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Home , Brixton Academy, KOKO (music venue), Mercury Prize, Mobo Awards, O2 Forum Kentish Town, Rockferry

London City and Accommodation Guide

2021/22

bimm.ac.uk Contents Welcome

Welcome 3 As College Principal for BIMM Institute , The city has a rich musical heritage, which has generated there’s nothing more satisfying than attending an some of the most influential artists responsible for About London 4 end-of-term gig and seeing all the students’ hard work shaping global music. Being so close to this buzz was the My London 7 and talent come to fruition right before your eyes – reason I came to London in the first place. It turned out

About BIMM Institute London 10 whether they’re performers, songwriters, producers or to be the start of a long and rewarding career, providing music entrepreneurs. unforgettable moments, amazing music, and friends BIMM Institute London Lecturers 12 for life. BIMM Institute London Courses 14 For me, BIMM Institute London is all about the music and

Your City 18 all about the students. This same focus on people and Being able to indulge a passion, develop your talent and creativity is also the reason why I love the music industry. ultimately launch a successful career in the industry you Music Resources 20 Since I began my music career many years ago, there’s love is one of the greatest gifts of all – and here at BIMM

Accommodation Guide 24 never been a dull moment in my journey. From performing Institute London, we’re proud to help students do just that. in bands in London and around the world to arranging Visa Information 28 and giving musical direction in a range of pop and Simon Colam Join us in London 30 contexts, my experience of the music business has been College Principal stimulating, fun and memorable. This is largely due to BIMM Institute London the many interesting and unique people I’ve met along the way.

BIMM Institute London is situated right at the heart of what is probably the world’s biggest centre for music. Literally, thousands of opportunities are on our doorstep, thanks to an energetic live music scene and hundreds of industry connections.

3 About London

London is a city that needs little introduction. at Ronnie Scott’s, cutting-edge alternative bands in Londoners simply love music, and the city caters to Camden or some delectable soul in a super cool club, anyone and everyone. Music is part of London’s very DNA: music in London is eclectic, exciting and always evolving. the clubs, pubs and even themselves. From And with the greatest range of venues of anywhere in the of the 60s, and punk in UK, if not Europe, the capacity for exploration is the 70s to today’s thriving and rap scenes with almost daunting. and winner, , London caters to everyone’s tastes. And venues are indeed everywhere – from the cavernous O2 Arena to the grunge of the Camden Barfly and the Each summer, London is awash with festivals. These splendour of Koko. Free magazines such as Time Out will festivals see big artists appearing at British Summer Time, keep you up-to-date with what’s going on. Away from Meltdown, Wireless and Camden Rocks. For seeing some of music, London’s great for film and theatre, both in the the biggest names, the ’s live music scene features West End and in artier places like the Charles infamous venues such as the , Alexandra Cinema or the ICA. The bigger problem is more likely to be Palace, 02 Academy , the 02 and . narrowing down the wealth of options available to you. Or, to catch the next big thing before it breaks, head to venues like Forum , The Lexington, Culture , The Old Blue Last or Omeara. London is also an unrivalled environment within which to experience other cultures, in everything from fashion A music city in every sense, London is globally to food and film. This cultural mix is very much part of recognised as the centre of the UK’s music business London life – from palaces to street markets, the Notting with major labels, promoters, agents, managers, Hill Carnival to Shoreditch on a Friday night, the sheer publishers and tech giants, such as Spotify and scale and variety available in the city are truly staggering. Google, basing headquarters in the City. Few other places in the world can rival London’s ability to travel a few stops on the underground but change your This is London: exciting, unique and dynamic. And for surroundings completely. This is a city that places you in many, being a student in London is a dream come true. You the present, past and future all at once. could live your whole life here and not know all its secrets – with its people, atmosphere and staggering history, Indeed, it’s often remarked that London is more a London has so much to offer. collection of villages than a coherent city. It’s a collision of different communities smashing up against one another. Music Spend any amount of time within the vibrancy of Brixton or Most people consider it to be THE world music capital and the counterculture of Hackney and it’s incredible to realise an ideal place to network, play and get into the UK’s music that you’re just a few miles away from the glass towers scene. It’s home to leading recording studios, many of the and suits of Canary Wharf or townhouses and mansions of best music management companies, and top record labels Kensington. But best of all is when all these varied peoples such as and Warner Music. come together, hemmed in and sharing each other’s presence as the house lights dim at London has an incredibly vibrant and diverse music scene. or XOYO. London is the perfect place for this. In fact, it’s On any given night you can check out acts from the four pretty much the perfect place, full stop. corners of the globe in every style imaginable. Whether a hotly-tipped grime act in East London, legendary Jazzers

