Here are some questions we are often asked by new students. If your query isn’t answered here, please do get in touch with us at matriculation@rcs.ac.uk.
Should I register with a Doctor?
All students must register with a doctor (General Practitioner/GP) and we recommend that you register with Dr Leslie and Partners within Woodside Health and Care Centre, 891 Garscube Road, Glasgow, G20 7ER.
You can find out more information about the UK healthcare service and what it means for you by clicking this link.
When am I expected to arrive at the conservatoire?
For most students, Induction Week starts on Monday 23rd September 2024. The exceptions are:
• PGDE students who will begin their Term 1 on Monday 19th August 2024.
Induction Week is a conservatoire-wide initiative designed to help ease you into life at RCS. It is an opportunity to find out about the facilities on campus, learn about relevant support services and meet other new students. It is a useful introduction to life in Glasgow and will help you settle into being a student at RCS before you begin your programme of study.
When is the earliest I can move into Base Glasgow?
Students can move into Base Glasgow beginning Friday 20th September 2024. Staff and current students will be available to assist you with your luggage and to help you settle in.
I have a conditional offer, when do I have to meet my conditions by?
You must meet the conditions of your offer and send evidence of this to the admissions team by 31 August 2024. You are advised to send evidence as soon as your conditions have been met.
If your conditions include obtaining IELTS (English Language Test), the deadline for this will have been communicated by the RCS admissions team. If you have difficulty accessing an IELTS test, please keep in touch with the admissions office on when you are able to take an IELTS test (or an alternative English Language test) and deadlines will be set/amended on a case-by-case basis.
When do I matriculate? Is this the same as registering?
Yes, matriculation and registering are the same thing. It is sometimes also referred to as enrolment. Matriculation information will be emailed to all new students at the end of August.
PGDE students will receive matriculation information in July.
I’m an exchange student, do I have a special induction programme?
No, you should attend all the same Induction Week activities as the other students on your programme of study. In addition, you will be invited to a presentation specifically for , International Exchange and Study Abroad students upon your arrival and you may also wish to attend the Induction Week session for international students. We appreciate that you will not be new to higher education in your own country but the offering may be different in Scotland and the activities on offer will help you to settle in to your studies in Glasgow.
Can I claim Council Tax Exemption as soon as I move into my accommodation?
If you are a full-time student, you will be entitled to Student Exemption from Council Tax. This exemption only applies from the start of your programme (e.g. 23 September 2024). Therefore if you move into accommodation prior to commencing your programme, you will not be entitled to exemption and will be liable for any changes. Further information about Council Tax is available in our Accommodation in Glasgow.
When can I have confirmation that I am a student at the Conservatoire?
Student status letters can be requested after you have matriculated (e.g. after 23 September 2024). We cannot confirm that you are an enrolled student until after your matriculation date. Due to the large number of requests at the start of the academic year, the turn-around time for issuing these letters will be between one and two weeks.
Can I open a UK bank account upon arrival in Glasgow?
Most of the banks in the city centre of Glasgow should be willing to offer you a basic bank account (no credit card or overdraft facilities). All banks will require a letter from RCS confirming your status as a student, which can only be given to you once you have matriculated (e.g. after 23 September 2024). Once matriculated, you will be able to fill out the Student Status Letter Request form, found here: Academic Support.
Due to the large number of requests at the start of the academic year, the turn-around time for issue of these letters is between one and two weeks. You should not make an appointment with a bank until you have received your letter. For international students who want to open a UK bank account, further information is available by clicking this link.
I’m from the USA and I want to fund my studies with Federal Aid. What do I need to do?
You need to complete a FAFSA for award year 2024/2025. A member of staff will then be in touch with you in May/June 2024 to let you know how much you’re eligible to borrow and the steps you need to take in order to ensure that your loan is in place for September 2024. Please see the RCS website for further information US Federal Student Aid.
Are there any places my parents/carer(s) can stay while I am moving in over the weekend?
These local hotel rates are near the conservatoire. Please book directly with the hotel for up to date information.
When will I receive my timetable?
You will receive your Induction Week timetable at the end of August along with your induction/matriculation pack. You will be shown how to access your class timetable on our ASIMUT system during your IT Induction session in induction week. Your timetable will not be available before you matriculate.
PGDE students will gain access to their timetable through the ASIMUT system in induction week (w/b 19 August 2024).
When will I receive my programme handbook?
You will receive your digital programme handbook at either the end of August or the first week of term (Programme dependent). The programme handbook is sometimes referred to as a course catalogue.
PGDE students will receive their programme handbook the week of the 19 August 2024.
Who is my Programme Support Administrator?
Each Programme/Department is supported by a Programme Support Administrator (PSA), they provide students and staff with administrative support in relation to the delivery of the programme. If you have any departmental specific questions, please email: psa@rcs.ac.uk. Information about your specific PSA’s will be given to you as part of the induction meetings.
When will I receive my matriculation card?
Matriculation cards are not issued until the start of the academic year on 23 September 2024.
PGDE students will receive their matriculation cards the week of the 19 August 2024.
If you have not supplied an image prior to your matriculation date, there will be a delay in getting your ID card to you. This will affect your building and room booking access, so it’s important you supply a photo as soon as you can. Images can be sent to marticulation@rcs.ac.uk. The same ID photo will be used for the entirety of your studies, and cannot be changed once your programme has started.
When will I find out my principal study teacher (School of Music students)?
You will find out your allocated principal study teacher when you commence your studies at the Conservatoire. If you have any concerns, please contact: psa@rcs.ac.uk
Can I get in touch with current RCS students before I arrive?
If you would like to get in touch with a current RCS student before you arrive, please email SUAdmin@rcs.ac.uk. By emailing us, please note that you will be consenting to share your email address with that current student.
Can I work during my course?
Working in the UK as a student can be a rewarding experience. It’s important to understand and comply with your immigration rights and restrictions and any limits to working that your institution might have.
There are two main issues to consider; are you legally able to and if you are, will you have enough time to do so given the demands of your course.
Students in the UK on a Student route visa can work for 20 hours per week during term time and full time during holiday periods. There are some kinds of work that Student route students must not do:
• self-employment
• work as an entertainer
Any student can take up an unpaid performance provided they are doing so as an amateur and they are not seeking to derive a living from the activity. For more information please email the International Team or go to the UKCISA Website for further advice.
Students on a Visitor visa cannot work at all. As a Visitor, you cannot do any kind of work, work placement or work experience during your studies in the UK.
You should not rely on income from a part-time job to fund or supplement your living costs in Glasgow. Part-time jobs are available in the city but the programmes of study at RCS are intensive and your commitment to study may not afford you much spare time. If you’d like to find out whether you’ll have time to have a part-time job you can ask to be put in touch with your Head of Department/Programme.
The RCS does not offer Work-Study as happens in the USA.