Royal Holloway Students’ Union has made the decision to not reopen Medicine as a late-night venue from September 2025. This decision was not taken lightly, but due to several factors, it has become unsustainable to operate the venue in its current form
Hi everyone! My name’s David and I’m your Vice President Societies and Sport for the next academic year!
I can’t quite believe the year is over, but here’s a blog trying to cram a year's worth of work into a few pages of a Word doc!
Our first-ever Student Impact awards occurred just before Summer Ball on June 6th, and what a night it was!
Earlier this year, we launched the international student survey to ask hard-hitting questions about the barriers to your student experience. This is what we have learned.
We wanted to know more about how commuter students experience their time at Royal Holloway. Thanks to your participation in a series of feedback opportunities, we have identified key recommendations on how to improve your time at Royal Holloway.
Wherever you’re spending your summer, our Advice Centre has put together some tips to help you look after yourself and make the most of the break.
Campaigning at the SU never really stops, but as the end of the academic year looms, we wanted to take a moment and reflect on the campaigns from this past year and the wonderful students who have been involved, as well as offer you some top tips on getting involved in campaigning here at RHSU!
We'd really appreciate it if you could spare a few minutes to share your thoughts on the night to help ensure Summer Ball continues to meet students' expectations in the future. TIA and have a fab summer!
In Term Two, the Students’ Union looked deeper into the commuter experience at Royal Holloway, and deeper issues raised by commuter students in the first survey, focus group and journal activity in Terms One and Two. Here are the survey results from our Term Two survey!
Exam season goes quicker than you think. Although they're spread out over a few weeks, time flies. We've all had that heavy feeling afterwards of 'oh well that quite go to plan'. But the truth is, every late night, every moment of doubt, every ounce of effort you've put in is all part of the progress. Whether everything is going as planned or not, you've already made it further than you thought you could, and that means you can make it through whatever comes next.
This term, I partnered with the Student Voice team to launch the Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) Survey to collect your valuable feedback on this proposed initiative to help combat the negative effects of a CPZ on our student community.
Over the last three days, you’ve been voting to elect students in several important positions across the Students’ Union. The waiting is over and it’s time to find out who has been elected as your new student group committee members, SSO Executive Members, Community Officers and remaining School Reps.
At RHSU, we want to ensure we are as transparent as possible about how decisions are made and who makes them, so let’s dive into what was on the agenda at our latest meeting.
Our mission is pretty simple – to make student life better at Royal Holloway. But how do we know that we’re achieving this? Well, that’s where you come in.
In Term Two we asked students to share their experiences accessing sport and physical activities while studying at Royal Holloway, and we’re sharing what we learned!
We are celebrating Deaf Awareness Week at RHSU with a student-led campaign! The campaign aims to bring awareness to the experiences faced in and by the deaf community.
As your elected officer team and as a Students’ Union, our first and foremost priority is the wellbeing, safety, and inclusion of every single one of our members. We want to take this opportunity to reaffirm our unwavering support for our Transgender community here at Royal Holloway.
The deadline to apply for the next phase of rep recruitment is Sunday 18 May at 23:59. We will be reaching out to all respondents after the recruitment window has closed with more information around training, which will be delivered as part of our very first Student Leader Conference in June.
As part of my ongoing campaign to improve student safety at Royal Holloway, I’m sharing the results from last term’s student safety survey and the next steps the University is taking!
It seems like only yesterday that we published our term 1 rep impact blog highlighting the fantastic achievements our academic reps have accomplished. SSAMs have been continuing strong and we’re breaking down the impact made from this 2024/25 academic year.
1st Year Psychology rep, Alexander Endean, has been working hard this year to represent the academic interests of students in the School of Life Sciences and the Environment. After noticing that student engagement wasn’t as good as it could’ve been, Alexander had the idea of creating a Psychology Student Magazine (The Cortex), which is a collaborative piece aiming to connect students, foster inspiration and share ideas.
This week we are celebrating women in sport at Royal Holloway but also beyond campus walls as we recognise the extraordinary women who have shaped the sporting world to increase diversity, promote inclusion and empower other women to take on a new sport to challenge male-dominated fields.
The second survey for our Commuter Student Experience Policy Inquiry is now live!
