Student Life at The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC)

A varied and active social life is just as much part of the RNC experience as your academic or vocational studies. Students at RNC are encouraged to access as many of the opportunities on offer as possible to widen your experiences, skills and knowledge.

RNC’s dedicated and unique Pastoral Care Team act as Key Workers and provide regular one-to-one contact with each individual student. In addition to identifying potential social development targets, Key Workers ensure that students are supported in developing strategies to overcome any barriers to their personal ambition. A vital part of the Team’s role is to introduce new experiences to students through a range of activities and leisure pursuits.

The Students’ Union (SU)

The SU is an organisation run by students, for students and is affiliated with the National Union of Students. It will support and represent you whilst you’re at college and organise a multitude of activities for you to enjoy, such as the Summer Prom. It is an exciting way of bringing together students of all ages.

The Social Club

This is open daily to all RNC students, but licensed for over 18s only. It regularly hosts discos, bingo, themed nights, pool competitions, live bands, karaoke and pub quizzes.

Sports - thePoint4

RNC’s multi-million pound development gives all students access to great facilities. You will have access to the Centre’s training gym, indoor and outdoor football pitches, beauty therapist, hairdresser, bistro (with terrace) and sports injury and holistic massage clinics run by our trainee massage therapists. You can also relax in the spa and have a sauna or Jacuzzi, or use the ‘drop-in’ room where students can play pool, table tennis, computer games and more!

Extensive leisure programme

RNC offers a wide range of experiences and activities for you to enjoy, so there’s always something to get involved in. Our Pastoral Care Team and Youth Leader will keep you ‘in the know’ about what’s going on and is always happy to receive new suggestions. All activities are publicised on the Student e-Noticeboard (on the College’s computer network) so you’ll never be lacking in something to do. Or, have your own say…why not take the initiative and organise your own ‘club’? With the support from the Team successful book clubs and writers workshops have been set up and run by students for students.

Leisure and Learning Programme

All younger students participate in a timetabled cross-college Leisure and Learning afternoon takes place weekly - this provides students with team-based activities in areas unconnected to your chosen programme of study – this aims to widen their knowledge and experiences, and provide opportunities to overcome barriers and build confidence within managed, safe settings. Sessions include sport, health and fitness, arts and craft, music and performance, adventure and games. If you are an adult student you will work to develop employability skills, but can access enrichment activities such as radio broadcasting and art classes if you wish.