As the university prepares for the start of a new term and a new academic year, we are excited to be welcoming a new cohort of students to our university. They will join the majority of our current students who will be returning to study on campus following the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced much of our teaching online only during the last academic year.

Arrivals for the start of the new term will begin from Wednesday 15 September with the new term starting on Monday 20 September.

Learning will be a mix of face-to-face, on campus, teaching and learning support, with some digital elements. This builds on the positive feedback around taking part in digital learning from students over the last year.

With all legal restrictions removed, the university, the Student’s Union and clubs and societies will offer a full programme of face-to-face events and experiences. Facilities such as the Library, gym, cafes and bars will be open and we will continue to provide a full range of student support services. Some online events and activities were very popular last year and so we have built an online programme too.

We will of course follow any updated guidance issued and adapt if circumstances require it.

We have worked hard to create a Covid-secure campus and we will maintain this by continuing to implement measures which, over the last 18 months, proved to be successful in reducing the risks associated with the pandemic. 

These include strongly encouraging the wearing of face coverings when moving around inside buildings on campus and creating an expectation for all staff and students take a lateral flow test before travelling to campus for the first time, on arrival, and twice a week after that. We are also encouraging everyone who is eligible to get fully vaccinated against Covid-19, and we are providing the opportunity for both UK and international students to get vaccinated on campus. You can read more about the steps we are taking here.

We’re keen that our students settle in to their halls and homes safely and considerately, and become good neighbours. We are communicating to students the importance of being considerate neighbours, and our expectations of them both on and off campus. We encourage all students living in the local community to follow our ‘Be a Good Neighbour guidelines’. If you have any complaints about student conduct; Runnymede Borough Council, Environmental Health, Surrey Police and Royal Holloway are committed to working closely in partnership to respond to all community concerns.

I would like to thank you for your continued support of the university as we look forward to welcoming students to Runnymede.