At Royal Holloway, the health safety and wellbeing of our students is our highest priority. In alignment with the latest sector guidance, we have revised our approach to drug and alcohol use, transitioning from a zero-tolerance policy to a harm reduction strategy. This shift underscores our commitment to supporting students in making informed decisions while minimising potential risks. We are dedicated to creating an environment where students are informed, supported, and empowered to make reasonable decisions.
Our Approach to Drug and Alcohol Use including harm reduction support
While we do not condone the misuse of drugs or alcohol, we understand that some students may choose to use these substances over the course of their time at university. We seek to ensure students have access to the necessary resources, support, and information to mitigate risks and safeguard their health. Our approach is designed to empower students by providing accurate information, reducing stigma, and offering support. We aim to help you make safer, informed choices and seek assistance without fear of judgment. Your safety and wellbeing are at the heart of our efforts.
Adopting harm reduction approaches does not imply that the university condones illegal or antisocial behaviour. The safety and wellbeing of our community remain paramount and we recognise our legal responsibilities in this area. If a student is found to be involved in the supply of drugs, they will be referred to Surrey Police, and conduct action will be taken in accordance with our regulations and policies.
Support
In an emergency our Egham campus Security can be contacted on +44 (0)1784 443888
If you are worried about your or another student’s use of substances or wish to seek general advice please contact us at wellbeing@royalholloway.ac.uk
University policy
Alcohol, Drugs & Substance Use and Misuse Policy
University life can be challenging, and some students may turn to substances to cope with the pressures they face. This section outlines common reasons behind substance use and the support options available. Whether you're struggling with academic stress, mental health concerns, or social pressures, we're here to help you find healthier ways to cope.
Reach out - support is here when you need it.
Academic Pressure and Stress
The demands of coursework, exams, and deadlines can be overwhelming, leading some students to turn to substances as a coping mechanism.
- Academic Support Services: Reach out to CeDAS (Centre for the Development of Academic Skills) or your personal tutor for tailored academic support and advice.
Mental Health Challenges
Struggles with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues may cause some students to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol.
Social Pressures
The desire to fit in or peer pressure, particularly in social settings, can lead to experimenting with substances.
- Students' Union Activities: Join a club or society through the Students' Union to connect with like-minded peers and build a supportive network where you can be yourself.
Homesickness and Loneliness
Being away from home can lead to feelings of isolation, which may prompt some students to turn to substances for comfort.
- Wellbeing Support: Speak with a Wellbeing Adviser about how you're feeling and explore resources to help you adjust to university life.
- International Advice : For international students, the University runs Home Away From Home events and programs to ease the transition to life in the UK and help you build a supportive community.
Financial Stress
Worries about money and managing finances can lead to significant stress, pushing some students towards substance use as an escape.
- Financial Advice Team: Contact our Money & Funding Advisers for advice on budgeting, financial planning, and accessing financial support.
New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) (previously known as 'legal highs') are neither safe nor legally approved for use, as they contain ingredient that are illegal to possess or approved for people to use and are not legal as they actually contain ingredients that are illegal to possess. Often referred to as “club drugs” they pose significant health risks because users can never be sure of their exact contents or effects, with forensic testing frequently revealing unexpected and dangerous substances.
Here are some of the risks associated with them:
- Increased Health Risks: Combining NPS with alcohol can heighten risks significantly
- Variability in Effects: Chemical compositions of NPS can vary widely, meaning that even drugs with similar appearances or names can differ greatly in strength and effect.
- Unpredictable consequences: The effects of NPS are highly unpredictable and can result in reduced inhibitions, paranoia, drowsiness, seizures, coma and, in severe cases, death.
If you have concerns about yourself or a fellow students use of NPS, or if you are need of general support, please contact us at wellbeing@royalholloway.ac.uk.
Royal Holloway is committed to creating a healthy and safe working environment for staff, students, and visitors and, therefore, recognises the right of all staff and students to work in a smoke-free environment. The university operates a no smoking policy within most areas of its academic and administrative buildings in order to ensure, as far as is possible, that everyone is protected from the dangers of smoke.
Here are some of the risks associated with smoking and vaping:
- Serious Health Risks: Smoking is the leading cause of preventable illness and death, increasing the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues. Vaping, though often perceived as safer, can also pose significant health risks, including lung injury and exposure to harmful chemicals.
- Impact on Others: Second-hand smoke and vapor can cause health problems in non-smokers, including asthma, respiratory infections, and heart disease.
- Addictive and Harmful: Both nicotine in cigarettes and e-cigarettes are highly addictive, making it difficult to quit and leading to long-term health complications.
For support with quitting you can find your nearest NHS stop smoking support service here: Find stop smoking support services - NHS (www.nhs.uk).
If you need general support or someone to talk to first, please contact us at wellbeing@royalholloway.ac.uk.
Shisha, also known as hookah or hubbly-bubbly, is generally tobacco sweetened with fruit syrup or sugar smoked through a shisha pipe. Traditionally, shisha tobacco contains nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide and heavy metals – as found in cigarettes – and as such carries similar risks:
- High Smoke Exposure: A typical shisha session, lasting about an hour, can expose you to the same amount of smoke as over 100 cigarettes.
- Addictive Properties: Shisha smoking is addictive; while some nicotine is absorbed by the water, enough remains to cause addiction.
- Serious Health Risks: Shisha smokers face the same health risks as cigarette smokers, including heart disease, cancer, and respiratory issues.
It is against University Policy to smoke any substance in halls of residence, and inside University buildings.
If you are in need of support and are concerned about your own or friend’s shisha smoking, please contact wellbeing@royalholloway.ac.uk.
Harm Reduction Charities
- Talk to Frank: A confidential service offering advice and information on drugs.
- Catch 22: Offers help and support for young people up to the age of 21 (24 for care leavers and 25 for young people with disabilities), affected by problems caused by drug and alcohol
- Catalyst Support (Surrey): Offers support for people dealing with issues related to drugs, alcohol, and mental health.
- Drugs and alcohol | Healthy Surrey: an up-to-date directory of health services operating within Surrey.
Treatment Services
University Services
- Reach out to our Wellbeing Support: Get help and guidance tailored to your needs from a University Wellbeing Adviser