Royal Northern College of Music (Student Life)

Accommodation: Find private accommodation through noticeboards (cheapest in Moss Side, Hulme, Whalley Range). Rents £40 pw in private housing.

Eating: Meal on campus £3+ or £2 in the SU; up to £8 at the Phoenix, Firkin, Babylon or in Rusholme (over 50 indian restaurants, most cheap and very good - the famous Curry Mile!); good vegetarian; Chinatown in centre of town.

Drinking: SU bar cheap (£1.40 a pint, £1.50 double shot) and university SU. Many good, cheap locals eg Phoenix and irish pubs.

Nightlife: Many clubs and trendy bars - Comedy Club, Band on the Wall and much more. Lots of student discounts at cinemas, theatres, shows, concerts at Manchester Evening News Arena plus many ents at SUs.

Locals: Very friendly. Some dodgy areas to be avoided! Sports: Use of very good uni facilities.

Travel: College fund for studying abroad. Numerous tours for ensembles.

Financial help: Limited college resources for small loans and scholarships.

Jobs: Gigs and teaching relatively easy after a couple of years. 20% do bar work, ushering etc during term time.

Best features: Friendly, family atmosphere.

Worst features: Sometimes too small, can feel too competitive.

Informal name: RNCM.

More info: Enquiries to SU President, Tel: 0161 907 5215

Past students: Peter Donohoe, Jane Eaglen, Brodsky Quartet, Nossek Quartet, Nemo Brass, Howard Jones. Paul Newton, Amanda Roocroft.