We are delighted to welcome you as a guest on Graduation day and look forward to celebrating with you.
We have compiled some useful information to help your day go as smoothly and comfortably as possible. Graduating students will be emailed with detailed information about the things they need to do in the run-up to the day, including how to hire their gowns, order official photographs and confirm their own attendence.
Guest tickets
Admission to the graduation ceremonies is strictly ticketed. All graduands will receive their tickets as a matter of course, but ticketing for guests is handled by the RCM Box Office, which is due to open for sales to be confirmed.
Taking photographs
We ask that guests do not take photographs using a flash during the ceremony itself. However, you are welcome to take as many photographs as you wish during the reception and throughout the rest of the day.
There will be opportunity to take group photographs at the front of the RCM after the official photographer has taken his shots. We ask that you stand well back while the official photographs are being taken to keep the process as efficient as possible and to avoid the risk of injury from stepping into a busy road.
Refreshments
The café will be open on Graduation day for coffee and light refreshments.
Cloakroom
A cloakroom is available for Graduation guests, situated on the Lower Ground floor via the atrium staircase (and via our atrium lift).
If you have mobility impairments, please seek assistance at Reception and an RCM Steward can provide assistance to take your items to the cloakroom on your behalf.
The cloakroom will be available 9.30am–5.30pm. Items are left at the owner's risk.
Accessibility
If you are a wheelchair user or need any additional support to enable you to enjoy the day, please notify the Box Office when booking your tickets, or e-mail graduation@rcm.ac.uk. Further information about accessing the RCM is available on our website.
Getting to the RCM
The Royal College of Music is easy to reach on foot from nearby attractions in South Kensington, from Kensington High Street and from Kensington Gardens.
Travelling by train or Underground
All local stations are in TfL fare zone 1.
London Underground
The closest station is South Kensington (Circle, District and Piccadilly lines), which is a 10–15 minute walk from the RCM.
Gloucester Road (Circle, District and Piccadilly lines) is a 15 minute walk from the RCM. High Street Kensington station (Circle and District lines) is a 20 minute walk or 10 minutes by bus.
Travelling by bus or coach
London Buses
Bus number 360 stops directly outside the RCM on Prince Consort Road.
Buses 9, 23, 52 and 452 pass the Royal Albert Hall.
The number 70 travels along Queen's Gate.
Many other services run to South Kensington, Kensington High Street and Knightsbridge from surrounding areas.
A comprehensive system of night buses operates between Central London and the rest of the city. The N9 passes the Royal Albert Hall and connects with other major routes at Trafalgar Square.
Live travel information
Coaches
Scheduled coach services run to destinations nationwide from Victoria Coach Station.