Managing finances can be a daunting task, and university students often face a financial tightrope from balancing tuition fees, living expenses and keeping up with a social life. With all these expenses to consider, traditional payment methods may not always align with a student’s cash flow.
You might have seen this week that Royal Holloway Students’ Union have launched the Democracy Review, but what exactly is this, and how does it impact you?
On 6 December 2024, we held our second Board of Trustees for the 2024-25 academic year and we wanted to bring you all an update on what was discussed.
On 26 September, we held our first Board of Trustees for the 2024-25 academic year and we wanted to bring you all an update on what was discussed.
Surrey County Council Proposed a Controlled Parking Zone in Englefield Green - you heard that right. And it could cost you a WHOPPING 134 GREAT BRITISH POUNDS!
After weeks of online and in-person campaigning and three long days of voting, 3473 students turned out to vote in this year’s Leadership Elections – a turnout of 24.3%. now, it is time for us to reveal the results!
If you’re wondering what all the commotion about the upcoming Leadership Elections is about, this blog will help you understand the importance of these elections, why you should check out the candidate manifestos, and make sure to vote!
It’s almost time for us to announce who is running to be your leaders for 2025/26 in the upcoming Leadership Elections. There’s a lot happening in the next few weeks so here are some dates for the diary!
It’s time! Nominations are in, and it’s time to find out who is standing to lead your Students’ Union and School Representation!
This week, we’re catching up with our School on what they’ve been up to and sharing exciting updates from their departments. Today we’re spotlighting the EPMS School! The EPMS Network is a fun and exciting social collective made up of students and staff from the School of Electronic Engineering, Physical and Mathematical Sciences.
Today, we’re catching up with our Business and Management School Rep, Elise Eriksson to hear about what she has been up to in her role and what exciting initiatives are taking place in the School.
As LGBT+ History Month 2025 comes to a close, we want to thank everyone who came along to an event, performed in the Queer Creativity Showcase or engaged with blogs and online content.
Last year international students told us about their experiences with forming friendships and the cost-of-living crisis. This year we are asking the hard-hitting questions about barriers to your experiences. Has Royal Holloway become a home away from home? We want to know.
When it comes to alcohol and drugs, understanding how they impact mental health can help you make choices that feel good for you.
It’s a frustrating and embarrassing situation—you’re out with friends, having a good time, and suddenly, security asks you to leave. Whether it feels fair or not, getting kicked out of a venue usually happens for a reason. So, what went wrong?
Substance use can be a complicated and deeply personal issue. Whether it’s alcohol or drugs, occasional use can sometimes turn into something more concerning. If you’re worried about a friend, classmate, or loved one, it’s important to approach the situation with care, compassion, and an understanding of harm reduction.
When it comes to conversations about drugs and alcohol, the focus often falls on complete avoidance. But let’s be real, abstinence isn’t always the choice everyone makes. That’s where harm reduction comes in.
The countdown to the big reveal has begun. On 4 March, you'll find out who is running for our Sabbatical Officer and School Rep roles in the Leadership Elections. Find out what the roles entail and why you should check out the candidates!
During LGBT+ History Month, we celebrate the stories, contributions, and resilience of people who have made a significant impact to legislation, healthcare, identify, social inclusion and more!
In Term One, we asked commuter students about their travel patterns and journey time, their academic experience and engagement with the Royal Holloway community while studying. Here is what we have learned.
This week, we’re catching up with our School Reps on what they’ve been up to and sharing exciting updates from their departments. Here we have Dominika Biel, School Rep for the School of Life Sciences, and the Environment (LSE)!
It’s official, Love Yourself Week is coming to a close…check out this blog to find out how you can turn Love Yourself Week into a Love Yourself Lifestyle.
Exploring why and how you should unplug from the digital world and reconnect with offline activities this Love Yourself Week.
Introducing a new initiative to make sure that your voice is heard! We are extremely passionate about your student experience, and we want to give you the opportunity to vote for the issues that matter the most to you.
What is the perfect self-care routine? With deadline season looming, find out more on how to build simple but powerful habits into your daily routine to manage stress and improve your wellbeing.
Let’s tackle some of the most common myths about women in fitness and share practical tips to overcome them.
