Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama - Student View

It's in the picturesque surroundings of Cathays Park, just behind Cardiff Castle. Access is marvellous, only 10 minutes' walk from the central bus station railway station and city centre. No halls of residence; most students live within easy walking distance of the college in Cathays, Roath or Canton.

Finding accommodation is not hard thanks to a comprehensive SU housing list (part of student life pack, sent to all new students and also includes details of unique student group placement scheme).

There are a variety of ages and nationalities, even though it is one of the smallest UK colleges.

Enthusiastic SU organises successful Graduands' and Freshers' balls. Freshers' week packed full of entertainment and many other events throughout the year. Societies currently include LGB, overseas society, football, cricket and Christian Union.

College is friendly and intimate so you will soon discover fellow students with similar interests. As a capital, Cardiff has a plethora of pubs, clubs and takeaways to suit all tastes and, of course, cinemas and theatres. St David's Hall, the Cardiff International Arena, the Millennium Centre and the Millennium Stadium are all in the heart of Cardiff, putting on a huge range of events.

Millennium Stadium is spiritual home of welsh rugby but has also had several high-profile football matches including FA Cup Final; Cardiff is an exciting place to be on match day!

Relations between staff and students are good; much of the teaching is done in small groups. The atmosphere for both music and drama students is less cut-throat than at some colleges, and the drop out rate is the lowest of all UK conservatoires.

Numerous concerts, annual full-scale opera and usually 6 drama department productions a term. Stage management pantomime is an annual must - mercilessly mocks everyone else in college! Whatever the course, the emphasis is always firmly on performance.