Your complete guide to exploring the world’s top art and design university, maximizing your campus visit, and preparing for your creative future.
Attending a Royal College of Art open day is an essential rite of passage for any ambitious creative looking to study at postgraduate level. Consistently ranked as the number one art and design university globally, the RCA attracts visionaries, makers, and thinkers from every corner of the earth. Whether you are aiming for a master's or doctoral program, walking through the doors during a prospective student event gives you an unfiltered glimpse into the studios, workshops, and vibrant culture that define this iconic institution.
Preparing for your campus visit requires strategy. Because the RCA operates across multiple London locations—each housing specific schools such as Arts & Humanities, Communication, Design, and Architecture—knowing where to go and what to look for will make all the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling inspired.
Unlike traditional academic universities where open days focus heavily on lecture theatres and libraries, visiting the RCA is all about experiencing a working incubator of radical ideas. You will see prototype labs, cutting-edge digital fabrication spaces, printmaking studios, and material libraries. It is also your primary opportunity to meet the academic staff who might one day critique your portfolios and mentor your thesis projects.
"Walking into the Kensington campus during the open day completely changed my perspective. Seeing the sheer scale of the making facilities and talking directly to current MA students made me realize this is where I needed to push my practice." - Maya, MA Design ProductsThe RCA's multi-campus structure is unique, meaning your campus visit experience will vary depending on your discipline. Here is what to expect across the primary sites:
For international students or those unable to travel to London on specific open day dates, the RCA offers an immersive virtual tour experience. While it cannot entirely replicate the smell of linseed oil in the painting studios or the hum of laser cutters, the digital platform provides 360-degree walkthroughs of workshops, video introductions from deans, and live Q&A webinars.
To make the most of a virtual session, treat it like an in-person event. Sit at a desk, keep a notebook ready, and actively participate in the live chat by submitting questions to the admissions panel.
Maximize your time interacting with faculty and student ambassadors by asking targeted, insightful questions that go beyond the basic prospectus details.
Attending a London-based university event also gives you a practical taste of living costs in the capital. To help you budget for your prospective studies, review the estimated baseline monthly expenses for an RCA student living in London.
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (Shared Accommodation) | Estimated Monthly Cost (Private Studio/Flat) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent & Utilities | £800 - £1,100 | £1,400 - £1,900 |
| Transport (TfL Student Oyster) | £100 - £130 | £100 - £130 |
| Food & Groceries | £250 - £350 | £300 - £400 |
| Art Materials & Printing | £100 - £250 | £150 - £300 |
| Social & Leisure | £150 - £250 | £200 - £300 |
| Total Estimated Budget | £1,400 - £2,080 | £2,150 - £3,030 |
Use your Royal College of Art open day trip to scout local neighborhoods around Battersea and White City, check out nearby supermarkets, and test out the commute times. Finding your feet early will make your transition to postgraduate life seamless and exciting.