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.
Like many RCM students, most exchange students live in student residences or 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 links below for further suggestions and guidance.
The RCM has a purpose built hall of residence for students called Prince Consort Village, however contracts are normally for one academic year and there normally isn't spare availability for students coming to the RCM for shorter stays.
If you prefer to look for a room to rent in private accommodation rather than a student residence, websites such as SpareRoom and Gumtree can be a good place to start.
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.
Visit our guidance on typical living costs to help budget for your exchange.
We also advise all international applicants to budget for additional expenses such as overseas travel. This is particularly useful for getting home in an emergency.
Unless you hold a UK passport you will need immigration permission to study in the UK. RCM exchanges are normally shorter than 6 months, and students can therefore come to the UK as a Standard Visitor. Your nationality will impact whether or not you need to apply in advance for a visa, or whether you can be granted permission to enter on arrival. You can check whether you need to apply in advance for a visa here.
Students from some countries, known as "visa nationals" need to apply for a visa in advance.
Students who are nationals of the majority of the countries where our partner institutions are located (e.g. EU/EEA countries, USA, Japan, Australia) do not need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa before travel, but must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for the UK before travelling.
Our International team are available to provide advice and support regarding visa and immigration matters.
Find out more about Standard Visitor immigration permission.
You will need to arrange adequate health insurance to cover any medical treatment during your stay before travelling to 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's Student Services team can provide advice on how to access support with health and wellbeing matters, and offers an in-house counselling service.
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)
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
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