Hiya everyone! This week I (Olivia VP Wellbeing & Diversity) am bringing you a campaign called Love Yourself Week alongside Jess, our incredible Campaigns Assistant. Here is an intro blog to give you all the information you need!
Run by charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, Time to Talk Day is an annual awareness day geared towards ending mental health stigma and discrimination and bringing about “the nation’s biggest mental health conversation.” Since its inception in 2014, Time to Talk day has championed the message that, whilst talking about mental health isn’t always easy, conversations can have a profound impact which may even transform lives.
Race and queerness are interwoven threads in human identities that create unique and complex experiences. For queer people of colour (POC), these intersecting identities often mean navigating compounded systems of oppression—racism, homophobia, transphobia, and more. Despite these challenges, queer POC have been at the forefront of movements for liberation, carving out spaces of resistance, resilience, and radical love.
As part of our manifesto aims to improve the service and provision of competitive sport and physical activity for all students while studying at Royal Holloway, the Students’ Union has launched a new survey to get your feedback about your experiences!
Activism is the air that breathes life into the heart of the LGBT+ community. Activism is what got section 28 officially abolished in 2003 in England. It was only 11 years ago when the Marriage Act (same sex marriage) was passed. There are still many changes that we need to make in order to uplift and ensure the safety and happiness of the LGBT+ community in the UK.
Nominations for the Leadership Elections are now open! This is your opportunity to step forward and nominate yourself to become one of our leaders for 2025/26. If you're successful, this blog highlights the roles and responsibilities you'll take on as part of this exciting journey.
You might have seen that the Leadership Elections are now live, meaning applications for my job are open! I’m assuming if you’re reading this you want the chance to lead our Students' Union, so I thought I’d paint a picture of what a day in the life of an SU President looks like!
Hello hello! VP Ed Madelaine here to give you a rundown of what a random day in January looks like for VP Education. It's a cliché, and I say it all the time, but this is really only a tiny taste as every day is different.
Thinking of nominating yourself for a role in the Leadership Elections? To help you make your decision, we’ve been reaching out to Sabbatical Officers from previous years to share their experiences of elections.
Whether you're hosting a party, enjoying a quiet evening, or just looking for a refreshing drink to sip on, mocktails (alcohol-free cocktails) are the perfect solution! They offer all the fun, flavour, and fizz of traditional cocktails but without the alcohol.
Hiya! I am going to take you through what a day in my life as VP Wellbeing & Diversity looks likes. However, a day is never the same in the world of Students’ Union so my day to day life can look very different but here is an example
If I had a pound for every time someone asked me what I do in a day, I’d probably be a millionaire by now! So, here’s a glimpse into what a typical day looks like for me
Sometimes life can throw difficult and unforeseeable circumstances your way, and even the best laid plans go awry. You’re worried about how all of it is going to affect your upcoming exams or assignments, or if you can work to the best of your abilities in these difficult circumstances. But don’t panic - there are people at university who can help and support you through your studies no matter what life throws at you.
When it comes to drugs and alcohol, myths and misconceptions abound. Whether it’s a friend swearing they can “handle their drink” or someone claiming that “natural” substances are always safe, misinformation can lead to risky decisions. Let’s set the record straight by debunking some of the most common myths about drugs and alcohol—and exploring the reality behind them.
Do you want to represent the academic interests of your fellow students? Are you passionate about improving the education you receive, and giving feedback to your department and school?
It’s official! Nominations are now open for the Leadership Elections to register your interest in becoming one of the Sabbatical Officers or School reps for 2025/2026!
Here are some practical tips to help you have fun while keeping your academic goals on track.
Whether you're looking to attend sober events, explore new hobbies, or just unwind in a healthy way, the possibilities are endless. Here's a list of 10 fun ways to enjoy yourself without alcohol and prove that you do
Periods are a significant part of life for many students on campus, yet finding sustainable and affordable period products can still be a challenge. That’s why the Students’ Union (SU) shop is expanding its range of period products, making them more accessible than ever!
It's a new year, new term, and for international students joining us in January, it's a new start! We know that starting university can be a big change and to add moving to a different country and culture, you might be feeling some anxiety along with all the excitement. To help you settle in, the Advice Centre has put together some important tips for you to know!
