Thanks to the generous support of our alumni community, we are levelling the playing field for would-be students from all backgrounds.

The spirit of inclusion with which both Royal Holloway and Bedford College were founded continues to thrive. We are committed to ensuring there is equality of opportunity for under-represented groups to access a world-class university education at Royal Holloway. We do this in a variety of ways through our Widening Access strategy, at the forefront of which is the Get Started awards.

These awards provide a one-off payment of £1,250 for an eligible student’s first year or Integrated Foundation Year. Our goal is to be able to support 20 students each year by 2025. To ensure the awards go to the most deserving students, applicants must attend a Widening Access priority target school as well as meeting at least one further Widening Access criterion. The funds enable students to purchase essential equipment to improve their initial experience at university, and relieve financial worries which might have made them reconsider pursuing higher education.

“The Get Started award has allowed me to put my mind at ease and focus on my course,” said recipient Abdirahman.

Another awardee, Rabina (pictured below), agreed. “Without the support, I would have the stress of finance in the back of my mind, hindering the beginning of my university experience” she says. “Fortunately, it has made the most significant difference.”

“Get Started continues to be an in-demand award for incoming students at Royal Holloway from underrepresented groups,” says Jonathan Plummer, the university’s Widening Access Manager.

“It is also evidence that our outreach programme of activities is reaching the right students and that a real connection with Royal Holloway is being established.” The Get Started awards would not be possible without the generosity of individual donors from our alumni community and the collective philanthropy of those alumni who support the Greatest Needs fund.

"My experience at Royal Holloway, and the benefit of fantastic teachers, gave me the confidence to pursue a career in finance and I have been fortunate to travel all over the world and meet people from all walks of life,” says Get Started donor Nick Perryman (BSc Psychology, 1997) (pictured below), who is Vice Chair of College Council and serves on the Finance Committee.

“Going to university is a life-enriching experience and I am delighted to support the Get Started awards so that those less advantaged may have the same opportunities I’ve had to pursue their ambitions and fulfil their personal and professional potential.”

For more information or if you would like to support the awards, please contact development@royalholloway.ac.uk or make a donation at royalholloway.ac.uk/donate-now