RH100 is a large focus group made up of 100 student panellists from across Royal Holloway. RH100 helps to ensure that a range of views are considered in relation to developments around campus and provide insights that help us to test ideas, develop our thinking and inform how we shape the College for the future.

We caught up with some of the 2018/19 panellists students to learn more their experience and how their involvement enables them to put their student voice into action...

Niamh Smith, first year English and History student (top second from right)

'I chose to get involved in the RH100 panel, because I thought it was a fantastic opportunity to have my voice heard and make a long-term impact on the College and the way it functions. For me, it's really important that you have that democratic voice as a student.'

Emma Cole, final year Media Arts student (bottom second from right)

'Absolutely throw yourself into it! As a third-year, it's really nice knowing that I'm going to leave a legacy after graduation. Also, you meet lots of new people from different departments, and this means I can learn from other people as well as expressing my own interests and opinions for RH100 in the future.'

Amaan Ramzan, first year History student (top left)

'Students should definitely consider joining the panel, because it's something fresh and it provides a new opportunity for them to create some long-term change at the university that they may not experience themselves, but would be great to see down the line.'

Grace Hitchcock, second year Law student (top right)

'I really enjoyed the opportunity to work with a diverse range of people, it's been absolutely amazing sharing ideas, meeting new people, collaborating on new concepts and gaining the transferable skills of being able to work in that team. It's been a great chance for me.'

Christina Rajendram, fist year Bioscience student (bottom left)

'Before joining the panel, I had no clue how much effort the university puts in behind the scenes to ensure that all changes are great and to make sure that the College is sustainable for the future.'

Kavita Bhanot, first year Modern Languages (French and German) (above left)

‘I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a difference at Royal Holloway by offering opinions that I hope will benefit as many students as possible and better their university experience. I also find the new concepts and ideas introduced in the panel very interesting and innovative.’

Laurent Putz, second year, Physics with Music (above right)

‘Being part of RH100 is a very enjoyable experience. On the one hand, I can make my voice heard as part of the large-scale decisions that will be made at the College. On the other hand, the debates and sharing of opinions with peers helps me to critically evaluate current issues, and to evolve as both a collaborator and leader.

I presented my group’s discussion points to College representatives in the Shilling Building Auditorium at the second panel. It’s probably the most challenging and, at the same time, most rewarding part of the role. It felt daunting at first, as I had to summarise a lively discussion in front of over one hundred people. However, the friendly and professional environment encouraged me to overcome my qualms and to enjoy the powerful moment of having my voice heard!’

Samuel Axelrod, postgraduate taught tudent, Political Philosophy (above left)

‘As a postgraduate student, I joined the RH100 panel to meet a diverse group of people from across the university and become more involved in campus life.

It’s super positive that the panel enables me to have a say and that the College listens to us and takes our feedback on board.’

Tara Gholston, second year Accounting and Finance (above right)

‘I enjoy being a RH100 student panellist because it feels great to experience the panel agendas where I get to express my voice as a mature, international student alongside listening to the multitude of voices from differing backgrounds and degree programmes, all of which I feel, brings insight and awareness.

Through this opportunity, I now understand more of the ‘behind-the-scenes’ work and new ways of looking to improve student experiences and provide additional resources on campus now and in the future.’

Emma Cole, third year Film, Television and Digital Production (above left)

‘RH100 allows me to use my student voice to better the student experience at Royal Holloway. It gives me scope to engage in topics such as ‘Digital Futures’ which has an imperative importance for the future of digital platform organisation, and is a subject I have a keen interest in due to my degree.

The versatility of the panellists in RH100 means that we can leave no stone unturned and it really feels as though we are making a difference and leaving our legacy on both short and long-term projects.’ 

Ashlee McIntosh, second year English Literature and Drama (above right)

‘The RH100 is the perfect opportunity to voice my views in a constructive way. The commitment-level is low beyond the preparation for the panel and time allowed to attend the panels, and there are many benefits in terms of my personal development.’

 

Lucy Simpson, third year Psychology (above)

‘As part of the RH100 Panel, I get to meet students from a variety of backgrounds, it’s really inclusive and I get to hear a range of different ideas.’