Not quite sure what Freshers’ Festival is? It’s your heartbeat racing to the beat of the bass. It’s the ecstasy of meeting that group of mates that just get you for being you. It’s unabated fun. Dancing like no one can see you. Taking the first step. It’s the beginning of your Royal Holloway journey.

With 32 events over the first week of term, kicking off from when you arrive on campus, Freshers’ Festival is your introduction to the Students’ Union and everything it has to offer. There’s a ton of free events, taster sessions and of course, the obligatory programme of cracking nights out. Still unsure what we’re banging on about? Let this video explain all…

Arrivals Day
17th September
All over campus
It's time to move in to your halls and start your journey at Royal Holloway.
Poster Sale
17th September
Students' Union
Need something to customise your room? We've got you covered!
Welcome Social
17th-18th September
Medicine
Welcome to Royal Holloway - come down to Medicine with your new flatmates.
Glowstick Rave
17th September
Students' Union
Welcome to Royal Holloway! We're kicking the week off with a showcase of our best resident and guest DJs smashing out the summer tracks.
Poster Sale
18th September
Students' Union
Need something to customise your room? We've got you covered!
Freshers' Food Festival
18th September
Medicine
Come and join us at Medicine for the Freshers' Food Festival.
The Sunday Session
18th September
Students' Union
As the sun sets on the first weekend we continue hitting it. Even better, everyone is now back on campus, so come and catch up with your mates over a VK claw or two.
VK Paint Party
19th-20th September
Students' Union
VK bring the biggest and greatest Paint Party to the SU.
Freshers' Fair
19th September
Sports Centre
Check out all the great activities you can get involved in this year and grab a freebie or two on your way round!
Welcome Picnics (Cultural Celebration)
19th September
South Quad
A celebration of all the different cultures that we have on campus in a fun and friendly environment.
Toast
19th-20th September
Medicine
RHSU's legendary value for money night out! What's your favourite toastie topping?
Market Day
20th September
Students' Union
Check out a variety of stalls including fresh fruit and veg, bread, cakes, Chinese goods and a whole host of street food!
Freshers' Fair
20th September
Sports Centre
Check out all the great activities you can get involved in this year and grab a freebie or two on your way round!
Red Bull Tropical Beach Party
20th-21st September
Students' Union
Red Bull brings a fantastic tropical party experience to the Students' Union.
Global Cafe
20th September
Students' Union
This event will see people from all walks of life meet up over coffee and biscuits.
Bogan Bingo
20th September
Medicine
Forget what you think you know about bingo and prepare to experience the simmering chaos of this comedy and 80's anthem fueled version, as seen at Edinburgh Fringe!
Poster Sale
21st September
Students' Union
Need something to customise your room? We've got you covered!
Society Taster Sessions
21st-25th September
All across campus
Fancy trying a new society? Head along to their taster sessions to find out more.
Juicy
21st-22nd September
Students' Union
Juicy! RHSU's regular Student Social night out, with a couple of special guests to make your first one spectacular.
Vintage Fashion Fair
21st September
Students' Union
See what vintage items you can bag at our fashion fair.
SU @ Kingswood
21st September
Kingswood
Get in the mood for a good night at the Students' Union, free SSHH bus transfer for Juicy.
Poster Sale
22nd September
Students' Union
Need something to customise your room? We've got you covered!
Petting Zoo
22nd September
Founders; Field
Head over to Founder's Field and meet some cute and cuddly animals!
Welcome Picnics (Diversitea)
22nd September
South Quad
Come and meet all of our fantastic diversity socities. A perfect chance to chat, meet new people and discuss exciting ideas.
Stumble Live on Tour ft. Lawson
22nd September
Students' Union
RHSU launches its live calendar with Lawson. Supporting them in the Main Hall are Franklin and Kanguarrilla.
Rainbow Rave
22nd September
Medicine
Late, Great & Free - LGBT+ edition.
Escape ft. MNEK
23rd-24th September
Students' Union
Escape! RHSU's massive Friday night out kicks off with a guest performance from MNEK!
Treasure Hunt
23rd September
Start at the Students' Union
A fun way to find your way around campus and the local area.

The College are hosting over 150 events in addition to to our Freshers' Festival events listed above. To find out more visit their website.

Welcome Week

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Freshers’ Festival and Welcome Week? Freshers’ Festival is the Students’ Union’s contribution to Welcome Week at Royal Holloway. Essentially all the events run by the SU or any that require a wristband are included in the festival.
How much are wristbands? We have two wristbands available with the Gold package at £55 and the Silver package at £45. The difference between the two is the inclusion of the Freshers’ Formal in the Gold package which returning students are ineligible to attend.
Can I buy individual tickets to events? We’ll be launching individual tickets alongside the Silver wristband on 1 September but they’re extremely limited. Essentially if you’re looking to attend multiple events over the week then the wristband is the best value offer.
I’m having trouble logging in to buy a wristband, what do I do? If you have already been given your log in details for the College you can use them to log in to the Students’ Union website. If you are still waiting on your log in details you can sign up for a guest account here. If you still have problems with logging in please email marketing@su.rhul.ac.uk and our IT wizards will get you online.
Can I buy a wristband if I’m under 18? Our system is setup to only allow purchases to be made by individuals who are 18+. That said, there’s ways and means of still getting involved and our Trading Services team (who are a lovely bunch by the way) can issue wristbands to individuals under the age of 18. This is on a case by case basis so you’ll need to drop them an email at venues@su.rhul.ac.uk.
When and where can I collect my wristband?

Once you’ve made your purchase you will be emailed a confirmation receipt (please read this as it contains loads of important details) and the ticket will be viewable within the account area of your profile on our website. You then need to bring your College card along to the Students’ Union Reception to collect your wristband.

Collection Times: 10:00-16:00 | Sat 17 Sept – Tue 20 Sept


Still got questions? Drop us an email.

Ask Away

This is a fundraising event for Royal Holloway Students' Union.