Life at the School

Guildhall School is located in the heart of London, one of the most exciting cities in the world. Training in music, drama and production arts in this culturally-rich and dynamic environment is a unique experience.

With West End theatres, the Southbank Centre, Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House all close by, Guildhall has an array of world-renowned cultural institutions on its doorstep.

As a student, you will be entitled to concessions on virtually all entertainment tickets, plus discounts for shops, restaurants and public transport. For students from abroad, we provide guided tours and excursions to help you find your way around. Other major European cities are easily accessible by train or plane.

Our neighbourhood

Our campus is situated in a vibrant cultural hotspot in the City of London. The area is a major destination for culture and creativity, from Guildhall School and the adjacent Barbican Centre to LSO St Luke’s and the Museum of London. The neighbourhood offers a range of impressive performance and exhibition spaces all within walking distance, and exciting collaborative opportunities. Nestled on the edge of the popular areas of Shoreditch and Clerkenwell, we are close to some of London’s most famous landmarks, including St Paul’s Cathedral, the Gherkin and the Shard.

Student life

Accommodation

Sundial Court, the School's hall of residence, is located in Chiswell Street, just around the corner from the Silk Street building. Sundial Court has 176 bedrooms in thirty-nine flats, each with either three, four, five or six bedrooms.

Our Facilities

Our facilities include the Grade II-listed Silk Street building, part of the distinctive and architecturally-renowned Barbican complex, and Milton Court, our newer site just across the road. Milton Court's world-class performance and training spaces include a state of the art concert hall, a lyric theatre, a studio theatre and several major rehearsal rooms.

International

Guildhall welcomes a diverse community of students from all over the world. Of the 1000 students across our programmes, 35% come from outside Britain, bringing a truly global outlook to what we do.

Students dancing with red bunting above them

Students' Union

The Students' Union actively represents students throughout their time at the School. Led by a full-time President, the Union offers advice on a wide range of topics, and can provide useful information on the Guildhall School, its surrounding area, and student life.

Discover our students' London Stories

London Stories: Emily, MMus Harp Principal Study

London Stories: Oscar, BA Production Arts (Design Realisation)

London Stories: Shea, MA Collaborative Performance Making

London Stories: Alex, BA Production Arts

Electronic & Produced Music student Jenny, walking past a graffiti wall on Brick Lane in London — London Stories: Jenny, BMus Electronic & Produced Music

Student support

Four students outside on lakeside terrace

Student Services

Student Services offers a valued and comprehensive range of support services to promote students’ personal and professional well-being. It provides a supportive environment to assist students in making the most of their student experience.

Lakeside Terrace next to Guildhall School of Music & Drama

Disability Support

Student Services provides confidential advice and support to both prospective and enrolled students with disabilities – including physical disabilities, sensory impairments, specific learning disabilities, long-term medical conditions and mental health requirements.

Care leavers and Looked After children

Students from a care background may face particular challenges in progressing to Higher Education. Guildhall School is committed to doing its best to ensure that students from all backgrounds feel able to apply and take up a place at the School.

Alumni

Find out more about being part of our alumni community after graduating from Guildhall School.

Two students with instruments walking down Silk Street on a sunny day

Estranged Students

The School is committed to doing its best to ensure that students from all backgrounds feel able to apply and take up a place at the School. Students who are estranged from their families may face unique challenges, and the School offers a range of support to help you navigate the application process and your Higher Education career.