Support for Erasmus students

Most formal classroom teaching is delivered by permanent members of academic staff who are often leading authorities in their areas of research. Each department has an Erasmus coordinator who can give advice and guide students in their studies. In many cases, the coordinators have themselves studied or worked overseas and have first-hand knowledge of the kinds of experiences which students might encounter.

Royal Holloway has a highly-respected programme of In-sessional English Language classes which students can attend alongside their studies, to enhance their performance as  non-native speakers of English.  We also offer two very popular credit-bearing courses entitled Background to Modern Britain, which are of great value to Erasmus students.

We have also recently introduced academic workshops specifically for our Erasmus and Study Abroad students to provide them with the opportunity to consult with tutors on a range of challenges that they may be facing whilst studying in a new academic system.

Royal Holloway provides excellent facilities across all faculties: there are two well-equipped libraries, a Computer Centre, several IT laboratories for teaching and for 24-hour independent internet access as well as a wireless network, theatre spaces, and specialist science laboratories including an MRI scanner and an Electron Microscopy Unit.

Teaching methods vary across subjects, and include seminars, lectures, workshops, fieldwork and laboratory work. The style of university-level teaching in the UK places special emphasis on the role of independent study. This approach encourages self-discipline and self-reliance, showing that education is not just about acquiring specific knowledge but is designed to develop lifelong transferable skills. For example students may spend time preparing coursework and researching for assignments, either individually or in small groups, in addition to their formal lectures and seminars.

At the start of your time here, you will attend an Orientation Programme which takes place over a number of days. The programme includes information sessions on various aspects of academic and social life at Royal Holloway and will also introduce you to many of the members of staff who are closely involved with Erasmus students at Royal Holloway. These sessions aim to ensure that you settle quickly and easily into your new routine and have a clear sense of what is expected of you.

Our dedicated Study Abroad Team work closely with colleagues across the college to ensure that pre- and post-arrival arrangements are well coordinated and that Erasmus students are fully supported whilst studying at Royal Holloway.  We have also recently introduced our Peer Guide scheme for Erasmus students, so that they are supported throughout their stay by a Royal Holloway student who has just returned from a year abroad and who understands the challenges that they may be facing.

In the tradition of British higher education, our students enjoy a great deal of personal freedom. However, we realise that students who are a long way from home may require additional support, and this is provided by a wide-ranging student support system.

There is a Health Centre on campus which deals with all aspects of student health.  Qualified nursing staff provide a comprehensive service during term-time and doctors attend daily for consultations.  A psychiatrist and physiotherapist are also available.  Students can also seek help from the Student Counselling Service for any matters of concern, whether personal, emotional, psychological or academic-related.

The Educational Support Office (ESO) coordinates the support for students with special educational requirements, including specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia and dispraxia; mobility difficulties; special psychological needs; medical conditions or sensory impairments such as hearing or visual impairment. 

Support can be academic, personal or financial. If you feel you will require special needs support during your period of study at Royal Holloway, please indicate this on your application form..

Erasmus students are invited to welcome and farewell social events, as well as being able to join in a variety of organised day trips (at additional cost)  to sites of historical and cultural interest, such as Hampton Court Palace, the Tower of London, Stonehenge and Bath, or theatre and museum trips to London.  These activities provide an easy way to network with other students and to enjoy different aspects of the rich cultural life in the UK. 

All students benefit from the range of  food outlets on campus . There is no need to sign up to a meal plan, you can eat in any of the on-campus food outlets, on a ‘pay-as-you-go’ basis. There are special discounts if you have a Royal Holloway Residence & Catering Service (RCS) Account.  

You can also eat out in the local area, which offers a range of opportunities from fast food, pizzas and kebabs to local pubs or Indian, Italian and Thai restaurants.