4 5 My London

What to Do First Shopping Where do I start? London has everything and more, with Oxford Street, Shepherd’s Bush and Stratford. Oxford culture, music, art, food and nightlife around every corner. Street is the quintessential tourist shopping location, It’s impossible to talk about everything you could do in while White City and Stratford are home to the Westfield this metropolis, so here are a few things to get you started. shopping malls. White City is probably the biggest shopping mall in the whole of Europe, too. See Three Different Oxford Street, Camden and Richmond Park! These three If you want independent shops and a more hipster vibe, places will give you the best mixture of cosmopolitan, then try heading East and South to some of London’s urban and ‘rural’ London. Camden has long been a heart of other current cultural hotspots like Brixton, Shoreditch music and culture, Oxford Street has more shops than you and Peckham. You’ll find a world of quirky, urban and could shake a tourist at, and Richmond Park has wild deer current art, clothes, food and drink to explore. (who are really friendly). All that alone is a reason to visit! Must-Sees in the City Live Music Abbey Road Studios (near St John’s Wood) is a must-see Anywhere in London has live music. No joke! There’s music for any music lover. Another great thing to do is take a everywhere. If you want to be sure to find something ride on the Afternoon Tea Bus – a double-decker bus that good, try Soho for Ronnie Scott’s, or Camden drives you around London while you enjoy a cup of tea for The Jazz Café, Camden Assembly, The Dublin Castle, and some buns. This might sound like an odd tip, but it’s KOKO and Dingwalls. These are all must-visit a really nice ride and definitely something you won’t find places for sure. outside of London.

Culture Camden, for sure. This place has such a huge variety of people, styles and cultures that there is always something Christian Larsen to keep your eyes peeled for. You’ll find all sorts here. Guitar

BIMM alumnus Christian Larsen takes us on his personal tour of one of the greatest cities in the world.

6 7 8 9 10 11 About BIMM Institute London

BIMM Institute London Facilities BIMM Institute London’s main building is open during term Our London college dates back to 1983 where it began life time from 8:30 until 22:30, Monday to Friday, and 10:30 to as Drumtech, then Tech Music Schools London. 16:30, Saturday and Sunday. Today, it’s known as BIMM Institute London and Outside term time the main building closes at 18:30 spans over 2 buildings, 7 storeys and over 21,000ft² in weekdays, 16:30 on Saturdays and closed on Sundays. Fulham, South West London. Outside of teaching hours, students can book rooms via our online booking system (room accessibility is BIMM Institute London Facilities dependent on course). BIMM Institute London has a wide range of impressive, state of-the-art facilities. These include: During term, all students – regardless of the course they • Three large performance rooms, all kitted out are studying – have access to additional facilities at Pirate with equipment from the world’s leading musical instrument Studios, which is a 30-minute journey from our main manufacturers such as Marshall, Aguilar, Gretsch, Yamaha, building. and world renown lifestyle brand that is VANS. • Four dedicated music business, event management and Students have 24 hour/seven days a week access to music marketing teaching rooms. five rehearsal rooms, a recording studio and a DJ room, all • Seven Apple Mac suites offering 136 iMacs, featuring Pro free of charge. Tools, Logic and Ableton alongside a huge range of plugins • All Apple Macs feature full access to Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro) • Five production/mix/songwriting booths complete with HD Omni, Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Ableton, and much more. • Two fully equipped recording studios with a large, acoustically designed live room. • 5.1 surround sound mixing suite • Five music performance teaching/rehearsal studios, all kitted out and endorsed by Gretsch, Zildjian, D’Addario, Marshall, Victory, BOSS & Shure. • A keyboard/Synth suite. • A songwriting teaching studio endorsed by Ovation. • Five specially equipped acoustic drum/band rehearsal booths. • A large BIMM Student Café, a ‘Green Room’ social space and a careers hub. • Eight meeting rooms for study support, counselling, student support and academic support meetings. • Large selection of top end professional Video/Photography equipment, including several Sony Full Frame cameras, Studio lights by Broncolor.

