Frequently asked questions

Can I visit the School of Management?
You can make an appointment to visit the School of Management most weeks throughout the year. For further details please see our open days| page.

Will my degree from Royal Holloway be recognised in my own country and worldwide? You will be awarded a University of London degree, which has a reputation for excellence around the world.

Do you provide any help in getting work, and are there any jobs on campus?
There are jobs available both on and off campus and information is provided about these by the Careers Service| and the Students’ Union|.

Do you provide work experience during the course?
A few programmes offer this but in general we don’t. However, you may contact the Careers Service to see if they can help you arrange something.

Do you offer scholarships?
There are a number of bursaries, scholarships and awards which depend on your circumstances and location » scholarships|.

Do you offer distance learning courses?
Yes. Royal Holloway offers some distance learning courses through the University of London's International Programme. See our distance learning courses| page for details.

What facilities do you have to support students with learning or physical disabilities?
Our Educational Support Office (ESO) can help with special needs » students with disabilities.|

When do I apply? What are the closing dates for applications?
You should apply as soon as possible as we cannot guarantee you a place if our courses are full. The deadline for overseas undergraduate applications is in June. There is no postgraduate deadline, though you are strongly advised to submit your application by the beginning of April.

How do I apply?
Undergraduate – apply through the UK body UCAS|.
Postgraduate – apply directly to RHUL online » how to apply|.

Do I need an English language qualification such as IELTS or TOEFL?
You will require this if you are not from a country where English is the official language. However, if you are applying for a postgraduate programme and have taken your undergraduate degree in an English-speaking country, you will not normally be required to take the test. The English language entry requirements are listed on each course details page, which you can find here|.

I haven’t taken my English language exams yet – can I still apply?
You can still apply as we will make you a conditional offer based on what your tutor thinks you will get in your exams. Alternatively you may be able to take one of the Pre-sessional English Language Programmes| that we run prior to the start of the academic year.

If I study the University Foundation Programme or the Bridging Diploma will I be guaranteed a place on a degree course?
Places cannot be guaranteed on a degree course after completion of the University Foundation Programme or the Bridging Diploma as each department makes this decision and it would be dependent on your exam results, amongst other criteria.

Can I transfer onto the second year of a degree course?
In general students must begin in the first year of undergraduate degree courses. In special cases, where a student has already covered similar material at a similar level in their current placement, it may be possible to transfer. These decisions are made on an individual basis by each department so you will need to contact the Admissions Tutor for that department.

Can I transfer onto the final year of a degree course?
This is extremely difficult and until recently was not possible. In order to be awarded a University of London degree, you needed to have studied at the College for at least two years. These decisions are made on an individual basis by each department so you will need to contact the Admissions Tutor for that department.

How do I apply for my visa?
Royal Holloway International have a useful guide to applying for a student visa here|.

How can I check the status of my application?
For questions related to the status of your application, please contact the Admissions Office: email Admissionsrhul.ac.uk| or phone +44 (0)1784 414944.

What is the accommodation like, and is it on campus?
The majority of halls are on campus, and there are both single and shared rooms, see accommodation| for more information.

Will I have to share a bathroom?
Most rooms have en suite bathrooms but other rooms do have shared bathrooms.

Do you have separate accommodation for male and female students?
In Founders and Kingswood 1 halls of residence there are single gender floors.

Are there rooms for smokers available?
Rooms are mostly non-smoking, however, there are a limited number of smoking rooms for the 2011/12 academic year. From 2012/13 onwards all rooms in halls will be non-smoking.

Do you have suitable accommodation for students with families?
There is a very limited amount of family accommodation (available for postgraduate students only) and you should contact the Student Housing Bureau| early regarding this. They can also provide information about private sector accommodation, as an alternative source of family housing.

When will I receive a form to arrange my accommodation?
You need to apply for accommodation online and there are different deadlines according to which study programme you are applying for. Please refer to the further information on the accommodation pages (please click the following link and choose the ‘Housing’ tab: student housing information|). You can also view a step-by-step guide to applying for accommodation online|.

Will I have internet access in my room?
Yes, all halls have internet access.

Can I stay in my room during vacations?
There are 30 and 38 week contracts available in halls, which determine whether you can remain in your room during the vacations. Those in a 30 week contract may apply for vacation residence.

Will you pick me up from the airport when I arrive?
There is an airport pick up service on the Saturday and Sunday before the first week of term of the first term of the academic year. Airport pick up is only available that weekend.

Is it easy to get to Royal Holloway from London Heathrow airport?
You can take a 441 bus| from Heathrow Central Bus Station or a 71 bus| from Terminal 5: both stop outside the College. Alternatively if you book a taxi, it will cost about £20 (day) and £30 (night).

Do you have an orientation programme for international students?
Yes, your first week will be spent learning about Royal Holloway and what it is like to live and study in the UK » your first week on campus|.

What student clubs are there?
There are a large number of clubs and societies at Royal Holloway, mostly organised through the Students’ Union|. These include academic, political and religious, sport, international, social and cultural, and performing arts societies.

What sports facilities are there?
Being a campus university, we have a large range of sports facilities including tennis courts, playing fields and a sports centre: RHUL Sport|.

What is there to do at the weekend?
On campus the Students’ Union| often provides live music and there are also bars where you can eat and drink. In Egham and Englefield Green there is a wide choice of restaurants and pubs. In addition to this some students go out in Windsor or London, plus there is a cinema and shopping centre in Staines nearby.

What is there to do or see in the local area?
Royal Holloway is close to the River Thames, Windsor and Eton (Eton Dorney| was the venue for rowing during the 2012 Olympic Games). Runnymede| and Windsor Great Park| are both within walking distance from the College.

How do I get into London and how long does it take?
It takes around 40 minutes to travel to London Waterloo on the fast train from Egham.

What about during vacations?
International students may want to take advantage of HOST|, a charlity that can arrange a weekend stay with a British family in their home.

What are the study facilities available?
There are two main libraries (Bedford and Founder's) plus a Music library. All of which have study areas and computer terminals. We also have a Computer Centre which is open 24/7.

Can I get language and study skills support while I am a student?
Royal Holloway International provide in-sessional English language classes|. See the College's study resources and academic support pages for details on study skills courses.

Do you have a Careers Centre?
Royal Holloway's Careers Service| is located near the School of Management. Information about careers support after you graduate can be found here: alumni careers support|.