Ever wondered what it would be like to work with the University on shaping the future for Royal Holloway students? Are you passionate about working on issues that matter most to students just like you?
This month, we are recognising Psychology Senior Course Rep, Claude Kumar, as Rep of the Month for December. We caught up with Claude to hear about all of his work and how he is representing students’ academic interests to improve the educational experience.
The Union Shop will be amending it's opening hours over the Christmas Break. In this blog, we will tell you when we are open and closed. Apologies for the inconvenience.
The end of term 1 has rolled around quickly and your academic reps have been busy taking part in Staff-Student Action Meetings, bringing forward your feedback in your department and implementing change!
As the winter chill sets in and the days get shorter, you’ve made it through your first term of attending lectures, making friends, and going on nights out. But wait, what’s that around the corner? Lurking in the shadows and dimming your holiday cheer?
Whether you’re going back home for the holiday, travelling elsewhere, or staying on campus, anybody can experience the vulnerabilities that come with the winter season.
As Disability History Month 2024 draws to a close, we want to thank everyone who came along to an event, performed in the Disability Looks Like Me Creativity Showcase and engaged with blogs or online content. We especially want to thank our Sabbatical Officer Leads, Sharanya and Madelaine and Disabled Students Community Officer, JJ.
Here are actionable tips for employers looking to build truly inclusive spaces—from improving physical accessibility to offering flexible accommodations and fostering an inclusive culture.
As part of this year’s theme for Disability History Month: Livelihood and Employment, this blog celebrates the resilience, ingenuity, and achievements of disabled entrepreneurs who have transformed obstacles into opportunities, establishing thriving businesses on their own terms.
In the UK, the disability employment gap remains a persistent issue. Despite the rise of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, disabled workers—especially those with invisible disabilities like mental health conditions or chronic illnesses—face challenges not only in pay equity but also in securing meaningful support and accommodations.
It can be exciting to move into your first rental property, but before you start that Pinterest board for what you want your future room to look like, let’s talk about the basics of your starting your search!
One of the most significant expenses for students is accommodation. With rising rental prices, it's essential to explore different options to ensure you make the most of your budget.
From SU President, Sharanya - As part of my ongoing campaign to improve student safety at Royal Holloway, the Students’ Union has launched the Student Safety survey to get your feedback on how safe you feel in Egham and Englefield Green. We also want to learn more about your travel patterns to and from University in the day and night.
So, you’re beginning to find your feet on campus and feel ready to explore further afield? Great! We’ve spoken to locals for their recommendations on must-try spots in the area and surrounding communities, and more!
It's Housing Week and we’re not naive to the fact that student rentals have a bit of a reputation—it’s a sad truth that most graduates have a tenancy horror story or two! Whilst you may gain your own precautionary tale, dealing with tenancy issues in the moment can be stressful and overwhelming. This blog is packed with advice to manage the potential issues of being a tenant.
“Man up”, “Real Men don’t cry”, “You’re overreacting” - something every man has heard before. These harmful words perpetuate and reinforce the toxic stereotype that men should be independent and shouldn’t speak about mental health. These expectations often lead to men internalising their struggles, fearing being judged over expressing their vulnerability.
Next up in our Wobble Week 101 series is ‘Meet, Greet and Get Settled’. Each day of wobble week brings an opportunity to chat with SU representatives or university staff members who understand the student experience and are here to help you thrive.
The Students’ Union launched a survey in Term One that asked current female-identifying students about their interest in a trial of women’s only gym hours and/or fitness sessions at Royal Holloway sports facilities.
Welcome to Disability History Month 2024! Lead by SU President - Sharanya Sivarajah, VP Education - Madelaine Gray, and Disabled Students’ Community Officer - JJ Littleton, we are proud to focus on the theme of Disability Livelihood and Employment.
Over the last academic year British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) have been working with members, Scottish Student Sport (SSS) and Sport & Recreation Alliance (SRA) to develop the Student Active Wellbeing Survey. The survey is now live, and we want to hear your feedback!
We're introducing you to each School Rep and today we've spoken to Matthew, from the School of Law and Social Sciences. Scroll through to learn more about Matthew and his goals as a School Rep.
