Welcome events

Events timetable

A limited number of in-person tickets are available for these events which can be found on Eventbrite. All events are also streamed on Zoom. Central talks will also be streamed on each campus.

Please ensure you sign up for an in-person or Zoom ticket.

President and Vice-Chancellor Welcome Reception - Kensington
Students are invited to join Professor Christoph Lindner, the RCA’s President and Vice-Chancellor for a Welcome Reception. The Acting Head of Student Experience, Deans, Associate Deans, Heads of Programmes, and School General Managers will be invited to attend.
Time: 11am – noon
Location: The Senior Common Room, Frayling Building, RCA Kensington campus
Book: Eventbrite (in person event)

Meet the Sabbs
'Meet The Sabbs' is an informal chat for new students to get to know this year's Students' Union President and Vice-President representing the student body. Come down to learn more about the Students' Union, what we do, how we support students, and the activities we run. It's also an opportunity to find out about the campaigns your sabbatical officers are running this year.
Time: 12 noon - 1pm
Location: The Fernery Cafe, Darwin Building, RCA Kensington Campus
Find out more: See the RCA Student Union website (in person event)

Hyde Park Picnic
Join us for a lunchtime picnic in the park, we will provide light refreshments lay out some mats, and get to know one another! We’ll meet outside Darwin Reception for 1pm and head down to Hyde Park. If it rains, as is typical of London, we have an alternative space in the SU spaces, Frayling building, Kensington Campus. Can’t wait to meet all the new faces! See you then.
Time: 1–3pm
Location: Hyde Park
Find out more: See the RCA Student Union website (in person event)

Welcome to Student Support
Join us to learn more about the services and support available to you at the RCA. Student Support is here to help with finances, mental health and wellbeing, disability resources, and more.
Time: 4–4.30pm
Location: Lecture Theatre 1 (FRA B03), Frayling Building, RCA Kensington Campus
Book: Eventbrite (in person event) | Zoom (online event)

Support for Students with Specific learning Difficulties (SpLD)
Discover how we support our SpLD community, what to do if you think you may have an SpLD and what to do if you already have an assessment.
Time: 4.30–4.45pm
Location: Lecture Theatre 1 (FRA B03), Frayling Building, RCA Kensington Campus
Book: Eventbrite (in person event) | Zoom (online event)

Friendship Mixer
Join us for the Welcome Week Friendship Mixer! New students, come and meet your peers over drinks, snacks, and fun games. It's the perfect opportunity to make new friends and start your College journey on a high note.
Time: 5–7pm
Location: ArtBar & ArtLounge Frayling Building, RCA Kensington Campus
Find out more: See the RCA Student Union website (in person event)

Library introduction
In this Library introduction you will learn how to access the Library spaces in person, borrow items, find online resources and get further support. You will also receive an overview our Archives and Special Collections. Sessions tailored to your programme will also follow later in the term.
Time: 11am – 12 noon
Location: Lecture Theatre 1 (FRA B03), Frayling Building, RCA Kensington Campus
Book: Eventbrite (in person event) | Zoom (online event)

Academic Skills introduction and short taster
In this Academic Skills introduction, we will tell you about the workshops and tutorials we run for all students at the college. We support all students at the College in the communication of their practice and research. We will demonstrate how students can develop their critical reflective thinking skills, research and discussion techniques and writing. We offer most workshops for all students as well as some for speakers whose first language is not English, for additional practice.
Time: 12 noon – 1pm
Location: Lecture Theatre 1 (FRA B03), Frayling Building, RCA Kensington Campus
Book: Eventbrite (in person event) | Zoom (online event)

Meet the Sabbs
'Meet The Sabbs' is an informal chat for new students to get to know this year's President and Vice-President representing the student body. Come down to learn more about the Students' Union, what we do, how we support students, and the activities we run. It's also an opportunity to find out about the campaigns your sabbatical officers are running this year.
Time: 12 noon – 1pm
Location: DesignBar, Dyson Building, Battersea Campus
Find out more: See the RCA Student Union website (in person event)

Battersea Park Picnic
Join us for a lunchtime picnic in the park, we will provide light refreshments and lay out some picnic mats, and get to know one another! We’ll meet outside Dyson Reception for 1pm and head down to the park. If it rains, as is typical of London, we have an alternative space in the DysonBar at Battersea campus. Can’t wait to meet all the new faces!
Time: 1–3pm
Location: Battersea Park
Find out more: See the RCA Student Union website (in person event)

Living in London
Whether you are arriving from the other side of the globe or a thirty-minute train ride away, life in London can be an adjustment. Join us for tips and advice on overcoming the culture shock cycle and engaging with your new community.
Time: 2–2.45pm
Location: Lecture Theatre 1 (FRA B03), Frayling Building, RCA Kensington Campus
Book: Eventbrite (in person event) | Zoom (online event)

