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If you need any type of support while you are here, please do not hesitate to contact student services.

The services they provide include:

  • Housing advice
  • Financial support
  • Careers support
  • Counselling
  • Disability support
  • Learning support
  • Health and injury support

In the first instance, you may find the following information useful:

Adapting to life away from home

If you are living away from home for the first time, you are likely to need time to adjust.

It is very common for new students to become homesick, and there are many things you can do to help.

  1. Talk to someone

Speak to your classmates about how you feel – it is likely that many of them are feeling homesick too! If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, then you can also talk to a tutor or counsellor at Trinity Laban. Don’t keep your feelings bottled up as this can make you feel worse in the long run.

2. Keep in contact with friends and family back home

Although your friends and family might be far away, a friendly voice is always reassuring. Go home to visit, but don’t miss out on opportunities to settle into your new surroundings. Friends and family can visit you too – this gives you the opportunity to explore the area with people you know.

   3. Keep doing things you enjoy

If you enjoyed cooking, playing sport or anything else before your studies, keep your interests alive. This will help you take your mind off any negative feelings, and find likeminded people. There are plenty of local classes in London, which can even help you find new hobbies!

  4. Establish a routine

Once you have your timetable you will start to develop a routine. This will help you find stability and become more settled into your new life.

5. Look after yourself

Make sure you get enough sleep, exercise and try to eat a healthy diet. Avoid drinking too much alcohol, as this can have a negative effect on your mood.

6. Give yourself time

Moving away from home is a big change and it takes time to make new friends and settle in. So don’t be too hard on yourself.

If you do experience prolonged feelings of homesickness, anxiety or depression – this is nothing to be ashamed of and you are not alone. Student Services are here to help.

Studying at a conservatoire

You might find that the teaching and learning methods at Trinity Laban are different from what you are used to. Here are some guidelines:

   1. In the classroom/studio

Most of your programme will be delivered through small groups/classes. You should be prepared to:

  • Take an active part in practical sessions/group work
  • Ask questions if you wish to – it will not cause offence if you have a different viewpoint
  • Take notes

Your teacher is there to support you with any of the above.

   2. Independence

We encourage you to work independently from a range of sources. Generally speaking, there isn’t always a correct answer – we want you to understand different arguments and make your own judgement.

   3. Reading

For most modules you will have a reading list. Items may contain:

  • Basic reading and/or reference material
  • An overview of the subject
  • Background information
  • Useful information for a specific topic/piece of work

You are not expected to read every book/article on the list. Most should be available in our libraries – you can ask an assistant if you have trouble finding anything or need to order anything in.

   4. Technology

You will need to be able to use IT during your studies – from everyday computer programmes to specialist music and dance science technology (depending on your programme).

Every student will make use of the following:

  • The Moodle Virtual Learning Environment – for information about your programme and submitting assignments
  • A Trinity Laban email address – a vital tool for communication

If you are faced with equipment or systems that you don’t understand, ask Student Services for help.

 5. Plagiarism

Plagiarism is defined as the act of presenting someone else’s work/ideas as your own.

Although you don’t need to worry too much about this, you need to be aware of the definition as the consequences can be severe. If you are accused of plagiarism in assessed work and examinations, you could fail your programme.

To avoid being accused of plagiarism, make sure you do the following at all times:

  • Acknowledge other peoples’ ideas (rather than present them as your own) – whether they are a fellow student or external artist/practitioner
  • Reference other sources and materials in written work – even when reproducing information in your own words. Referencing other sources shows that you are aware of existing ideas/arguments within your area of study, which is encouraged

Your programme handbook will include detailed instructions on the accepted methods of referencing.

If you are unsure of what constitutes plagiarism or you need help with referencing, your teachers will be more than happy to help so don’t be afraid to ask.

6. Punctuality

You must attend classes regularly and arrive on time. A large part of your course is delivered in class, and you may miss important information if you are not there.