We're introducing you to each School Rep and today we've spoken to Dominika, from the School of Life Sciences and Environment. Scroll through to learn more about Dominika and her goals as a School Rep.
We're introducing you to each School Rep and today we've spoken to Mia, from the School of Humanities. Scroll through to learn more about Mia and her goals as a School Rep.
We're introducing you to each School Rep and today we've spoken to William, from the School of Engineering, Physics and Mathematical Sciences. Scroll through to learn more about William and his goals as a School Rep.
We're introducing you to each School Rep and today we've spoken to Elise, from the School of Business and Management. Scroll through to learn more about Elise and her goals as a School Rep.
We're introducing you to each School Rep and today we've spoken to Ewan, from the School of Performing and Digital Arts. Scroll through to learn more about Ewan and their goals as a School Rep.
University life can be both exciting and terrifying (often at the same time!). Juggling lectures, academic commitments, and deadlines alongside friendships, relationships, sports, societies, and part-time employment can often make striking the balance between work and life feel impossible.
From 11 November to 15 November, join us for a week filled with events, activities, and friendly faces designed to help you find your footing, make connections, and discover the incredible resources available to you at university.
As Black History Month draws to an end, let this journey of honouring remind us that amplifying Black Voices doesn’t end here.
That is the question. So, picture this. You’re in your final year. The options seem endless, but also overwhelming, oppressive, complicated. Everyone will be banging on about Grad Schemes, those coveted places at the biggest law firms, the enormous professional services networks.
November is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognise and address the unique challenges men face regarding mental wellbeing. Real mates talk - let's break the stigma surrounding men's mental health!
Speak Week is back and we are eager to receive your feedback! This Speak Week's question is 'What issue around your student experience would you like to see prioritised by your Sabbatical Officers?'.
Campus Unity Week was a celebration of diversity and student communities at the university, led by SU President Sharanya and VP Wellbeing & Diversity Olivia. Supported by the Students' Union and university teams, the week aimed to foster inclusivity, understanding, and connection.
It’s spooky season. But I joke of course, because psychometric tests don’t have to be as scary as everyone says. Let’s demystify them.
First of all: What is a psychometric test? Some of you may be asking. Madelaine explains in this blog!
I'm not trying to scare you - I know the academic year has only just begun. But, especially if you're in second year, you may have already heard murmurs of the summer internship applications. From finance weeks at multinational banks to vacation schemes at the Magic Circle law firms, it seems like everyone is vying for the same big names.
Hi all! Welcome to Skills Week, where I (Madelaine) will be running through the nuts and bolts of how you can best set yourself up for the world of work. Don't worry; I'm easing you into it, as today I'll be running through all of the things you can get up to on campus that will teach you tons of skills that employers look for!
This year, Olivia, our VP of Wellbeing & Diversity, and Bana, our VP of Societies and Sport, are leading the way with a powerful, month-long initiative called MENtion it. This campaign is dedicated to encouraging men to speak openly about mental health and challenging the stigma that often surrounds these conversations
Trigger warning: discussions of mental health. MENtion it is dedicated to encourage men to speak openly about their mental health, and challenging the stigma that often surrounds these conversations.
October has been a busy month but as it comes to a close we thought it would be fun to give you an update on what your Sabbs have been up to!
Contraception is one of the most important choices when it comes to sexual health. With so many options out there—pills, patches, injections, implants, and more—it’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed by what might be the best fit for you.
When we talk about healthy relationships and sexual activity, one word stands above all: consent. Whether you’re in a long-term relationship or just starting to get to know someone, consent is the foundation of mutual respect, trust, and communication.
Whether you're casually dating or in a long-term relationship, making STI testing part of your routine is a simple way to protect yourself and your partners.
We firmly believe that all students should be given equal opportunities for assessment at every stage of their educational journey. Therefore, whilst studying at Royal Holloway, if you have a disability or other condition that impacts upon your ability to perform under standard examination conditions, you can apply for Exam Access Arrangements (EAAs).
Over the last three days, you’ve been voting to elect several important positions across the Students’ Union. The waiting is over and it’s time to find out who has been elected as your new SSO Executive Members and Community Officers.
Below we have broken down some of the survey results into themes around our activities and services, our overall performance, five key aims and your opinion about ways we can improve as a Students’ Union.
