in between which school to go to in the fall. I know both places are expensive living wise, but which school will point me in the art direction as far as art and fashion? Any affordable places I could stay if campus is too much? Just the basics questions. If you're a student at either feed back would be great!

Jun 21, 2012

Shelley W.

I took my little sis to visit FIDM in Los Angeles and considering where its located there is a wealth of opportunities there. Internships/jobs in the industry,etc. I currently live in Florida and this state is not a "fashion capital" spot. Ft. Lauderdale is famous for the highest number of exotic car dealerships rather than for fashion. I'm from Cali and the availability of golden opportunities is there....you just need to be gung-ho. If you can survive L.A. you can survive anywhere. Go to FIDM in Cali. You won't regret it.

Jun 25, 2012

Stephanie M.

Do you have an recommendations of places to work or to stay... I'm sure I can't afford the dorms =(

Jun 25, 2012

Shelley W.

FIDM in Los Angeles is in the heart of downtown which has grown by leaps and bounds for the better. But now its no longer cheap to live in the thick of it. I suggest the mid-Wilshire corridor. If you will be going car-less I highly suggest that area because there is a bus line and train as well that will literally get you steps away from the school. I highly suggest a roommate though to cut down on expenses. FIDM has a great roommate connection service. As far as work I would look into applying at any of the fashion showrooms. Many of them are located in the garment district. Check out www.fashionista.com because they have a careers section and you can locate opportunities that way. And FIDM also have a job placement center as well. Nordstrom has paid internships and that place is GREAT at providing opportunities ( I would apply at the Westside Pavillion location because they have a studio services department where they deal with stylists who work in tv/film. There is also a newer location as well that is in the mid-Wilshire area... its in a outdoor shopping area called the Grove. Its a great company to work for. And they very willing to work around school schedules once hired.

The areas you want to stay away from. Anything south of downtown L.A. going towards USC. Baldwin Hills (the Jungle).....I'm pretty street smart and you wouldn't catch me there after dark. Hollywood is kinda iffy as far as living there even though the rent can be a little cheaper. But I would definitely try and snag a roommate. For safety reasons and to save money on expenses. If anymore info pops into mind I will definitely come back and post more for ya. :)

Jun 26, 2012

Stephanie M.

Omg you've been soooo helpful with pretty much every question I ever ask! I'm so grateful! 

Jul 7, 2012

Shelley W.

You are so welcome Stephanie M. :)

Jul 7, 2012

LaToya C.

don't do fidm. i applied and they were crap. i go to the art institute current in california and i love it. plus at fidm you don't get your bachelors only your associates. at the Ai you can get your bachelors or associates. it's totally worth the money.

Jul 7, 2012

Shelley W.

@Latoya C. Sorry you had a bad experience at FIDM but I have 4 family members that attended and graduated from there and they are all working in their field and doing well. I think with any school one is going to experience things they don't agree with it. I have a friend in her last year at AI and her student loan debt load rivals that of a law student and now she regrets her choice because she found out much later she could've just transferred her units to CSU/or UC system to get her bachelors (a few CSU schools actually have a few programs geared towards fashion industry) which would've been much cheaper. 

Jul 7, 2012

LaToya C.

I just don't think FIDM worth it. Me and my sister had horrible experiences. I just don't recommend it. An I know someone who's a graduate from FIDM and is struggling to find a job. So I just don't recommend that school for many reasons. Plus they want all their boney up front. What kinda crap is that? I'm just saying. It not worth it