12 13 14 15 BIMM Institute London Lecturers ——

Lisbee Stainton Alice James Andrew McKinney Sumudu Jayatilaka BA (Hons) Songwriting Deputy Songwriting Lecturer Event Management Lecturer Course Leader Performance Guitar Lecturer Course Leader Bernard Butler is the guitarist and Alice is Technical Manager at the Performance Lecturer Described by Time Out as Lisbee is an independent artist, founding member of legendary Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith, Andrew plays bass for acid jazz Sumudu is a renowned vocalist and “one of Europe’s finest and songwriter, session musician and troupe, Suede. He’s played one of London’s major live legends, the James Taylor Quartet, session singer. Most recently, she producer based in London. She on and/or produced records for a entertainment venues with a and has played at gigs and festivals was on a world tour as a backing most sought-after guitarists”, has been writing music for over diverse range of artists including capacity of 5,000. Artists from all over the world. He’s performed vocalist, guitarist, keyboard Femi is a MOBO Award-winner 20 years, has released six studio Edwyn Collins, Neneh Cherry, Tim across music and comedy perform in the West End and on TV and player and percussionist for Sir and one of the UK’s most , and been play-listed on Booth (of James), Eddi Reader, at the venue including Billy Joel, writes a regular tuition column for . original musicians. BBC Radio 2 and BBC 6 Music. Roy Orbison, Bert Jansch, The , Jimmy Carr, Pixies, Bass Guitar Magazine. Libertines, Mark Owen, The Veils, Russell Brand, Nick Cave & The Other artists she has performed Femi came to the attention of She has extensively toured the UK Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and Bad Seeds, Sean Lock and Andrew has also played with with as a backing singer include Sir the music world when Soweto and Europe, both as a headline act The Pretenders. Jason Manford. The Feeling, , Rod Stewart, John Newman, and supporting act for artists such Kid Creole and the Coconuts, Shaun Escoffery, Jamie Cullum Kinch asked him to join his as Joan Armatrading, Paul Carrack, Bernard was also the writer and Omar, Tony Christie, Chad Smith, and Chris Difford. quartet. A Mercury Prize Gretchen Peters, Paul Brady, Judy producer of Duffy’s debut , Jungle Brothers, LL Cool nomination soon followed, as Collins, Fisherman’s Friends and - the best-selling UK J, Lynden David Hall, Engelbert Sumudu has performed at did MOBO Awards and a BBC , who’s band she album of 2008 – which won the Humperdinck, and many more. London’s top music venues, Jazz Award for best new band. subsequently played the banjo, Best Pop Vocal Album including the , harmonium and sang backing Grammy Award. the London Palladium, Queen Femi has had great success as vocals in for four years. Elizabeth Hall and Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club. She has also performed a solo artist, working as at many high-profile events Winehouse’s musical director including BBC Proms in Hyde Park, and guitarist, as well as playing Royal Ascot and Later with with the likes of Courtney Jools Holland. Pine. He’s also set up his own and dabbled in broadcasting.

