Royal Academy of Music

It's on the north side of Marylebone Road in the heart of London, housed in a compact campus; a classic sandstone and red brick Edwardian building at the front and extensions into the John Nash and Decimus Burton Victorian buildings of York Gate and York Terrace alongside. Facilities include 2 concert halls, a concert room, recital room, opera theatre, a museum housing a collection of fine instruments (including 13 Stradivariuses) and an annexe in the renovated York Gate building for practice, rehearsals and lectures. All students live out as there are no specific halls of residence, although the Academy has numerous places within London University intercollegiate halls and international student house nearby. With several student flats and close proximity to Baker Street tube, accommodation is easily found; costs vary enormously, depending on location. All students enter the (very demanding) BMus performance course, which ensures an excellent degree. Highest standards of tuition from some of the finest members of the music profession. Practice and dedication is expected of students on a daily basis. Non-stop exciting programme of concerts, masterclasses and music series. There is no 'average' student except the one with a genuine love and energy for music. Many international and postgrad students. The RAM has an ever-developing social life in college. Students' union (RAMSU) has a policy of inclusivity across the student body in which over 50 nationalities are represented: freshers' week, jazz nights, bi-weekly parties, karaoke, cabaret, river parties, summer ball and barbecues. Absolutely the place to be if you want to become a performing musician.

Housing: Accommodation office really helpful - plans for new hall of residence in pipeline. Eats: Excellent food at reasonable prices at RAM restaurant. Good snacks etc locally. Drink: RAM bar reasonably priced. 4 pubs within 400 yards. Nightlife: Bi-weekly parties, themed nights, termly balls. Automatic membership to ULU and its facilities. 20 mins' walk to West End; many excellent student offers on concerts etc throughout London. Sports: New yoga, Alexander Technique, Tai-Chi lessons; close to excellent ULU facilities. Travel: Socrates/Erasmus schemes and award system for summer schools. Hardship fund: Admin always willing to listen. Various forms of assistance. Jobs: Many gigs and teaching jobs (get yourself known!). Bar work and concert stewarding at RAM (concert work through RAM's own concert secretary). It's expensive to be a music student in London so many students need paid work. Informal name: RAM, The Academy. 

Richard Rodney Bennett, Harrison Birtwhistle, Lesley Garrett, Evelyn Glennie, Elton John, Graham Johnson, Annie Lennox, Felicity Lott, Joanna MacGregor, Michael Nyman, Simon Rattle, Jean Rigby, John Taverner.

Enquiries to RAMSU president, tel 020 7873 7337.