Rose Bruford College

Based on one site in Sidcup, in Lamorbey Park which is a peaceful, pretty backdrop to a hectic college life. It offers a range of degree courses covering all aspects of theatre practice, including both performance and production sides of theatre making. Classes take place in the studios, rehearsal rooms and workshops of the main campus, as well as the older Lamorbey House by the lake. Two on-site theatres allow for an incredible number of productions per year, with involvement from all years and courses. Learning resources centre has IT facilities and the largest theatrical library aside from the British Library. Sidcup station is a ten-minute walk from college with regular trains into London (20 mins) and local buses to various local shopping centres. Most students rent privately nearby, but there are some halls towards Eltham for 1^st year students. College tries to recreate the atmosphere of a full working theatre, so many hours are spent on practical work; academic aspects run alongside, so students leave with a thorough understanding of the industry. Courses can be very tiring but there is a good sense of unity and usually the buzz outweighs the stress. Students' union exists to help students through problems and to try and create a good social life for everyone: events include freshers' week, Christmas panto, ski trip, Christmas ball as well as a summer ball. College is small, so union reps are still taking their full-time courses as well as organising the union - but they manage! College clubs and societies include boys' and girls' football teams and a green society, and more introduced each year. Many student theatre companies put on productions on campus and in London, as well as further afield. Counsellor on site and a nurse visits weekly (offers advice and obligatory condoms). Three years at Rosie B's are hectic but happy and the unsociable hours (particularly over production projects) prepare students fully for a career in the world of theatre.

Housing: Few rooms in local university halls. Otherwise most students rent houses or lodge with local families; ask accommodation officer. Eats: Rose Café on campus. Drink: Metro Bar has large Bruford clientele; The Portrait (Sidcup). Nightlife: Nights out arranged to pubs/clubs; close to central London for all types of ents. College shows every term; student bands in college; SU event every other week. Locals: Friendly, if a bit posh. Sports: Good local facilities nearby. Travel: College refunds course travel expenses for productions. Get a young persons railcard. Financial help: Limited college trust funds and loans (access boards meet termly). Annual living costs: The minimum amount students say you need to live on each year (excluding tuition fees) is £6000 pa. Jobs: Working during term time is difficult with the long hours, particularly in final year. Casual work eg waiting, ushering sometimes available. Holiday jobs essential. Best features: The atmosphere; mix of students. Informal name: Rosie B.  

Freddie Jones (The Elephant Man), Pam St Clement (Eastenders), Tom Baker (Dr Who), Nerys Hughes (The Liver Birds), Angharad Rees (Poldark), Barbara Kellerman (The Sea Wolves), Gary Oldman (The Harry Potter films), Barry Kilerby (Mr Blobby), Elaine Glover (Footballers' Wives), Diane Louise Jordan (presenter).

Contact SU on tel 020 8308 2697.