University rating
Tell us about your overall university experience so far.
Great overall vibe-what makes GSMD stand out is the people. There is a real sense of unity among and between the departments-partly because the departments all cross over. For example, Jazz musicians do Classical work, Opra students straddle the Music and Drama courses, Technical Theatre students work in performances and productions in the school and elsewhere as well. Also just had a new world class concert hall, Milton Court, built right across the road.
Facilities
How good are your university's facilities?
Facilities are mixed. Class/course materials and requirements are more than met. Lots of Steinways for musicians, Milton court which has lots of dance studios for actors. However, IT is normally a let down. Being a highly creative place, almost everyone is on Mac. IT though insist on running windows, which is not compatible with Macs which means, for instance, they can hook your android phone to the emails, but not an iphone. Also the machines to top up your card with money to print are normally broken, but the printer itself is good.
Student support
How good is the support offered by the uni? Think both academic (tutors/feedback) and personal (counselling, etc).
Outstanding support both professionally and personally with several full time psychologists and physiotherapists .
Students' union
What do you think of your Students' Union in terms of student representation and facilities?
Because Guildhall is not as big as some other universities, it is obviously harder for the SU to put on events. However, they do an excellent job considering, and the SU bar has very cheap drinks, and £1 a pint on tuesdays. Good range of drinks, table tenis, snooker. Also, the events the do put on tend to be great and chilled-ideal for after the long days we do.
Local life
Is your university in a good location in terms of distance to accommodation and local amenities?
Its London!!! Everything for anyone, unless its peace and solitude.
Societies and Sports
How would you rate the variety of societies/sports?
I dont know of any... the SU did send out an email saying people could start ones if they like. tbh, i'm almost certain nobody would have the time.
Lecturers and teaching quality
What do you like most and least about the way your course(s) are taught?
Sometimes you feel that you should have more classes, but the classes you do have are packed with information and change the way you operate within that field.
Career prospects
How does your uni make efforts to increase your employability (careers department, work placements, transferable skills)?
Job Prospects are as high, if not higher, than any conservatoire. Obviously finding work in the arts is never easy, but most people are doing a fair bit of work before graduation (some lots!)
University halls
What do you think about the safety, condition, location and cost of your accommodation?
London Is a nightmare for accommodation, but Sundial Court (GSMD's hall of residence) is under a minutes walk for extremely cheap rates. Most students get halls in first year, after that you feel better prepared to tackle the london market. GSMD offers lots of support to get accommodation, which is why it has a disproportionately high score for london.
