Royal Holloway, University of London, is a world-renowned institution that has been providing education since its founding in 1886. It is one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across a variety of subjects. But with so many universities to choose from in the UK, you might ask ‘is Royal Holloway a good university?’.

Overview of the Royal Holloway University

royal holloway university
Source: Royal Holloway University
Royal Holloway, University of London, is located in Egham, Surrey, just 19 miles southwest of London. The university was founded in 1886 by Thomas Holloway, a Victorian philanthropist, as a women’s college. It was one of the first colleges in the UK to offer higher education to women, and it quickly gained a reputation for academic excellence. In 1900, Royal Holloway merged with Bedford College, another women’s college, and became one of the largest women’s colleges in the UK. In 1945, the college began admitting male students, and in 1965, it became a full constituent college of the University of London. Today, Royal Holloway is a leading research-intensive university, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in subjects such as arts and humanities, social sciences, science, and engineering. The university has a diverse student population, with over 10,000 students from more than 130 countries.

What is the campus like?

Royal Holloway University
Source: Royal Holloway University
The campus is set in 135 acres of parkland, and it includes historic Victorian buildings, modern teaching and research facilities, and a range of on-campus amenities, including accommodation, dining options, and sports facilities. The university is also conveniently located close to London, providing easy access to the city’s cultural and professional opportunities.

Royal Holloway university ranking

Is Royal Holloway University a good university?
Source: Royal Holloway University
Royal Holloway consistently ranks highly in both national and international rankings. In the 2023 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, it was ranked joint 41st in the UK. The university was also ranked 33rd in the UK in the 2023 Guardian University Guide and 33rd in the Complete University Guide 2023. In the The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023, the Royal Holloway university came in the top 30, at 29th! In terms of subject rankings, Royal Holloway performs exceptionally well in many areas. In the 2021 Complete University Guide, it was ranked first in the UK for music, and in the top 10 for many other subjects, including history, drama, and media and communications. Read more stats about how the Royal Holloway ranks on their page.

Does Royal Holloway have a good reputation?

Royal Holloway University
Source: Royal Holloway University
Yes, Royal Holloway is a widely-regarded university (see rankings above).
“Royal Holloway is privileged to be home to some of the world’s leading authorities in science, the arts, management, economics and law”. Principal Paul Layzell

Is it part of the Russell Group?

oxford university
Source :Oxford University
No it’s not, however it’s on the list of the best non-Russell Group universities!

So, is Royal Holloway a good university?

Royal Holloway University
Source: Royal Holloway University
Ultimately this will depend on what you look for in a university. However, Royal Holloway consistently ranks well and is highly-regarded in the academic community. Moreover, it’s location is conveniently close to London, but away from the chaos, making it an ideal choice for many students. If you’re still considering which are the best universities, why not check out whether Oxford Brookes is a good uni?
Connor Steele
Connor Steele – University of Sussex
Topic expertise: University Rankings, Campus Life, Facilities, Student Experience

FAQs on Royal Holloway, University of London

Yes, Royal Holloway is consistently ranked among the UK’s top 30–40 universities. It’s known for strong teaching, research, a beautiful campus, and a friendly student community.

The university excels in music (ranked #1 in the UK), history, drama, media, and communications, as well as strong arts and social sciences programs.

Located in Egham, Surrey, the campus features historic Victorian architecture, 135 acres of parkland, modern facilities, on-campus accommodation, and easy access to London for culture and work opportunities.

No, Royal Holloway is not a Russell Group university, but it is recognised as one of the UK’s top non-Russell Group options, particularly for research and student satisfaction.

Royal Holloway has over 10,000 students from 130+ countries, fostering a welcoming and international campus atmosphere.

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  • Aminah is a dedicated content expert and writer at Unifresher, bringing a unique blend of creativity and precision to her work. Her passion for crafting engaging content is complemented by a love for travelling, cooking, and exploring languages. With years spent living in cultural hubs like Barcelona, Sicily, and Rome, Aminah has gained a wealth of experiences that enrich her perspective. Now based back in her hometown of Manchester, she continues to immerse herself in the city's vibrant atmosphere. An enthusiastic Manchester United supporter, Aminah also enjoys delving into psychology and true crime in her spare time.

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  • Connor is a seasoned content expert at Unifresher, specialising in publishing engaging and insightful student-focused content. With over four years of experience in data analysis and content strategy, Connor has a proven track record of supporting publishing teams with high-quality resources. A graduate of the University of Sussex with a BSc in Accounting and Finance, he combines his academic background with his passion for creating content that resonates with students across the UK. Outside of work, Connor enjoys staying active at his local gym and walking his miniature dachshunds.

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