We know how difficult it is to manage expenses as a student, particularly with the ongoing Cost of Living Crisis. We put together a list of shops that offer discounts, suggestions on how to save money, financial wellbeing tips and more!
This is the best opportunity for you to give us feedback on Freshers' Festival! Complete the survey by 20 October, it only takes a few minutes.
There are lots of things that sex should be such as fun, pleasurable, exciting, respectful and consensual, but one thing sex should never be is scary. Our goal, therefore, is to empower you with the information you need in order to feel confident about looking after your body and engaging in healthy, safe sexual relationships should you choose to do so.
At the Students’ Union, there are multiple ways you can begin your leadership journey. From being an academic rep or committee member to becoming a Community Officer or a Sabbatical Officer, find out how you can get involved.
During the last academic year, the Students’ Union circulated a survey run by Wonkhe and Cibyl called Belong which asked about your student experience at Royal Holloway.
As your Students' Union, we are running campaigns every year to support your interests. Your Sabbs and Student Leaders are leading these campaigns that you can also get involved in to make a positive change at Royal Holloway! Curious about our campaigns? Read more to find out.
Your Sabbatical Officers are here to represent you and make your student life better. Sharanya, Madelaine, Bana and Olivia tell you more about their plans, campaigns and progress in this blog.
We understand that university life often comes with financial challenges. This blog is packed with advice and suggestions on how to make the most out of your university experience while keeping an eye on your finances.
October is here which means one thing it is Black History Month. Every October Black History Month is celebrated in the UK.
If you're missing all the amazing free stuff you bagged at Freshers' Fair, here's a list of freebies you can get at the Advice Centre (all year round!)
As part of my manifesto, I’ve been in discussions with University stakeholders about the potential for women’s only gym hours and / or fitness classes at RHUL sports facilities.
The academic and inclusion student communities were a new initiative that launched last year. They help to give underrepresented groups a platform to have their voices heard on campus and beyond.
First day on campus and don’t know where to go? I will show you a few of my favourite places on campus!
Use this as your cheeky little guide to know the ins and outs of campus, from places to study to places to sit down for some tea-spilling ☕️
While speaking to people in your university classes is an amazing way to make friends on your course there are other ways to meet people who share similar interests!
Cost of living is still affecting students disproportionately. Our maintenance loans have not gone up in line with inflation since 2020/21 and are behind by about 11%. The government’s own figures that the loan would need to rise by 15.5% this year to maintain the value of support in real terms, as compared with the 2020/21 year.
A disability is 'a physical or mental condition which has a substantial and long-term impact on your ability to do normal day to day activities.' This includes but is not limited to visual impairments, hearing difficulties, physical/mobility issues, neurodivergence, and learning difficulties such as dyslexia - as well as mental health problems and other hidden disabilities.
We are so excited to welcome you in September. Whether you are a total newbie or a seasoned returner, we have got some fantastic events coming your way to ensure that you can start the year off in style.
Last week, the Sabbs attended the annual NUS Lead and Change Conference. Find out what went down!
Last Friday, the Sabbatical Officer team met with Dr Ben Spencer, Member of Parliament of Runnymede and Weybridge to discuss issues affecting students including housing and accommodation, cost of living, wellbeing and safety.
It is almost voting time for the Leadership Elections, so we’ve pulled together a handy guide to cover all the information you need to know. Set your alarms for 10:00 tomorrow!
The Cost of Living Crisis is currently affecting nearly all areas of student life, and while participating in student groups can be one of the best parts of university, sometimes the costs can be a barrier. VP Societies & Sport has put together a list of top tips for students and committee members!
Nominations for the Leadership Elections 2024 close this Sunday 4 February so this is your sign to take the leap and put yourself forward! We're here with a reminder of what roles we have on offer and why you should consider running.
With nominations for our Leadership Elections open now, you might be wondering what the roles entail and whether you'd be a good fit. Hear from our current Community Officers and see what they have to say about their experiences.
As we come to the end of Term One, the Sabbatical Officer team is sharing their highlights from the academic year so far. First up, we're heading from Hannah Hockin, SU President.
Location, location, location… where are the top spots on campus? SU President, Hannah walks you through all the best places to study, socialise and relax at Royal Holloway.