16 17 BIMM Institute London Courses ——

Further Education Courses:

• Level 3 Diploma in Popular Music Performance (Guitar, Bass, Drums or Vocals)

• Level 3 Diploma in Songwriting

• Level 3 Diploma in Music Production

Undergraduate Courses:

Single Honours Degrees:

• BA (Hons) Music and Sound Production

• BA (Hons) Electronic Music Production

• BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance (Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals, or Keyboards)

• BMus (Hons) Songwriting

• BA (Hons) Event Management

• BA (Hons) Music Business

• BA (Hons) Music Marketing, Media and Communication

Joint Honours Degrees:

• BA (Hons) Music Production & Music Business

• BA (Hons) Music Business & Event Management

• BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance & Music Business

• BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance & Music Production

• BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance & Event Management

• BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance & Songwriting

• BA (Hons) Songwriting & Music Business

• BA (Hons) Songwriting & Music Production

Postgraduate Courses:

• MA Popular Music Practice

18 19 BIMM Institute London Resources There are currently 12 BIMM Student Association Societies. At BIMM Institute London, many student resources are These include: available. These include: • Yoga • Queer Community • Hard copy core texts in the Green Room and Hub. We • African Caribbean Society have an extensive e-library providing access to books, • Vinyl Club journals and other study resources • Computer Game Society • BIMM authored diploma and undergraduate ebooks, • Friebeer Society (Frisbee) which support the core curriculum for each course • Football Society • A quiet study space available in the Hub • Skateboarding Society • Access to Microsoft Office 365 suite throughout the • And many more duration of your studies, which includes OneDrive cloud storage, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote BIMM Institute London Location • BIMM Connect: a platform where students can connect Our college is located in Fulham, with the nearest tube with fellow students and graduates, find musicians and station being Fulham Broadway on the District Line. industry professionals to work with, set up projects and The college is also walkable from West Brompton groups, and post events Overground station. • BIMM Player: a backing track app with access to 100s of songs and the ability to mute or isolate instrument stems. The following bus stops are very close to the school: 11, Available for iOS and Android devices 14, 28, 211, 295, 391, 414 and 424. Please note there are no • Online portals to book rooms for the main building parking facilities available at Fulham. and Pirate studios. You can also access your live course timetable from any device and sync your timetable with your device’s calendar

BIMM Institute London Student Associations and Clubs BIMM Institute London has its own BIMM Student Association (BSA). Its goal to create a sense of community through a variety of vibrant and inclusive societies to help make your experience at BIMM as special as possible.

For 2020-21, a fantastic team is on-hand to make the BIMM Student Association (BSA) better than ever. The team includes elected BIMM Student Association President Alison Ioannou; Social Media and Marketing Officer, Fern Wallis; and Diversity and Representation Officer, Angelo Arrindell.

