Royal Northern College of Music - Student View

It boasts some of the most up-to-date facilities and opportunities for music students in Britain. Facilities include a fully staffed opera theatre (and own workshop), concert hall, recital room, lecture theatre, fine music library (with student computers, internet and email) and many sound-proofed, air-conditioned practice and rehearsal rooms.

Now all one campus (new link building between old and new buildings). New, comfortable, ensuite rooms in halls of residence (2 minutes from college) for first years and some others. Then most students live in the Didsbury, Chorlton or Fallowfield areas, where there is good transport (busiest bus route in Europe!) and loads of food, drink and entertainment at all hours.

The college's good reputation attracts a high proportion of international and mature students: most aim to become professional musicians. Students are actively encouraged to seek external work with local orchestras and music clubs; close links with BBC Philharmonic, Halle, Liverpool Philharmonic and Camerata orchestras.

Fairly small but able to take advantage of most of the university's facilities eg social activities, bars, clubs and health centres. In this highly competitive field, RNCM is a surprisingly friendly place, perhaps due to its large refectory area where students congregate. Active and enthusiastic SU puts on numerous weekly entertainments, plus endless late-night parties and an annual ball.