Mental Health and Disability Support at the RCA
During this session, you will be introduced to key people who support student wellbeing at the RCA, including the Mental Health Coordinator, Disability Advisor and Lead Counsellor for the RCA Counselling service. They will explain how you can access our various support services and resources.
Time: 3–3.15pm
Location: Lecture Theatre 1 (FRA B03), Frayling Building, RCA Kensington Campus
Book: Eventbrite (in person event) | Zoom (online event)

President and Vice-Chancellor Welcome Reception - Battersea
Students are invited to join Professor Christoph Lindner, the RCA’s President and Vice-Chancellor for a Welcome Reception. The Acting Head of Student Experience, Deans, Associate Deans, Heads of Programmes, and School General Managers will be invited to attend.
Time: 4–5pm
Location: The Hangar, Studio Building, RCA Battersea Campus
Book: Eventbrite (in person event)

Quiz
Put your knowledge to the test and meet new friends at our fun-filled Quiz Night. Whether you're a trivia enthusiast or just looking for a good time, this event is the perfect way to kick off your College experience. Enjoy snacks, drinks, and a chance to win exciting prizes. Come solo or bring a team – everyone is welcome!
Time: 5.30–7pm
Location: DesignBar, Dyson Building, Battersea Campus
Find out more: See the RCA Student Union website (in person event)

Karaoke & Games Social
Join us for a Karaoke & Games Social, the perfect event to kick off your college experience! New students, come and show off your singing skills, enjoy a variety of fun games, and meet your fellow classmates. Whether you're a karaoke star or just looking to have a good time, this is the place to be. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Get ready for a night of laughter, music, and new friendships!
Time: 5–8pm
Location: ArtBar & ArtLounge Frayling Building, RCA Kensington Campus
Find out more: See the RCA Student Union website (in person event)

White City Picnic
Join us for a lunchtime picnic in the park, we will provide light refreshments lay out some mats, and get to know one another! We’ll meet inside the main Reception for 1pm and head out to the Media Works Courtyard. If it rains, as is typical of London, we have an alternative space in the Seminar Room, GH111 Can’t wait to meet all the new faces! See you then.
Time: 1–3pm
Location: White City
Find out more: See the RCA Student Union website (in person event)

Research Welcome
MPhil and PhD students do not need to book a ticket for this event as it is in your timetable and a place has been reserved for you to attend in person. This session will introduce students to the research office team and provide an introduction to the College's research culture and facilities to support you in your journey.
Time: 11am – 12 noon
Location: Event Space 3, Rausing Building, Battersea Campus
Book: Eventbrite (in person event) | Zoom (online event)

Innovation RCA induction
InnovationRCA is the RCA's centre for entrepreneurship and commercialisation, providing incubation, IP and business support. InnovationRCA has an impressive track record of supporting students and alumni to get their big ideas to the market. Come and meet them and find out what support is available to you during your study at the RCA and post-graduation.
Time: 3-3.30pm
Location: Lecture Theatre 1 (FRA B03), Frayling Building, RCA Kensington Campus
Book: Eventbrite (in person event) | Zoom (online event)

Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design introduction
We are excited to invite you to an informative session introducing The Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design (HHCD). Dr. Katie Gaudion and Gail Ramster will guide you through several key aspects of the RCA’s research centre for inclusive design, from its beginnings, a series of case studies that illustrate the practice of inclusive design research, and how HHCD can support students during your Masters programme.
Time: 4–4.30pm
Location: Lecture Theatre 1 (FRA B03), Frayling Building, RCA Kensington Campus
Book: Eventbrite (in person event) | Zoom (online event)

Board Games Social
Join us for an evening of fun and friendly competition at our Board Games Social! Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just looking to try something new, this event is the perfect way to unwind and meet new people. We'll have a wide variety of board games to choose from, along with snacks and drinks to keep the energy high. Bring your friends or make new ones as you strategise, laugh, and play your way through classic games and modern favourites.
Time: 5–7pm
Location: GH111, White City campus
Find out more: See the RCA Student Union website (in person event)

International Student Mixer
International Students Unite! The RCASU welcomes you to London, the hub of all cultures, and languages. Come join us for drinks, snacks, music and games. This is an opportunity to get to know other RCA students from all walks of life.
Time: 5–7pm
Location: ArtBar & ArtLounge Frayling Building, RCA Kensington Campus
Find out more: See the RCA Student Union website (in person event)

President and Vice-Chancellor Welcome Reception - White City
Students are invited to join Professor Christoph Lindner, the RCA’s President and Vice-Chancellor for a Welcome Reception. The Acting Head of Student Experience, Deans, Associate Deans, Heads of Programmes, and School General Managers will be invited to attend.
Time: 11am – 12 noon
Location: White City Garden House Cafe
Book: Eventbrite (in person event)

