What is it like studying at Royal Holloway?

I just got an offer and would like to know more about accommodation, the school and the course: Classical Studies and English Literature from any previous or current students.
Please and thank you!

Do you have any specific questions, or could you share more about what you are looking for and what you enjoy doing?
Regarding the school itself, I would say it is just "okay." Beyond the stunning Founder’s Building, the university has very little to offer. The facilities are generally dated and run down; it is common to see leaking ceilings, stained carpets, broken seating, and poor lighting. While most professors are intelligent and personable, their teaching methods and exams often feel archaic and ineffective. Faculty frequently complain about a lack of funding, yet the sheer volume of back-to-back classes suggests a high student intake that should, in theory, address this. There also seems to be significant internal bureaucracy and friction caused by recent cost-cutting and staff losses. This is most evident when seeking administrative help; staff often seem reluctant to take responsibility for any task that doesn't fall strictly within their specific job description, perhaps pointing to an underlying issue with leadership or internal trust.
Housing quality varies wildly depending on your budget, with prices ranging from £4k to £9k for three terms. The most affordable options require sharing toilets and showers with several others. Food at the Hub and Founder’s is hit-or-miss. While the menu changes daily, it repeats every week throughout the term. If you consider yourself a "foodie," you will likely be disappointed.
The local area is quite small, with activities mostly limited to pubs and sports. However, there are several beautiful parks nearby, with Windsor Great Park and Virginia Water being the highlights for long walks. While London is close enough for an occasional visit, the commute is both expensive and draining. You shouldn't expect to maintain a high-energy London social life while living here.
If you are an international student or have better offers elsewhere, I would suggest choosing a different path. However, if you are a domestic student who enjoys long walks in the woods and prefers a quiet, limited social life, this might suit you.
Ultimately, the consensus among current and past students is the same: the Founder’s Building is beautiful, but the actual university experience is mediocre and somewhat disappointing.

Hey, i’m thinking of studying abroad at RHUL next fall (i’m currently an american student). would u recommend it for abroad?

Hi there! 👋 Congratulations on your offer - that’s fantastic news!
🏡Accommodation:
Royal Holloway offers a range of on-campus halls and nearby options, from catered halls to self-catered flats. Most first-year students choose to live on campus, which makes it easy to settle in and meet people. You can explore all the accommodation options, costs, and facilities here.
🎓️The school and course:
BA English and Classical Studies is a great joint degree that combines two strong departments. You’ll have access to expert academics, a mix of lectures and seminars, and plenty of opportunities to explore topics you’re passionate about. You can find detailed course information here.
💬If you’d like to hear directly from current students about accommodation or the course, you can chat with them here. They can share real experiences and tips about living on campus, studying your course, and student life in general!
Hope this helps!
Best wishes,
Royal Holloway, University of London Official Rep

Do you have any specific questions, or could you share more about what you are looking for and what you enjoy doing?
Regarding the school itself, I would say it is just "okay." Beyond the stunning Founder’s Building, the university has very little to offer. The facilities are generally dated and run down; it is common to see leaking ceilings, stained carpets, broken seating, and poor lighting. While most professors are intelligent and personable, their teaching methods and exams often feel archaic and ineffective. Faculty frequently complain about a lack of funding, yet the sheer volume of back-to-back classes suggests a high student intake that should, in theory, address this. There also seems to be significant internal bureaucracy and friction caused by recent cost-cutting and staff losses. This is most evident when seeking administrative help; staff often seem reluctant to take responsibility for any task that doesn't fall strictly within their specific job description, perhaps pointing to an underlying issue with leadership or internal trust.
Housing quality varies wildly depending on your budget, with prices ranging from £4k to £9k for three terms. The most affordable options require sharing toilets and showers with several others. Food at the Hub and Founder’s is hit-or-miss. While the menu changes daily, it repeats every week throughout the term. If you consider yourself a "foodie," you will likely be disappointed.
The local area is quite small, with activities mostly limited to pubs and sports. However, there are several beautiful parks nearby, with Windsor Great Park and Virginia Water being the highlights for long walks. While London is close enough for an occasional visit, the commute is both expensive and draining. You shouldn't expect to maintain a high-energy London social life while living here.
If you are an international student or have better offers elsewhere, I would suggest choosing a different path. However, if you are a domestic student who enjoys long walks in the woods and prefers a quiet, limited social life, this might suit you.
Ultimately, the consensus among current and past students is the same: the Founder’s Building is beautiful, but the actual university experience is mediocre and somewhat disappointing.

Hey, i’m thinking of studying abroad at RHUL next fall (i’m currently an american student). would u recommend it for abroad?