We are now approaching the start of the summer term (Monday 26 April), the final term in what I think we can all agree has been a most extraordinary and challenging academic year.
While the weather in the UK has hardly been spring like recently, the lighter days and hints of sunshine have certainly encouraged me to feel that, if we all continue to play our part, hopefully the worst of the pandemic could be behind us.
Before the end of the spring term, we were able to confirm plans for students on practical and practice-based subjects. We have now received more guidance from the UK Government and you can find out below what this might mean for you, whether you’re on campus or studying at home.
The focus of this term is primarily on exams and assessments. At the best of times, this can be a particularly stressful term, and we know we’re not yet in the best of times. If you are concerned, or are concerned about another student, please contact our Wellbeing team.
You have shown enormous strength and commitment to your studies, and I would like to wish each of you the very best for the coming term.
Paul
Professor Paul Layzell
Principal
What you need to know about…
Exam success
The majority of exams and assessments will be online this year. All the information you need is available on our completing your assessments webpage, including:
- How to access the term three assessment timetable
- The different formats of assessment and how they can be accessed
- What academic misconduct is and how to avoid it
Dealing with stress and looking after yourself is tough at exam time. Here’s how to get support and how to speak with one of our advisers - or join in at one of our Wellbeing on Weekdays sessions.
If you’re looking for study/exams skills support, contact CeDAS or phone +44 (0)1784 443368.
Study space and support
Having a space to study and take your online assessments is important. If you would like to come to campus to study, the Library has extended its opening hours and is now open from 8am to 11pm, Monday to Sunday. You can find information on additional study spaces around campus here. If you are a commuting student who does not have a suitable space to take your online exams and assessments, we can help if you contact our Wellbeing team.
What’s on?
It’s excellent news that we’ve now been able to open outdoor venues and we’re providing seating areas for groups of six and up to two households to meet. The Students’ Union has regular events at the open venues and from 17 May the Give It A Go events will be in person.
Clubs are returning to training sessions from the beginning of term. Societies are online and making plans to meet. Keep checking back to the SU calendar here as more and more events are added. For the latest updates, follow @RHCampusLife and @SURHUL on social and all the info is also on the Welcome to Royal Holloway app.
Getting involved
This term we’ve set up lots of volunteering activities on campus and online Volunteering has lots to get involved in, including National Volunteers’ Week and the Volunteering Awards. If you’re on campus, you can support two student volunteering initiatives just by taking your lateral flow tests. Find out more here.
We’re also opening our new Volunteering Hub on campus at the start of June, more details to follow next month.
The RH100 panel will be returning for two virtual panel discussions in term three. The RH100 is a large student focus group that ensures that a range of views are considered in relation to developments at the College and on campus. All students who complete the online training and attend panel discussions are eligible for a voucher of either £25, £50, or £75 depending on involvement.
What’s next for your career?
- Careers appointments will continue as normal throughout the term – you can book these using the Careers Portal. Events and workshops (covering job searching, CVs, applications and interviews) will be available on Moodle from the start of May.
- Summer Careers Fair will be on 9 June 2021, offering you the opportunity to talk to recruiters and apply for live vacancies through a virtual event.
Looking for a placement this summer?
Bookings are open now via the Careers Portal for introductory sessions on the Bright Network’s Internship Experience UK taking place in early May and there will be more opportunities throughout the summer term.
What you need to know about being on campus
Wherever you’re living, campus is open. Throughout the pandemic, we have worked hard to create a safe campus for all our students and staff. To keep our campus covid-secure, the Government and the College encourages everyone to take part in twice-weekly lateral flow testing to enable us to play our part in helping to control the spread of Covid-19. Social distancing rules also still apply.
Thanks for testing
Thanks for testing earns rewards for you and your favourite club, society or student volunteering programme.
Halls accommodation
If you’ve been unable to return to your campus accommodation and have had your rent removed so far, we need to know your plans, so please click here to let us know.
Travelling to the UK for the first time
If you’re an international student (not EU/EEA) and planning to arrive in the UK, click here for more information on how to register your UK visa with us.
Checking your study location
If your study location is changing for term three, click here for more information on how to update this on Campus Connect.
Returning to campus
Before Easter, we messaged students who need to complete teaching or assessments in person in term three. The latest Government announcement does not change this information, and the information that’s been sent to you by your course leaders; teaching and assessments will start as planned from Monday (26 April).