The Royal College of Music’s Student Services team provide advice and support on a range of issues helping you to get the most out of your time at the RCM.
The Royal College of Music is committed to a policy of equal opportunities. We welcome students irrespective of sex, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief, offering you the support necessary to fulfill your potential.
Pastoral care
Our experienced Student Services team is available to all RCM students, offering informal advice, useful information and wellbeing resources. We are happy to talk about any matter that is affecting your studies or your personal life. We offer appointment services, either in-person or online, both of which are fully confidential. To find out more about confidentiality please read our Privacy statement for Student Services.
Counselling
If you experience any problems in your personal or academic life during your time at the RCM, a free in-house counselling service is available to all students. Counselling is an opportunity to discuss what’s troubling you in a safe and confidential setting, where you will can explore coping strategies and helpful resources.
The RCM Counsellors are sensitive to our diverse community. All material discussed in a session is confidential and not shared with staff or other students. For more information about confidentiality, see our counselling code of practice below.
Counselling is also available at Imperial College Health Centre.
Health & wellbeing
At the RCM, we want to ensure that health and wellbeing is a priority for all of our students.
We are partnered with TogetherAll, which runs a 24/7 online service offering advice, resources and peer support for those dealing with depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. This service is free to all RCM students.
Student Services run weekly meditation and yoga sessions to support your wellbeing. All are welcome to these sessions and they are completely free. We also offer massage therapy sessions at a reduced rate. Find out more by contacting the Student Services team.
The Student Services team is also happy to discuss options for the prevention and treatment of musicians' injuries and can provide information about agencies specialising in the care of such injuries.
The RCM is a member of the Healthy Conservatoire Network and works closely with the Centre for Performance Science to encourage and promote good health in musicians.
Look out for our weekly Friday Focus emails during term-time, which includes topics on health and wellbeing, such as healthy eating, stress management and tips for looking after your mental health.
Find out more about health and wellbeing at the RCM
Financial matters
The Student Services Manager can give advice on funding your course and general financial concerns. We are happy to advise you if you are a prospective RCM student.
Financial Hardship
Students experiencing unexpected financial hardship partway through their course, or who need assistance towards paying for treatment for performance related injury, or any other unexpected costs that cannot be met elsewhere may be able to apply to the RCM’s Hardship Fund.
Find out about fees & funding
Accommodation
There are many alternative halls and hostels in London, offering mostly self-catering accommodation, often en-suite. These halls combine secure housing with the benefits of a diverse community and many amenities such as bars and gyms, and often organise events for residents.
Lots of RCM students, particularly after their first year, choose to live in privately rented accommodation. London has a large rental market offering a range of properties in locations across the city.
There is no such thing as a typical landlord. Some are young professionals, graduates, some middle-aged couples, some are retired, some are families with a room to spare. Renting a room privately is often the cheapest option.
During the year our Student Services team produces a list of landlords offering private accommodation to registered RCM students.
If you would like more information on seeking accommodation, please feel free to talk to the Student Services team, by emailing accommodation@rcm.ac.uk
Multi-faith Chaplaincy
The Chaplaincy Centre at Imperial College London welcomes RCM students and is just two minutes’ walk away. It provides a confidential place to explore faith and to find support for personal issues. The team of chaplains works with students from different faiths and philosophical backgrounds, offering support, information, discussion, prayer and worship.
Find out more about the Chaplaincy Centre
Contact Student Services
If you would like to speak Student Services about a particular issue or to enquire about the assistance they can offer, feel free to contact them.
