Life at Royal Holloway.

it's a uni in a village. The only night life is the pubs around it and the SU. But really, it all depends on you and the people you hang with. If you're outgoing and so are they, you'll be fine. If you're introveted and so are they, you'll struggle - it really is what you'll make of it. The upside to being in a village is that you're surrouneded by the countryside, You can walk to Virginia Water quite easily, it's a beautiful place.

Hey,
I’ve been reading so many old and relatively new threads about what Royal Holloway is like as a university but have been getting so many mixed responses. I’m also worried that maybe I’m reading the wrong information now because lots can change in a few years.

Just wanted to ask what the social life is like at RH and if it’s quite multicultural/non-judgmental uni? Also, have heard that it’s quite bleak in terms of night life, is that true? It’s not the be all or end all but it is an important factor to consider still.

Thanks for taking the time to read this!!

Hi LeenaB647,

As a third-year student at Royal Holloway who comes from London, I feel I may able to help answer your questions.

In terms of social life and life on campus, students have a range of options to choose from in terms of how they choose to balance academic studies and free time. Royal Holloway has both the Students Union and a bar called Medicine, both located on campus where student nights out take place. As we are a relatively small university, it’s a great way to meet/socialise with other students. The university itself is very multicultural and definitely not a judgmental place at all. There are a wide, diverse range of students here which I found to be one of my favourite things as I met so many people from a diverse range of backgrounds. Joining a society and/or sports team also adds to your social life; each society organises their own events/socials for members weekly.

I know before I came to Royal Holloway, I had similar questions to you coming from a very busy city to Egham. Personally, I’ve loved my time here, it’s of course not as lively as the capital, however settling in was so easy and I appreciated certain aspects I couldn’t enjoy in London. The thing I like about the location of university, is that it’s easy to travel back into central London. I regularly travel back into London from uni for nights out, going back home or just taking a break from uni work. It’s easily accessible, and you’re never too far away from the city. Many students also choose to go to Staines, which is one train stop from Egham which includes a cinema, shopping mall and a range of restaurants. Additionally, the historic town of Windsor is not far away at all. Students similarly go here for shopping, food and nights out; there are bars and a club called ATIK.

I’ve genuinely enjoyed my time here, it’s true that social life may not be as lively as central London, but that didn’t stop me from having a great social life in Egham. A combination of social life on campus and in the surrounding area, as well as still being so close to central London means I have a great social life. I get to pick and choose when I want to go into London, without having to live in the hustle and bustle of it every day.

If you any other questions at all, feel free to send me a message here.

Jen