Introduction:

Koel is a project submission for UAL Unit Module 7.  

Unit Module 7 centres on the notion of home, from the shocking realities of homelessness and housing insecurity in the United Kingdom, to the more intrinsic and innate notion of home as a place where we identify and establish our roots.

Koel explores the notion of home from the perspective of international students coming to the United Kingdom and the struggles of adapting to a new, unfamiliar environment, often struggling with the myriad of challenges, from finding accommodation and living to creating connections and social life.

From the Singaporean perspective, as many as 8,000 Singaporean students enrol in the universities and colleges around the United Kingdom every year. Despite the many cultural similarities that both countries enjoy, issues such as homesickness are prevalent issues that can be exacerbated by loneliness and the unfamiliar environment in which they are placed.

Proposal:

Koel is envisioned as a publication platform for upcoming Singaporean international students to find information about life in the United Kingdom, helping them navigate the many challenges they may face when entering a foreign land from their perspective, providing a handy guide, especially during their early days in the country.

The publication is inspired by Penguin books, not just from the design, which intentionally invokes the minimalistic cover designs of the 60s and 70s, but also the spirit and ethos of Penguin as well, with ease and access allowing it to be accessible for anyone.