20 21 You’ll have to visit your chosen practice to register with Expenditure: Travel Your City them (often via showing proof of your address). To find your Monthly Cost: £20 - £100 Weekly Cost: £5 - £25 —— local GP while in London, you can head to the NHS website at nhs.uk Expenditure: Insurance Monthly Cost: £22 - £65 All of these areas are very well connected to Fulham Shepherds Bush There are also GP services near our college location. Weekly Cost: £5 - £15 Broadway by both bus and tube lines. Some are even Bus route: Cassidy Medical Centre and The Fulham Medical Centre are Expenditure: Clothing walkable or easily accessible by bicycle. Take a look at the • 295 (towards Junction) only a short five-minute walk away. Monthly Cost: £40 - £60 buses and tube routes that can take you to Tube: Weekly Cost: £10 - £15 our London college from your chosen area. • Take the overground Southbound to West Brompton If you feel unwell and want some advice on what to do, please call NHS Direct (111). This is a 24-hour confidential Expenditure: Going Out Monthly Cost: £80 - £220 Clapham/Wandsworth West Kensington service that also offers information on your nearest Weekly Cost: £20 - £50 Bus route: Bus route: GP, dentist, pharmacist or out of hours service. For an • 295 (towards Ladbroke Grove) • 28 (towards Wandsworth) emergency, please dial 999. Expenditure: TV Licence • 28 (towards Kensal Rise) • 391 (towards Sands End) Monthly Cost: £12 Tube: Tube: Dentist Weekly Cost: £3 • Take the overground Northbound to West Brompton • Take the District Line to Fulham Broadway and change at You can also register for an NHS dentist. To find your Earl’s Court nearest dentist, head to the NHS website at nhs.uk As a full-time student, you are not liable to pay council tax if Hammersmith you are house sharing with other students. The local Council Bus route: Acton/Ealing Even though it’s an NHS service, there are normally charges Tax Office will be notified of students who are exempt • 391 (towards Sands End) Acton (from Acton Central Overground) for dental treatments and check-ups. after enrolment. However, you can also request a letter to • 295 (towards Clapham Junction) Bus route: confirm your student status from reception. Students are • 211 (towards Waterloo) • 207 / 607 to Shepherds Bush – change for 295 Living Costs responsible for setting up and paying for their utility bills, Tube: (towards Clapham Junction) The examples below are approximate and intended as a including water, electricity, gas and internet access. • Take the District Line or Piccadilly Line to Earl’s Court, Acton Central Overground guide only. Costs of living can vary greatly from one student change to District Line to Fulham Broadway Tube: to the next, depending on personal circumstances and Rehearsal Space • Take the overground to Willesden Junction and change for choice. Please also remember that this list is not exhaustive. Rehearsal space in London can range from £7 to £13 per Putney/Parsons Green the overground Southbound to West Brompton hour. BIMM students can book certain FREE rehearsal slots Bus route: Ealing Common Expenditure: Accommodation in-house or at Pirate Studios. Please ask Reception for more • 414 (towards Maida Hill) Tube: Monthly Cost: £700 - £900 information once you have enrolled. Weekly Cost: £175 - £225 • 14 (towards Warren Street) • Take the District Line or Piccadilly Line to Earl’s Court and • 424 (towards Craven Cottage) change to the District Line to Fulham Broadway Expenditure: Electricity Course Equipment Tube: Monthly Cost: £10 - £65 It’s likely that you’ll already have all the equipment you • Take the District Line to Fulham Broadway We strongly recommend that you apply for a Student Oyster Weekly Cost: £3 - £17 need for your course in terms of your chosen instrument. Card at the start of the new academic year to save 30% However, remember to factor the cost of replacement Expenditure: Gas Putney/Southfields against the price of adult rate Travelcards and Bus and Tram Monthly Cost: £10 - £65 strings, leads, picks, etc. into your budget. Guitar and bass Putney passes. For further information, please refer to Transport for Weekly Cost: £3 - £17 players are reminded that they’ll need a soft case for Bus route: London’s website at tfl.gov.uk their instrument while at BIMM Institute for health and • 414 (towards Maida Hill) Expenditure: Water safety reasons. If you have your own computer, don’t Monthly Cost: £10 - £30 • 14 (towards Warren Street) Hospitals, GPs and Dentists forget to factor in the cost of internet access and any other Weekly Cost: £3 - £8 • 424 (towards Craven Cottage) While living in London, it’s really important that you register running costs. with a GP. It’s easy to do and means that you can access Expenditure: Telephone Southfields medical care if and when you need it. Monthly Cost: £25 - £80 Council Information Weekly Cost: £6 - £20 As above, then connecting bus route: 39 To find out about council services in your area/borough,

(from Clapham Junction) If you are at home for the holidays, you can still see your Expenditure: Food you can head to gov.uk • Putney & Southfields family GP if required - they can see you as a visitor or an Monthly Cost: £100 - £260 Tube: emergency patient. Weekly Cost: £25 - £65 Council services in the Fulham area (where our college is • Take the District Line to Fulham Broadway based) can be found at lbhf.gov.uk

22 23 Music Resources ——

There’s never a dull moment in London. It’s the heart of the UK that often holds influence over the rest of the country - and sometimes the world.

