Birmingham Conservatoire - Student Life

Housing: Uni housing list can be expensive. Halls good, some very close.

Eats: Lots of reasonable restaurants and sandwich bars. College canteen reasonably priced.

Drink: Summer Row and Broad Street on the door step, Shakespeare (M&B), Prince of Wales (Ansells), The Grapevine, The Wellington, Atkinsons (local ale). 4 union bars across the city.

Nightlife: Rock and classical concerts with regular big names. City centre excellent for a good night out; everyone catered for.

Sports: Can join any UCE union sports clubs. Student reductions at most sports centres and shops.

Travel: Good public transport, discounts with taxi companies. cheap buses.

Financial help: Limited funds available.

Jobs: Some Xmas shows offer work plus chance to gain experience; pub work in term-time; stewarding at the symphony hall. Can use musical talents to earn money, eg gigs or teaching but very competitive.

Annual living costs: The minimum amount students say you need to live on each year (covering all living expenses but excluding tuition fees) is £5500.

More info: Ring President of the Union of Students on Tel: 0121 331 6811.

Past students: Ernest Elemont (violinist), Peter Aston, Paul Beard, Brian Ferneyhough, Jean Rigby, Nicholas Wood, orchestral musicians, singers in major opera companies, professors of music, music advisers, directors of music companies.