Getting support

Step 6: Starting at a conservatoire

When you're at the conservatoire, you may have some problems or feel like you need to speak to someone for advice and support. There are lots of people to help with any issues, like academic problems, loneliness, homesickness or general issues, like accommodation or financial problems.

Where to find help and support

Conservatoires have their own welfare, advice or guidance centres. To find out what help your conservatoire offers, go to their website and look up student support, or go into the students' union and ask staff there.

Lifetracks.com offers help and advice for young people. It contains useful articles, videos, features and a free question and answer service, all aimed at helping you when making choices about your future.

Students' unions

Your students' union will probably be the hub of your conservatoire's student life. The union is responsible for social events, sports events, discounts, music, and most importantly, for representing students.

Your union will be run by a group of representatives elected by you.

If your union is part of the NUS you should consider getting an NUS card. A democracy card enables you to prove your student status - an Extra card is good for discounts in hundreds of high street shops, in cinemas, museums, theatres, restaurants, cafes and bars. Your own students' union will probably also have negotiated deals with local restaurants, clubs and bars to get you cheap deals and student nights.

Below are details of students' unions within the conservatoires. Click on the link to view the relevant page on the conservatoire's website. Each link opens in a new window.

Birmingham Conservatoire Students' Union (Birmingham City Students' Union)

Leeds College of Music Student Union

Royal College of Music Students' Association

Royal Northern College of Music Students' Union

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Students' Union

Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance Students' Union

Academic problems

If you struggle with the workload or just don't enjoy the course, speak to your tutor, your assigned personal tutor or someone else at the conservatoire that you feel you can talk to.

If you're not enjoying the course they can help you isolate the reason and suggest some possible options. It might be possible for you to arrange to switch courses, without wasting any time or credit already earned.

Accommodation problems

If you're living in conservatoire premises or halls, talk to people in the accommodation office. They may be able to resolve the problem or find you somewhere else to live if necessary. If you don't like halls, you might be happier in a shared flat or even renting your own flat privately.

If it's a private flat and you can't resolve the situation through your landlord, someone on student support services can advise you.

Missing home

Feeling homesick while studying away from home is common. Try to involve yourself in campus life and keep busy. Speaking to a counsellor will also help. They will discuss your feelings with you and offer coping strategies. If you feel too homesick to continue they will also be able to discuss the options that you have.

Making friends

Joining conservatoire clubs and societies will help you find people with similar interests. Don't limit yourself to housemates and people on your course; get involved in what interests you, such as joining union clubs and societies or volunteering.

Health problems

Many conservatoires have their own medical centres. If not, a student adviser should be able to advise you on local doctors. If you have serious health problems which affect your ability to study, speak to your tutor or someone at the conservatoire as early as possible.

Legal problems

If you have a legal problem, you can get free legal advice through your students' union.

Thinking about leaving

If you're thinking about dropping out, there's no need to feel alone or worry that the situation is a dead end. There are lots of options and people to talk them over with.

Before you decide, talk to someone about how you're feeling and any problems you're having. As well as talking to friends and family there are loads of people on campus who can help you, including tutors, student advisers and support staff.

If you still want to leave, you shouldn't feel like you have failed. Remember that you have made an informed decision and it's what feels right for you. See our Other options page for ideas on what to do next.