Uni 101: Check Out the Chaplaincy

Here at Royal Holloway, we offer lots of support and services to students of faith, whatever their beliefs or circumstances. We acknowledge the needs of people of faith and work actively to facilitate worship for students and staff. Keep reading to find out how you can get involved.

Multifaith Chaplaincy and Chaplains

Right here on campus, we have the Multifaith Chaplaincy which is served by a team of Chaplains who are available to support you if you're feeling overwhelmed with a situation or not sure who to talk to.

Chaplains are representatives of religions or belief systems. They are here to provide you with support, guidance and care. Their job is to address the spiritual needs of the University community such as the need for meaning, purpose, love, hope, peace, gratitude and a sense of belonging. Many of us are faced with big questions in life and the Chaplains are here to help you talk through those questions and emotions whether you are religious or not. Our Chaplains have a wealth of experience in supporting people through relationships, work, study difficulties, and vocational issues, as well as dealing with spiritual questions.

Who are your Chaplains?

We currently have two Chaplains at Royal Holloway and Anglican (Church of England) and a Muslim Chaplain with recruitment for a third Catholic Champlain underway.

Revd. Dr Orion Edgar

Anglican Chaplain (Church of England)

Revd. Orion works hard to support people of all faiths at the University. He spends plenty of time with students and staff who need a listening ear, helping to run Christian groups, taking weddings and leading the annual Carol Service. He spends lots of his time listening to people in all kinds of roles, from housekeeping staff to Officers and students.

Nisar Shaikh

Muslim Chaplain

Nisar Shaikh offers support and advice to Muslim students and staff, and also assists those of other faith groups and those of no faith. He also advises the University on faith policies, best practices and how we can best serve the Muslim faith community on campus. He is aware of the many challenges that Muslims face within higher education therefore he spends a lot of time trying to counter the narrative of the negative portrayal of the faith along with the wider societal problems with islamophobia.

What if the Chaplains don’t share my belief?

That's not an issue. Although the Chaplains are not counsellors, they are trained and practised listeners. They will listen to your situation and empathise with you. Often that can help people to find a way forward. They can help you to think about what you need and where to go for further support. They may also be able to connect you with others who have been in a similar situation or who share your worldview.

How to contact the chaplains

Revd. Dr Orion Edgar - Founder's East 158 -Tel: 01784 443070 - Mobile: 07421 354837 - orion.edgar@royalholloway.ac.uk

Nisar Shaikh - Founder's East 158 - Tel: 01784 443950 - nisar.shaikh@royalholloway.ac.uk

Join the Chapel Community WhatsApp group

Places of Worship Available

There are two places of worship here on campus, the Chapel in Founder’s Building and our Muslim Prayer Room in Wetton’s Annexe. These spaces can be used for prayer and quiet reflection. There are also regular services of worship.

The Chapel is usually open from 8am to 9pm, but please look out for signs that it is in use. The Muslim Friday Prayer (Jumm'ah) is held on campus in term time during Terms One and Two only. This takes place each Friday in Hall A Wetton's Annexe with the sermon (Khutbah) starting at 1.15pm and prayer starting at 1.30pm. All are welcome.

For 24hr access to the Prayer Room please contact Nisar, the Muslim Chaplain. There is also a small multifaith meeting room called “Breathe” which can be used by our faith groups.

You can view accessibility information for the Chapel on the AccessAble website and for the Muslim Prayer Room (in Wetton's Annexe) here.

Faith Communities and Societies

Royal Holloway has many culture and faith societies on campus that you can get involved with. Check out all of our student groups - they'd love to hear from you!

Your elected Students of Faith Community Officer this year is Chloe Mitchell (She/Her.) Her job is to facilitate the promotion of inclusivity and equality within the faith community on campus, defend and extend the rights of students of faith, and represent student voice. She also chairs the students of faith community council which members from faith student groups or backgrounds can join to discuss key issues - these councils exist as it is hard for one representative to truthfully represent multiple faiths. You can contact Chloe on her Instagram @RHSU_Faith_Community or email faith.community@royalholloway.su.