It’s no surprise then that some of the world’s biggest music businesses have a home in London. Check out some of the businesses you could be rubbing shoulders with every day.

• Universal Music • Sony Music • Warner Music • Live Nation • Paradigm Agency • United Talent Agency • CAA • The O2 • • The Roundhouse • The Underworld • Camden Assembly • Brixton Academy

24 25 26 27 Accommodation Guide House Hunting —— There is plenty of good quality, affordable accommodation Ask what charges you will have to pay before you enter of all sizes to go around. Housing can be found in the into an agreement with them. If you do have any concerns Frequently Asked Questions following ways: about the agency you are working with, contact the National Where should I be looking? AREA: Clapham Association of Estate Agents at naea.co.uk Many of our students live within a short walking distance 1 BED (£) 335 BIMM Institute London Freshers’ Facebook Page or bus/tube commute from the college, but some travel 2 BED (£) 415 Facebook is a good way to link up with people who are Agent: Dexters from further afield; especially if they are already settled in 3 BED (£) 540 already at BIMM Institute or who are starting at the same Telephone: 020 7386 7386 London or the outskirts. 4+ BED (£) 695 time as you. Search ‘BIMM London Freshers’ on Facebook to Website: dexters.co.uk find the latest group. Remember that you will need to take into consideration the AREA: Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush Agent: Faron Sutaria cost of travelling, and the time it will take to get into college. 1 BED (£) 320 Using this facility is a great way to post information about Telephone: 020 7887 2563 We recommend the following areas (some of which are 2 BED (£) 424 yourself, the type of housing you are looking for and also Website: faronsutaria.co.uk within walking distance or a short commute): 3 BED (£) 635 any rooms that you or others may know of which are 4+ BED (£) 720 available for rent. Agent: Kinleigh, Folkard and Hayward • Clapham/Wandsworth Telephone: 020 7731 0051 • Hammersmith/Shepherd’s Bush AREA: Acton Accommodation Agencies Website: kfh.co.uk/kfh-services/lettings/ • Acton/Ealing 1 BED (£) 298 Most property lets will be managed by letting agencies. • Putney/Southfields 2 BED (£) 358 Ensure that your Letting Agent is following the code of Agent: Knight Frank • West Kensington 3 BED (£) 506 practice of the National Association of Estate Agents. Telephone: 020 8115 2388 • Fulham 4+ BED (£) 554 Website: knightfrank.co.uk/students Student Spareroom.co.uk How much can I expect to spend? AREA: Putney & Southfields Student SpareRoom is the private rented student Private Halls of Residence: Prince Consort Below is a table of average weekly rent rates. These 1 BED (£) 322 accommodation finder from SpareRoom.co.uk, the UK’s Website: mystudentvillage.com/uk/prince-consort-village average weekly rates do not include the cost of utility bills 2 BED (£) 403 #1 flat and house share website. Student SpareRoom and serve only to give an indication of accommodation 3 BED (£) 518 allows you to find and advertise rooms in existing student Private Halls of Residence: Find Digs costs in London. 4+ BED (£) 690 flatshares as well as student flats and houses to rent Website: finddigs.co.uk suitable for groups of sharers. The data within the table comes from London Rents Map, a AREA: West Kensington Private Halls of Residence: Pure Student Living website that provides a very useful overview to rent rates in 1 BED (£) 329 Rightmove.co.uk Students Website: purestudentliving.com all areas of Greater London. 2 BED (£) 470 Rightmove Students can be used to find university 3 BED (£) 748 accommodation, student housing, halls of residence and Private Halls of Residence: The Lyra Rents in London change frequently. For up to date info visit: 4+ BED (£) 665 private halls close to your university campus. All their Website: downingstudents.com/locations/london/the-lyra london.gov.uk/rents student accommodation is listed on a per person/per week AREA: Fulham basis to make it easier to see how far your student budget Private Halls of Residence: New Orient House Average weekly rental values by property type 1 BED (£) 314 will stretch. Website: https://freshstudentliving.co.uk/property/new- (for one person): 2 BED (£) 430 orient-house/ 3 BED (£) 600 Accommodation Agencies AREA: Wandsworth 4+ BED (£) 840 Please be aware that the agents listed below have not been 1 BED (£) 309 visited or vetted in any way by BIMM Institute London and 2 BED (£) 380 you, therefore, should use them at your own risk. Also be 3 BED (£) 512 aware that Letting Agents may have additional fees for: 4+ BED (£) 629 • Drawing up contracts/administration charges • Reference fees • Inventory fees