EDI and Sustainability
This session will introduce you to the approaches the College is taking towards environmental sustainability and equity and inclusion. This interactive session will support you in embedding environmental and social sustainability in an equitable and inclusive way at RCA.
Time: 11am – 12 noon
Location: Lecture Theatre 1 (FRA B03), Frayling Building, RCA Kensington Campus
Book: Eventbrite (in person event) | Zoom (online event)

Meet the Sabbs
'Meet The Sabbs' is an informal chat for new students to get to know this year's Students' Union President and Vice-President representing the student body. Come down to learn more about the Students' Union, what we do, how we support students, and the activities we run. It's also an opportunity to find out about the campaigns your sabbatical officers are running this year.
Time: 12 noon – 1pm
Location: White City Garden House Cafe
Find out more: See the RCA Student Union website (in person event)

Introduction to Imperial College Health Centre and Accessing Healthcare
It is so important to look after your health whilst studying at the Royal College of Art.We have partnered with Imperial College Health Centre (ICHC) to offer students NHS medical care services. Join this talk to meet the staff at ICHC, hear all about the comprehensive, student-focused health services available, how to complete the quick online registration form, and their expert recommendations for keeping healthy.
Time: 12 noon – 1pm
Location: Lecture Theatre 1 (FRA B03), Frayling Building, RCA Kensington Campus
Book: Eventbrite (in person event) | Zoom (online event)

Arts & Crafts Session
Join us for a relaxing and creative arts and crafts session, the perfect opportunity to unwind and get to know new students across campus. We'll provide all the craft materials you need, along with some delicious snacks to fuel your creativity.
Time: 2–4pm
Location: DesignBar, Dyson Building, Battersea Campus
Find out more: See the RCA Student Union website (in person event)

Student Visa Essentials
Are you arriving to the UK on a Student visa? Anything that affects you also affects your visa. This session will shed light on the crucial responsibilities to be mindful of while at the RCA to ensure compliance with your visa requirements. We will equip you with valuable resources and information regarding obtaining approval for travel outside the country and meeting travel regulations.
Time: 3–4pm
Location: Gorvy Lecture Theatre (DYS 125), Dyson Building, RCA Battersea campus
Book: Eventbrite (in person event) | Zoom (online event)

EU Student Visa Essentials
As an EU citizen, you may not be familiar with the visa requirements in the UK. Take advantage of the opportunity to join our detailed session on essential information to remember when on a student visa and gain access to valuable resources and external information about your rights in the UK.
Time: 4–4.45pm
Location: Gorvy Lecture Theatre (DYS 125), Dyson Building, RCA Battersea campus
Book: Eventbrite (in person event) | Zoom (online event)

Quiz
Put your knowledge to the test and meet new friends at our fun-filled Quiz Night. Whether you're a trivia enthusiast or just looking for a good time, this event is the perfect way to kick off your college experience. Enjoy snacks, drinks, and a chance to win exciting prizes. Come solo or bring a team – everyone is welcome!
Time: 5.30–7.30pm
Location: ArtBar, Frayling Building, RCA Kensington Campus
Find out more: See the RCA Student Union website (in person event)

International Student Mixer
International Students Unite! The RCASU welcomes you to London, the hub of all cultures, and languages. Come join us for drinks, snacks, music and games. This is an opportunity to get to know other RCA students from all walks of life.
Time: 5–7pm
Location: DesignBar, Dyson Building, Battersea Campus
Find out more: See the RCA Student Union website (in person event)

Welcome Fair
Welcome RCA students! Join us at the Welcome Fair to get to know your Students' Union, Campus Operations, Student Services, Local Communities and more. There will be plenty of stalls for you to explore, loads of information to gather, and freebies to start the year with a bang!
Time: 11–4pm
Location: Courtyard Gallery 1 & 2
Find out more: See the RCA Student Union website (in person event)

Academic Skills workshop tasters
In these Academic Skills taster sessions, we invite you to sample some of the core academic skills for postgraduate study at the RCA. You will get a sense of how our regular workshops give support in processes such as getting going with research, deepening thinking, and building confidence in discussion and communication. In the taster sessions we address the learning outcomes from RCA programmes and help you to build habits of articulating your ideas, bringing in new connections, and expressing your critical, reflective responses clearly and effectively.
Times: 10–11am, 11.30am – 12.30pm, or 2–3pm
Location: LG44 Darwin Building, RCA Kensington Campus
Book: Eventbrite (in person event)

ArtBar Party
Time: 8pm – 12 midnight
Location: ArtBar & ArtLounge Frayling Building, RCA Kensington Campus
Find out more: See the RCA Student Union website (in person event)