Introducing Matthew

Hi everyone, I'm Matthew and I will be your VP Education for the 2025-2026 Academic Year! I'm so excited to be working alongside my fellow Sabbatical Officers this year to boost student experience at Royal Holloway.

>>> About Me

I've just finished my time as a Politics and International Relations Student at our University. Alongside my studies I worked three jobs (including the Union Shop!) and served as Secretary of the Politics and International Relations Society. Outside of working and studying you would always be able to find me having a go at one of the local pub quizzes trying (and failing) to win.

>>> Why I ran for VP Education

Having been a first-generation student struggling to balance studies alongside work, the unequal access to education is clear. Now, with increasing numbers of first-generation students and groups such as commuter students being on the rise across the Higher Education sector, I am keen to make education work for everyone.

I ran to be your VP Education whilst serving as School Rep for Law and Social Sciences last year.  As School Rep I worked on getting student voices heard at a smaller scale, including helping to develop a commuter WhatsApp chat and commuter guide. This year the commuter guide is going to be rolled out across the University - and its this type of achievement I hope to bring in my year as VP Education to benefit all students.

>>> Priorities

This year the focus of Sabbatical Officers is centred around the Priority 8 - a list of 8 actions voted on by students in the Summer Elections. Each of us have been given specific priorities this year, with mine being:

• Increase Social and Study Spaces on Campus
• Reduce Deadline Stacking for Assessment and Coursework

I've already started work on these, and over the year you will be able to find updates on these, and all priorities, at our Priority 8 Hub. 

I'm excited to keep pushing for student voice with Senior Leaders and Academics in the University and make student life better at Royal Holloway! Aside from checking out the Priority 8 Hub you can keep up to date and contact me on Instagram @rhsueducation and by getting in touch on email vpeducation@su.rhul.ac.uk. 

>>> Top Tips 

• Attend your lectures!
• If you are struggling speak to either our Advice Centre at the SU or get in contact with one of the University resources like Academic Skills (previously known as CeDAS) for academic help and the Careers Service.
• One thing I regret is not nearly taking enough advantage of Student Discount - check everywhere you shop!
• Make sure to join a student group.
• Fill out any and all surveys or feedback forms you get, they do genuinely help us make a difference (and often come with incentives!).

Over the next year, never hesitate to reach out if you have any issues regarding your University experience or if you have any ideas or changes you want to see at the University. I'm looking forward to seeing so many of you this year and making sure your voices are not only heard but acted upon.