Once you're on our Egham campus, there are plenty of ways to maximise your time.
If you’re considering commuting to Royal Holloway, we know you have different concerns to someone choosing to live in student accommodation and require flexibility.
Maybe you’re struggling to picture how your university experience might look, or wondering where you can spend time between lectures and where you’ll make friends. Read some of our commuting students' experiences and discover ways to shape your time on campus.
"I was initially worried that commuting to university would mean missing out on 'the real university experience', however, commuting has actually made mine feel more personal and unique. I've been able to enjoy the best of both worlds, embracing student life on campus while still living at home."
- Jovie, BSc Computer Science
"The Physics department regularly holds events, talks and social activities that make it easy to stay engaged and feel part of the community, even as a commuter. The staff are approachable and understanding if travel delays ever cause issues. The Students' Union and services on campus also provide plenty of spaces and facilities for commuters to study, relax or meet friends between classes."
- Shreya, MSci Physics, commutes 6 miles to campus by bus
Feel a part of the community
Welcome Week
The focus of your first few weeks at Royal Holloway is Welcome Week, where you can join activities aimed at helping new students settle in, whether they live in halls or commute to campus. Examples of activities include campus tours, icebreakers and sports events.
The Students' Union host a 'Give It a Go' programme to give you the chance to try new activities and have some fun. From archery to boardgames and craft, these smaller-scale events are mainly alcohol-free and provide a welcoming environment to meet new people.
Commuter communities
Students make new friends throughout their university life, not just in Halls. You'll make friends with people on your courses and through joining clubs and societies. The close-knit community at Royal Holloway means you'll easily get to know familiar faces across campus.
The Student's Union has a community for commuting students which helps to provide a platform for commuting students to share experiences, exchange tips, and support each other in making the most of university life while commuting. Go along to their events and activities to meet fellow commuters and learn tips to help get settled in.
You won't be the only commuting student on your course. Many of our departments have WhatsApp groups for commuting students to help connect you with your course mates.
Time between lectures
Planning your day
Teaching time varies across different departments and some days will have more contact time than others. To help structure your week, academic department timetables are all available online and any changes are made 48 hours beforehand to help you plan ahead.
"Plan your journey well - know your train times and always have a backup route. Make the most of your time on campus; try to schedule your day efficiently so the commute feels worth it and get involved"
- Yasmina, BSc Biology, commutes 9 miles to campus by bus and train
Events and activities
The Students’ Union run events throughout the day, not just in the evenings so there’s always something happening on our Egham campus. Browse the events calendar to see what's on between lectures.
The University hosts a wide range of talks, exhibitions and concerts which are open to all. Delve deeper into your subject or fuel a new interest - view the events calendar here.
Get active
If you've got time between lecturers or seminars, why not get active in the gym or go for a walk on campus or in the local area? Head to the gym or join an active class in the sports centre.
Our societies and sports clubs hold activities and events at various times, with Wednesday afternoons clear of lectures and seminars so you can get involved in other activities like sports matches.
To avoid paying for two memberships, you can access gym and sports facilities at other nearby university gyms across the country through the British Universities and Colleges' universal gym scheme. This will help keep you moving no matter where you're based.
On our leafy campus there are a number of walks through the woodlands or in our own arboretum. If you fancy a longer walk, then Windsor Great Park, Runnymede Pleasure Ground and Virginia Water are nearby.
Spaces on campus
To relax
If you're not living on campus, spaces where you can recharge and refuel are important. We have lots of spaces where you can get comfortable, including:
Student Lounges
Our Student Lounges are great places to hang out and meet other students. Co-designed with students, they have refreshment stations with a hot tap, microwave and fridge to help you save money on food.
They're dotted across campus and are open 8am-6pm every day during term time for you to relax, grab a coffee and chat to friends. We also run regular events there like the Relax and Refresh hour.
Students' Union Lounge
The lounge in the main SU building is open 9am-5pm every day during term time. It's equipped with comfy sofas and chairs, a selection of books and microwaves making it the perfect sport to reset between classes.
Common Rooms
There are also other common rooms in departments for students to use throughout the day.
Places to eat and drink
There are lots of spaces to grab a coffee or enjoy a hot lunch with friends. Our cafes are open throughout the day, with some open early morning and into the evening. There's something for every mood - discover our cafés here.
To study
When you need to get your head down and focus on work, there are lots of spaces to choose from depending on your requirements.
Main Library
The library in the Davison Building has both silent and group study spaces which can be booked in advance. It has extended opening hours, including 24/7 at some points of the year. There's also a wellbeing area where you can relax and a space to read for pleasure and wellbeing.
Founder's Reading Room
Or be inspired to study in our historic Victorian Reading Room in the Founder’s Building. There are lots of desk spaces for individual silent study and it is open 24/7.
In the summer, you can study al-fresco at one of the picnic benches outside in our beautiful grounds.
