Royal Holloway, University of London
Royal Holloway, University of London
Royal Holloway, University of London is ranked 32nd in the UK in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
Founded in 1886, Royal Holloway, University of London is one of the UK’s leading research intensive universities and a proud member of the prestigious University of London. Its stunning main campus in Surrey offers a safe and inspiring environment, just 40 minutes from central London by train, combining the benefits of a traditional campus with easy access to one of the world’s leading global cities. The campus has also been recognised by The Times as one of the most beautiful university campuses in the UK.
Royal Holloway offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across business, engineering, science, law, humanities, social sciences, and the performing arts. Renowned for academic excellence, the university has achieved Top 20 UK rankings across several subjects, including music, psychology, history, electrical and electronic engineering, communication and media studies, and marketing. With outstanding teaching, world class research, and strong industry links, Royal Holloway equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for successful global careers.
Students who successfully complete the NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) at University Foundation College (UFC) in Qatar benefit from guaranteed progression to bachelor’s degree programmes at Royal Holloway, University of London (subject to meeting the entry requirements), providing a pathway to globally recognised qualifications and rewarding career opportunities.
Life at Royal Holloway, University of London
Student life at Royal Holloway, University of London combines the welcoming atmosphere of a close knit campus with the opportunities of one of the world’s greatest cities. Set within a beautiful and historic campus, students enjoy a supportive community where they can build friendships, develop new interests, and make the most of university life.
The Students’ Union is at the heart of the student experience, offering more than 130 clubs and societies covering sports, music, culture, volunteering, academic interests, and a wide range of hobbies. Throughout the year, students can also take part in social events, performances, cultural celebrations, and student led activities that create a vibrant and inclusive campus environment.
With students from more than 130 countries, Royal Holloway offers a truly international community where students gain global perspectives and lifelong friendships. Located just 40 minutes from central London, students also have easy access to world class museums, theatres, concerts, internships, and networking opportunities while enjoying the safety, green spaces, and strong sense of community that define campus life.
Royal Holloway, University of London is dedicated to helping students achieve their career ambitions by providing comprehensive employability support throughout their studies and after graduation. The university’s Careers Service offers personalised guidance, including one to one career appointments, CV and interview support, career coaching, employer networking events, internships, and graduate employment advice. Students can also continue accessing careers support for up to two years after completing their studies.
The university maintains strong partnerships with employers across sectors including finance, technology, engineering, media, and the creative industries. Many degree programmes include opportunities for work placements, live industry projects, or professional accreditation, enabling students to gain valuable practical experience alongside their academic studies.
Royal Holloway graduates go on to build successful careers with leading global organisations such as Deloitte, Microsoft, PwC, Amazon, HSBC, and the BBC. Located close to London, the university also provides students with access to one of the world’s largest employment markets, offering outstanding opportunities for internships, networking, and career development.
Royal Holloway, University of London provides a wide range of support services to help students succeed academically, personally, and socially throughout their university journey. Dedicated international student support is available before arrival and throughout students’ studies, offering guidance on visas, pre arrival information, welcome activities, and ongoing advice to help students settle into life in the UK.
Students also have access to wellbeing and mental health services, disability and neurodiversity support, academic skills guidance, personal tutors, English language support, and study skills workshops that help them adapt successfully to UK higher education and achieve their academic goals.
Peer mentoring programmes, cultural societies, and student communities help students build friendships and become part of campus life from the very beginning. The Students’ Union also provides independent advice and support on academic and personal matters, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive and reach their full potential.
Royal Holloway, University of London offers a wide range of safe, comfortable, and modern accommodation options for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Many international students choose to live on campus during their first year, and the university guarantees accommodation for eligible first year students, helping them settle quickly into university life and become part of the campus community.
Students can choose from catered and self catered residences, en suite rooms, and shared facilities to suit different budgets and lifestyles. Through the university’s accommodation system, students can select their preferred room before arrival. All residences are within easy walking distance of teaching buildings, libraries, sports facilities, and social spaces.
Living on campus provides access to 24 hour security, dedicated support staff, and a variety of community events organised throughout the year. Royal Holloway also offers competitively priced accommodation within the Greater London area, making it an attractive option for international students. The iconic Founder’s Building provides a unique historic living experience, while newer residences offer contemporary accommodation with modern facilities.
Royal Holloway, University of London offers outstanding teaching, learning, and recreational facilities across its beautiful and historic campus. Students benefit from modern lecture theatres, specialist laboratories, creative studios, performance spaces, and collaborative learning environments that support academic excellence and practical experience.
The university library provides extensive study spaces, digital resources, and academic support, while specialist facilities give students valuable hands on learning opportunities. These include industry standard television studios with green screen and virtual production technology, a Digital Innovation Lab, advanced science laboratories, an MRI scanning unit, mock courtrooms, a trading floor, and dedicated creative and performance spaces such as the Caryl Churchill Theatre and the Futures Studio.
Beyond the classroom, students enjoy a modern sports centre, floodlit sports pitches, cafés, restaurants, and attractive green spaces. Historic landmarks, including the iconic Founder’s Building, the Founder’s Chapel, and the Picture Gallery, create a unique campus environment that combines heritage with world class facilities, making Royal Holloway an inspiring place to study and live.
Sport and student activities are an important part of life at Royal Holloway, University of London. Representing the university as The Bears, students can participate in competitive sports, recreational activities, fitness classes, and volunteering opportunities throughout the year. With more than 130 clubs and societies covering sports, culture, music, gaming, entrepreneurship, and academic interests, there are countless ways to get involved, make friends, and enjoy campus life.
The university’s Sports Centre on the Egham campus features a modern fitness suite, a multi purpose sports hall, fitness studios, treatment rooms, and changing facilities. Students also have access to floodlit outdoor sports pitches, football and cricket pitches, tennis courts, and netball courts, providing excellent facilities for training, competition, and recreation.
Whether competing at a high level or trying a new activity for the first time, Royal Holloway encourages students to stay active, support their wellbeing, and enjoy a balanced university experience both inside and outside the classroom.
Royal Holloway, University of London is committed to creating a more sustainable future by integrating environmental responsibility across teaching, research, campus operations, and student life. Sustainability is a core part of the university’s RH2030s strategy, with a strong focus on addressing climate change, protecting biodiversity, and supporting long term environmental resilience.
Students are encouraged to engage with global sustainability challenges through academic programmes, research, volunteering, and campus initiatives. The university also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by promoting research, innovation, and partnerships that contribute to a more sustainable world.
Royal Holloway continues to reduce its environmental impact through initiatives that lower carbon emissions, improve energy and water efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance biodiversity across its green campus. These beautiful outdoor spaces not only support sustainability but also provide an inspiring environment that promotes student wellbeing, learning, and a strong connection with nature.
RANKING
Ranked 32nd in the UK (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026)
Ranked 37th in the world for Performing Arts (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026: Performing Arts)
Search Programmes at Royal Holloway, University of London
Discover a wide range of bachelor’s degree programmes at Royal Holloway, University of London, an NCUK partner university. Use the NCUK University Course Finder to explore programmes by subject area and find the perfect course for your academic and career goals.
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