Exchanges at the RCM normally take place for one term during the Autumn Term (September to December).
As an exchange student you are not required to pay RCM tuition fees. You should register and pay your fees at your home institution as normal.
Most students from outside the UK arrive in London either by plane or by train. Whether you are coming to visit the Royal College of Music, to visit friends or family, or to move into your new accommodation, you will need to plan how to get from the airport or railway station to your destination. Every journey is different and every person has different needs. The guidance below is provided for quick reference only. We encourage all travellers to spend adequate time planning their travel options and checking fares with relevant ticket providers.
The RCM operates a three term academic calendar. We do not divide the year into two semesters.
The RCM has a purpose built halls of residence for students called Prince Consort Village. Contracts are for one academic year and rooms are allocated before the start of the Autumn Term. Exchange students who are studying at the RCM for a full year are welcome to apply for one of these rooms. There may be some availability for exchange students who are studying at the RCM for shorter periods, although this cannot be guaranteed. If you are coming to the RCM for a short exchange and would like to explore this option, please contact Campus Living Villages, who manage Prince Consort Village, and not the RCM.
Many RCM students choose to live in privately rented accommodation. Our Student Services team is available to offer advice on finding suitable accommodation.
One option you may wish to consider is International Students House, which offers shorter contracts, or follow the link below for further suggestions and guidance.
We cannot say exactly how much money students need while you studying at the RCM. Different students have different needs, preferences and live different lifestyles.
We estimate that most exchange students will need to budget for around £12,500 per year in living costs. This figure will be lower if you are only studying at the RCM for one term.
Students who require a Student visa must currently show they have sufficient funds to support themselves. If you are a Student visa applicant you need to prove you have at least £1,334 per month (£12,006 per academic year) available for living expenses for your first 9 months in the UK as part of the visa application process.
Please note that the Home Office may revise this figure. Check the latest information at https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/money
We advise all international applicants to budget for additional expenses such as overseas travel. This is particularly useful for getting home in an emergency.
Your nationality and the length of your exchange will impact whether or not you need to apply for a visa to study in the UK and, if you do, which kind of visa you require.
RCM exchanges are normally shorter than 6 months, and students can therefore come to the UK as a Standard Visitor. Students who are nationals of the majority of the countries where our partner institutions are located (e.g. EU/EEA countries, USA, Japan) do not need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa before travel and will be granted entry to the UK on arrival. You can check whether you need a visa here.
Our International team are available to provide advice and support regarding visa and immigration matters.
You will need to arrange adequate health insurance to cover any medical treatment during your stay in the UK. You should also consider taking out insurance to cover unexpected costs such as returning home in the event of serious illness and lost or stolen property.
Find out more about insurance
The RCM enjoys a close connection with Imperial College Health Centre, which is just a few minutes’ walk away. Students who live at the RCM's halls of residence, Prince Consort Village, may register at Imperial College Health Centre as NHS (National Health Service) patients.
A variety of organisations produce useful information for exchange students. We particularly recommend those listed below.
Find out more about UK culture, the experience of studying the UK and other useful hints.
UK Council for Student Affairs (UKCISA)
Our Student Services team offers free and informed advice on finding suitable accommodation. However, you may wish to look at these websites for listings of short let rooms.
London has a wide range of travel options, including an excellent public transport network. London’s streets are well signposted and many people choose to make shorter journeys by foot or by bike.
Transport for London (TfL) is responsible for the local transport system. TfL controls the London Underground, which is also known as ‘the Tube’, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), the London Overground, London Buses and several other transport options. TfL operates a contactless pay-as-you-go scheme, which is cheaper than buying paper tickets on most services, and students on full-time courses lasting more than 14 weeks can apply for an 18+ Student Oystercard. The scheme works with contactless bank cards or mobile payment and Oyster Cards.
Royal College of Music
Prince Consort Road
London SW7 2BS
United Kingdom
Registered charity No. 309268
