Representing you

Research & policy.

At the Students' Union, we regularly conduct research to ensure we understand the student experience so we can help create positive changes on campus. This research comes in a few different forms:

Our research projects Join the mailing list

How we research

1

Policy Inquiries

This is an in-depth, research-informed process that generates a high-quality Student Voice Report on a particular topic. Involving students in investigation and deliberation, the end goal is a range of recommendations we can lobby the University to implement.

2

Insight Reports

Where a policy inquiry can take place over an entire academic year, insight reports are smaller research projects focusing on a more specific topic and generally take place over a term.

3

Ad Hoc Research

There might also be some standalone surveys, focus groups, and other projects that come up throughout the year.

Why should you take part?

Getting involved in our surveys and focus groups is one way you can make sure your voice is heard at Royal Holloway. We use all the information collected to create recommendations we will lobby for to ensure long-lasting change, positively impacting your university experience. It's also a great way to earn a little bit of extra cash! Often for our surveys, we offer prize draws and incentives, and for focus groups, you'll also get paid for your time!

Current research opportunities

We currently don't have any research projects open but there will be more coming your way so check back soon.

Make sure to also join our focus group mailing list as there will be upcoming opportunities to have your say!

Join the mailing list

Check out our research projects

You can view all of our past research reports, including the findings, the recommendations, and where we've got to so far on implementing the changes:

Policy Inquiries Insight Reports Rate Your Union Results

2024/25 Ad hoc projects

Women's Only Gym Hours

Olivia Davies, VP Wellbeing & Diversity, proposed Women’s Only Gym Hours to offer female-identifying students a designated time to access the gym and/or fitness sessions to exercise confidentially and comfortably in a space of their own. We launched a survey asking female-identifiying students about their interest and the results showed 99% of respondants would like some type of women's only sports hours. As a result, ALS piloted Women's Only Gym Hours at the Sports Centre, along with a Women's Learn to Lift programme. Due to their success, both initiatives will now become permanent features. View the results of the survey here.

Student Safety

Sharanya Sivarajah, President, has been campaigning to improve student safety at Royal Holloway. As part of this she launched a survey to get student feedback on how safe they feel in Egham and Englefield Green. 506 students responded telling us where needed better street lighting, how safe they feel, what routes need improving, the impact of the back gate being closed and more. So far, the Univerity has been improving lighting around the back gate and other areas on campus. We are speaking to the council about improving the bus service and advocating for the extending the opening hours of the back gate. View the results of the survey here.

Updates on our latest projects

Rate Your Union Survey Results, 2025/26

Mon 12 Oct 2026

Last May, we asked you to complete our annual Rate Your Union survey and tell us about your experiences with SU activities, daytime and evening events and our different services. Here’s what you said!

Summer Ball Survey

Mon 08 Jun 2026

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. And if you didn’t attend this year’s Summer Ball we want to hear from you too!