28 29 so there can be no nasty surprises after you’ve signed. for any rent or damages if the tenant fails to pay up. The House viewings If asked to sign an agreement, it is likely to be an Assured the property must be given. Arrangement for access to the guarantor will most likely be a parent or guardian. BIMM Tips for viewing properties: Shorthold Tenancy Agreement and will normally last property must be written into the contract. Institute London cannot be your guarantor. Some landlords • We recommend viewing a property at least twice. You’ll be for at least six months, after which the tenancy will run ask for a guarantor, but not all do. So, there are still plenty more likely to notice problems the second time around on a monthly basis. However, many tenancies run for a Tenants have the right to possess and enjoy the property of properties to choose from if you don’t have someone • Take someone with you or let someone else know exactly fixed term, i.e. July 1st, 2020 to June 30th, 2021. In this during the tenancy without any interruption from will be a guarantor for you – you’ll just need to look where you are when you visit a property case, make sure that you are happy with the length of the landlord. This clause does not limit any of the rights made around. A guarantor is taking on quite a large responsibility, • It’s also a good idea to visit the area at night. If you do contract as it is very unlikely that you will be able to end the under this agreement that the tenant has allowed the particularly if you are signing a joint contract. For example, if this, please ensure you stick to the point above and take tenancy early. landlord/landlady to exercise. Neither does it prevent the your housemate hasn’t paid their rent, your guarantor could someone with you landlord from taking lawful steps to enforce these rights if be made to pay. • Make sure you and all your other housemates view the The terms of the agreement must be in plain, intelligible the tenant should break any of the terms of the agreement. property. Don’t take someone else’s word that the property language and not be unfair. For example, the tenant should Do not sign a contract that requires a guarantor form until is right for you not be restricted from breaking a fixed-term agreement What bills can I expect to pay? you and your guarantors have read the form and agreed to • Compare a range of different landlords and properties if the landlord is not in the same way, nor should they Depending on your own personal consumption, you can sign. If you have already signed a contract, but a guarantor • Take your time and don’t let landlords pressure you – there be subject to unreasonable rent increases or held to expect to pay £15-£20 per week for utility bills. Remember refuses to sign, you might not get the keys to the property. is a surplus of good properties in the area, and you will find unreasonable penalty clauses (for example, extortionate that if solely full-time students occupy a property, then they A good landlord will give you copies of the forms and time somewhere you like charges for late payment of rent). Get a tenancy agreement are exempt from Council Tax. to check them through. Ask the landlord to accept a limited • When you go to view, take notes and photos and use our checked first by an informed person, such as an advisor guarantee from your guarantor, e.g. just covering your rent/ checklist to make sure you don’t miss anything from the Citizens Advice Bureau. If the landlord/agent won’t What is a deposit? damages. Tell your guarantor not to give too much personal • Get informed – knowing your rights will help you view let you take the contract away to get it checked first, think The deposit is generally the equivalent of one month’s rent. information on the form, e.g. Nl number, bank details or properties more critically and put you in a stronger twice about signing it. Spend a little extra time in getting Your landlord or agent must, under the 2004 Housing Act, passport details should not be necessary. negotiating position your contract checked out to save time, money and stress protect your deposit within 14 days of receiving it as part later in the year. of the Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme and provide I am leaving the house a few weeks early - can I get my How do I know what to look for when viewing you with certain information relating to this. This scheme deposit back early? a property? What is the landlord responsible for? ensures that deposits paid to the landlords are kept safe It may be possible for you to come to an arrangement for We have checklists and tools to help