- Libraries:
- There are two libraries on campus. The relatively new Bedford Library holds material for the bulk of science related courses at Royal Holloway, while the Founders library caters for languages. The music department has its own specific library and most departments hold a selection of relevant books and periodicals.
One of the biggest advantages, though, is that being part of the University of London, Royal Holloway students have access to all University of London college libraries and the main University library at Senate House.
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- Computing:
- There is free computer access 24 hours a day at the Computer Centre. Computers are also available in the Bedford Library. Every student is issued with an e-mail address, and there are some Internet connections available in the newer Halls of Residence. Some academic departments have computer access.
The computer facilities have recently been updated (it was about time) and all have Windows XP and new screens. There is also Wireless Internet in the libarary. Overall, computer facilities are quite good, but be prepared to wait near essay deadlines!
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- Sports:
- There's a new sports centre with a decent-sized gym and fitness suite. The uni plans to add to this in the future. For the moment the range of machines in the fitness suite is a bit limited. They pale in comparison to the main Egham town sports centre which is genuinely amazing. The standard and range is easily equal to the swankiest of posh gyms. This is located in town down the hill from college and probably a 20 min walk away.
Next to the college sports centre, there is a large area devoted to sports fields, including 10 rugby/football fields. The college has 4 tennis courts set against the stunning backrop of the founders building and a dicey grass hockey pitch which you can't use if it rains too much. There is however great access to other pitches in nearby Staines and home matches are sometimes played on the water-based astro pitch in Hounslow, which is excellent.
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- Future Plans:
- The college is currently building a large sports complex in five stages. The complex will include an upgraded gym/fitness centre, squash courts, and badminton and basketball courts. Stages 1 and 2 are now complete.
There are plans to build a second Student Union building providing more entertainment and bar space.
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- Disabled Students:
- Since the campus is situated on a hill, wheelchair use can be awkward. Some disabled students use motorised wheelchairs. All of the academic departments and lecture halls cater for disabled people with wheelchairs, and there is a limited amount of disabled accommodation in Runnymede Hall. The ground floor of the Students' Union is accessible by wheelchair, but an elevator has yet to be installed. There are plans for this, however, in the future.
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- Student Welfare:
- The Students' Union Welfare Suite is open Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm, giving advice on all aspects of student life from contraception to housing problems. Free condoms are available on request. Throughout the night volunteer students are available by telephone on Nightline, also operated by the Students' Union. The College also has a Health Centre, and counsellors (as well as priests/ministers) are on hand to help with any problems.
The University counselling service is conidered excellent, and is the first counselling service in Britain to be awarded Service Recognition by the AUCC (Association of University and College Counsellors), a division of the British Association for Counselling.
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- Parking:
- Parking permits are available for all off-campus students. This does not guarantee you a parking space, as the permits issued outnumber the spaces available. Only 20% of students in Halls are issued parking permits.
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- University Shops:
- There is a college shop selling groceries, newspapers, stationary and drinks. Prices on many items are competitive with the local area.
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- University Bookshops:
- There is a branch of Waterstones on campus. They have a good selection of books on all subjects studied at Royal Holloway, and they are able to order additional texts but have a policy of ordering only 70% of the required number, leaving many students to fight over the precious few library copies. From personal experience, if you miss out on a copy of a book that you need, you will almost certainly have finished studying it by the time it is available!
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- Banking:
- There is a branch of National Westminster Bank on campus, which is open for a few hours during the afternoon. Other banks, including HSBC, Barclays, and Abbey National, have branches in Egham, ten minutes walk from campus. There is a cash machine in the Students' Union, but I think this charges a fee to withdraw money.
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The nearest branch of HSBC is on Station Road, Egham (across from Budgens), ten minutes walk from campus. |
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- Transport Policy:
- A Non-resident Bus Service is operated by the Students' Union at night. A charge of 80p is levied to help cover its considerable cost.
During the day there is also a bus service operated by the College, and tickets can be bought at halls reception desks.
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- Green Areas:
- The campus has a large number of green areas with many rare trees and a lake. Many of these areas are protected by law.
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