Choosing where to live is a big decision but we've got plenty of options to suit different budgets and preferences
We've listed a few important points that you might want to think about when deciding on the right Hall for you.
Catered or self-catered
Self-catered
Self-catered Halls have shared kitchens where you can make your own meals. Kitchens have two fridge freezers, a kettle, a toaster, a microwave, an oven and a hob. If you're in self-catered accommodation, you can still eat at any dining hall on campus and enjoy a 20% discount if you pay using your Student ID card.
Catered
Our catered Halls are pay-as-you-go, giving you the freedom to choose which meals you'd like to have so, for example, if you don't fancy breakfast one day, you won't have to pay for it. Living in a catered Hall gives you a 50% discount on all food purchased at the dining halls.
Our dining halls cater for all dietary requirements (e.g. vegan and halal).
Sample menus:
All catered Halls have pantries, which can be used to make drinks and snacks and have a microwave, kettle, toaster and larder fridge.
Let length
Undergraduate accommodation is available as 30 or 38 week lets. All contracts start on the same date, but if you choose a room on a 30 week let, you'll need to vacate your room over the Christmas and Easter holidays, and you'll move back into the same room when you return.
If you choose a room on a 38-week let, you can leave your belongings in your room over the Christmas and Easter holidays.
All Postgraduate accommodation is offered on a 50-week let.
En suite or shared bathroom
En suite rooms
We have a number of Halls with en suite facilities, so you’ll have your own toilet, washbasin and shower in your room. En suite is available at:
- Reid
- Runnymede
- Gowar
- Wedderburn
- Williamson
- Tuke
- Butler
- Highfield Court.
Shared bathroom
In these halls you'll share a bathroom with one or more of your fellow students in your flat/house or corridor.
- George Eliot (one bathroom per floor, each floor has two bedrooms)
- Founder's
- Penrose Court
Additional living preferences
You have the option to specify one additional living preference in your accommodation application, if you want to. If you do choose an additional living preference, we'll aim to place you in a flat or house with other students who've made the same preference.
For the 2024/25 academic year, the following additional living preferences are available:
Single gender accommodation
If you'd prefer to live with students of the same gender, you can indicate a preference to live in single gender accommodation.
Single gender accommodation only applies to the other students living in your flat or house. You, and your housemates, are permitted to have students of a different gender stay in the accommodation and in addition, staff or contractors from the University, who are of a different gender, may enter the accommodation if required.
Quieter accommodation
If you'd prefer a quieter living environment, you can indicate a preference to live in a quieter flat or house.
Students living within designated quieter accommodation will maintain a quieter living environment at all times, keeping excess noise to a minimum in their room and communal areas. Any guests are also expected to comply with this guidance. Quieter accommodation only applies to the flat or house that is designated and does not include the surrounding flats or external spaces.
Mature student accommodation
If you're an undergraduate student aged 21 or above at the beginning of your studies, you can indicate a preference to be living with other mature undergraduate students.
Alcohol-free accommodation
If you'd prefer to live in an alcohol-free environment, you can indicate this preference in your application.
Students living in alcohol-free accommodation are expected to not store or consume alcohol in their room or communal areas. Any guests are also expected to comply with this guidance.
Disclaimer: Please note, we cannot guarantee that you will be allocated to a room that meets your additional living preference. Due to building constraints, demand and availability, we may not be able to offer additional living preferences at every Hall.
Medical requirements
Applying for accommodation
During the application process you'll be asked if you have a medical condition which means you need adaptations to your accommodaiton or have other specific requirements. If you answer yes, you'll be asked to register with the Royal Holloway Disability and Neurodiversity team, to assess your accommodation needs. The team will then get in touch with our accommodation team so you can be offered a suitable room.
Adapted and accessible rooms
We have a number of rooms that have been adapted to meet medical needs. All of our adapted rooms are located on the ground floor with step-free access. For specific information, please see our adapted accommodation webpage.