when you’re viewing • Heating and hot water installation and that tenants get their deposits back at of the early return of the deposit, but the landlord/agent will properties. Use the checklist below to make sure you ask • Baths, sinks, basins and other sanitary installations the tenancy, so long as there hasn’t been a breach of the obviously want to inspect the house and check all rent the right questions and look into all the key areas: • The structure of the exterior of the property tenancy agreement, such as unpaid rent. Remember that is paid. • Does the place look well maintained? • Repairs and safety of gas and electrical appliances the money held as a deposit remains yours at all times and • Will you be warm enough in winter? • Ensuring that any furniture that he or she supplies meets not the landlord’s, and only by mutual agreement should We cannot afford to pay the final utility bills; can we • Will it be safe and secure? fire resistant requirements any money be deducted. leave our deposit or the landlord/agent to pay • Does it have the space and facilities you need (i.e. washing for them? machine, heating, fridge/freezer)? What is the tenant responsible for? Your deposit, or part of it, will be withheld if you: No, not if the bills are in the name of the tenants – the • Are the current tenants happy with the landlord? • Water and sewage charges • Fail to return ALL keys at the end of the tenancy utility companies will chase the named persons and not the • Is the property affordable and good value? • Utility bills, such as gas, electricity, telephone and internet • Are responsible for any damage to the property, either landlord/agent. Your deposit will be protected as part of the • Is the area suitable for your needs? connection (if any) wilful or negligent Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme and therefore cannot • To take care of the property • Have not cleaned the property adequately be used by the landlord or agent. Frequently Asked Questions • Use the property in a responsible way • Have left rubbish, which needs removing from the property Will I need to sign a contract to rent a room? • Pay the rent as agreed Further Questions Most landlords/agents will ask you to sign a tenancy • Keep to the terms and conditions of the agreement Can I deduct my deposit from my last month’s rent? If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate agreement. This is a legally binding document setting out No, because to do so would be a breach of your contract. It to contact the Student Support team on 02087493131 or each party’s rights and responsibilities. By signing it, both What rights do both the landlord and tenant have? is important that rent and deposits are separate. [email protected] you and the landlord have certain rights protected in law The landlord or his agents have the right to access the which can’t be overwritten by the contract. property at reasonable times during the day to carry out What is a guarantor, and will I need to sign www.shelter.org.uk provides advice and guidance to people repairs for which they are responsible for and inspect the a guarantor form? who are renting privately in the UK and provides a great Before you sign, make sure you understand all the clauses, condition of the property. 24 hours’ written notice to inspect A guarantor is someone who signs an agreement to pay resource if you are unsure about a tenancy agreement.

30 31 Visa Information ——

As an international student, you may need to apply for a visa to study at BIMM Institute London. You can get immigration and visa support throughout your time with us – from when you apply to when you graduate.

Our friendly International Team are on hand to provide prospective and enrolled international students with up- to-date information and advice on UK immigration and visa requirements.

For help, support or advice, please call us between 8 am – 6 pm GMT using the contact details below.

• International (London based): +44 (0)208 749 3131 • UK: +44 1273626 666

• Contact UK International: [email protected] • Contact EU Settlement/Brexit: [email protected]

For more information in general, please go to bimm.ac.uk/visa-information

32 33 Join Us in London

To apply to BIMM Institute London, book an audition or ask us a question, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

We can’t wait for you to join us in this incredible city – and start your career (and life) in music.

Barclay House Effie Rd Fulham London SW6 1EN

Tel (UK): 0844 264 6666 Tel (Int): +44 1273 626 666 Email: [email protected] Web: www.bimm.ac.uk

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