If you are absent without notification, you will have no grounds for any appeal you might wish to make later.

Working while you study

Many students undertake part-time work while studying to support themselves financially. This is a great way to learn important skills that graduate employers value, such as teamwork, time management and commercial awareness. Just make sure your studies and social life do not suffer!

The Careers Service can help you with finding work opportunities.

You may also be interested in casual/part-time work opportunities at Trinity Laban. These may include:

  • Student ambassadors – who help at Open Days and other events for prospective students
  • Leafleting
  • Data entry
  • Audition, concert, competition and masterclass stewarding
  • Library book shelving
  • Junior Trinity Saturday assistants

Information about these opportunities will be distributed to new and returning students at the start of each academic year. Some opportunities may be specific to students from one faculty, depending on the requirements of the role.

Please note that due to demand for these roles, there is no guarantee of securing part-time or casual work with the conservatoire during your studies.

International students – working in the UK

If you require a visa to study in the UK, there might be a limit on the amount of hours you are allowed to work per week.

Most students on a Student visa are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term times.

Health

Physical Health

If you’re feeling unwell, you can visit our medical support page for information about:

  • Doctors/GP surgeries
  • Pharmacy services
  • Hospitals
  • Dentists
  • NHS Low Income Scheme
  • Sexual health clinics
  • Non-emergency resources

For injuries, you can also make use of Trinity Laban Health – our multi-disciplinary clinic offering a range of treatments focussing on injury prevention, management and rehabilitation.

Emotional wellbeing

We are very aware that conservatoire life can be stressful, and we are here to help.

If something is troubling you and is preventing you from making the most of your time here at Trinity Laban, you may find it helpful to make use of our free Counselling Service.

There are also a number of UK support services you can contact:

  • Samaritans – a free 24/7 phone line (number 116 123)  for anybody that needs someone to talk to
  • Nightline – a support and practical information phone line (020 7631 0101) for students in London, opening 6am-8pm during term time

Specialist services include:

  • Mind, a national mental health charity
  • B-eat, the UK’s leading eating disorder charity
  • Victim Support, helping survivors of crime and traumatic events
  • Family Planning Association, providing information and advice on contraception, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy choices, abortion and planning a pregnancy
  • National Drugs Helpline (FRANK), a national helpline for anyone in the UK concerned about drug use
  • Drink Line, a free, confidential helpline for people concerned about their drinking, or some else’s
  • Switchboard: LGBT + helpline, an information, support and referral service for lesbians, gay men, bisexual and trans people, and for anyone considering issues around their sexuality and/or gender identity
  • TransLondon, a discussion and support group for all members of the ‘trans’ community

Safety and security

Generally speaking, Greenwich, Deptford and New Cross are considered safe areas. However, you should always be aware of your surroundings – especially at night. Here are some tips to follow when going about day-to-day life:

  • Travel in groups or take a licensed taxi when travelling at night, or at the very least stick to well-lit roads
  • Don’t drink too much alcohol as this can cause you to lose awareness of your surroundings
  • Don’t get distracted by technology (e.g. your mobile phone) for long periods of time when out and about
  • Keep your valuables hidden
  • In the rare event you are pressured to part with your belongings, be prepared to part with them rather than risk injury (just make sure they are insured)
  • Try to use ATMs in daylight
  • Don’t display large amounts of cash when making purchases
  • Don’t keep your wallet in your back pocket
  • When carrying a bag, place the strap over your head (if it is long enough) and wear it across your body

If you are in Greenwich, there are 24-hour security personnel at the east and west gates of the Old Royal Naval College, home to the Faculty of Music.

If you are a music student looking for insurance for any valuable instruments, we recommend Allianz Insurance.

If you have any problems or concerns, please contact:

  • Student Services: 020 8305 9350 / 9342 / 4418
  • Facilities (Dance): 020 8305 9404
  • Facilities (Music): 020 8305 4320
  • Facilities Manager: 020 8305 9405