Welcome to the start of the academic year 2019/20. Whether you have just joined the Royal Holloway community and are beginning your studies with us, or are returning after the summer break this is one of the most exciting times to be on campus.
The start of the academic year is getting off to a very positive start. I am delighted to share that the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020, published today, places Royal Holloway at 19 in the national rankings. This means that we have risen nine places in this league table in the last two years. We were also shortlisted as one of five universities for University of the Year.
Our position in the league table reflects our commitment to you, our students, and the quality of the education we offer here at Royal Holloway. The distinguishing features of our university are our strong sense of community, and the academic experience we offer through high quality teaching and world-class research. By bringing these elements together, our goal is to be a source of inspiration to you as you strive to achieve excellence. This ranking, and our shortlisted position, are a clear endorsement of our approach and are a testament to the outstanding contribution and achievements of our students and staff.
During Welcome Week and throughout the term there will be lots of opportunities to discover sports, societies and volunteering activities. The Festival of Volunteering on Wednesday will be a highlight and I hope that you’re inspired to get involved. Throughout your studies, I’d encourage you to discover new interests as well as continue to enjoy existing ones. You can keep up to date with what is happening on the
student intranet and through this newsletter which I send every week.
We are a close-knit community here at Royal Holloway. Everyone across campus wants to play their part in helping to inspire you and I’d like to wish you all success in the goals you set for yourself this academic year. Have a very happy and productive autumn term.
Paul
Professor Paul Layzell
Principal