As the warmer weather arrives, we know that many of you will be making the most of the outdoor spaces available on campus. We’ve put together a quick guide to the best outdoor spaces on campus with some that you might not have considered.
Over the past couple of months, we've all felt the effects of the gloomy winter weather, add to that a third national lockdown, and it's safe to say that it has been a difficult start to the year.
However, as the second stage of the government’s Roadmap out of Lockdown allows us to once again meet up with our friends outside (following the Rule of Six) and as the warmer weather arrives with spring, we know that many of you will be making the most of the outdoor spaces available on campus. Therefore, we’ve put together a quick guide to the best outdoor spaces on campus with some that you might not have considered.
The Community Garden
As part of a Royal Holloway Volunteering initiative, a group of students and volunteers created a community garden on campus. Why not take a wander down to it and check out what they have been planting and growing? Or enjoy a few moments of quiet in and amongst the trees.
Getting up and outside is so important for our mental and physical wellbeing, but after months indoors, when everyone is trying to take advantage of the outside spaces they can get busy very quickly. If an area looks busy and social distancing doesn’t seem possible, pop to one of the other places on this list and you never know, you might just find a new favourite spot on campus.
Visit the Community Garden Instagram to check out the latest pictures and send them a DM if you'd like to get involved.
Photo: @rhulcommunitygarden Instagram
Where to find it
The Community Garden is located on Egham Hill, between The Packhorse and the Department of Drama, Theatre and Dance.
Union Plaza
As of Monday 12 April, Tommy’s Kitchen reopened as a student study space, also serving food and non-alcoholic drinks. However, we can all appreciate that sometimes the weather is just too nice to be sat indoors. So, if you’re in the mood for one of the best burgers on campus but also want to sit outdoors, you can grab a table on the Union Plaza (outside the Students' Union Building) and order food from Tommy’s Kitchen, via our app.
As well as a space to work and eat, the Union Plaza is also a great social spot. There are plenty of benches for you to sit at and meet with friends (in groups of six) and the canopies provided shaded areas or protection from a bit of drizzle - this is a British summer after all!
Photo: panoramea.co.uk/rhsu
The Meadow
As the days get longer, we can start spending more time outside, enjoying the spaces around us. One area on campus you might have walked past but never thought to stop is The Meadow. Located just beyond Jane Holloway Hall, The Meadow is another area where you and your friends can sit and chat while enjoying a green space. Or perhaps as it is often a little quieter than Founder's Field, it would be a nice spot to read a book or take your revision outdoors.
As another way of enjoying the green spaces on campus, The University has put together a few route maps of walks you can do around campus. The 'Bee Walk' will take you along The Meadow where a few members of staff look after a beehive.
Photo: @royalholloway Twitter
Photo: Royal Holloway Student Intranet
Medicine Beer Garden
At last, Medicine is opening its doors once again! As of Monday 26 April, the beer garden will be open every weekday from 18:00-00:00 - just in time for you to enjoy a few drinks outside with your mates during Summer Term. Entry is completely FREE but you'll need to book online beforehand to guarantee a table. The 'Rule of Six' still applies, meaning you can book a table for up to six people (they can be from multiple households) and social distancing measures will also be in place, to ensure the safety of our community. So if you are looking for an alternative place to meet friends and have a couple of drinks, get booking your table at Medicine, where there will also be able a range of drinks deals available:
VKs - £1
Selected cocktails - 2 for £8
Jungbombs - 4 for £10
Cork's Apple: 4 for £6
Case of VK (24 bottles) - £20
Book a table
Founder's Quads / Square / Field
With exams and assessments on the horizon, we can sometimes fall into the trap of sitting at our desks all day, especially since all learning has gone online. But it’s vital for both our mental and physical health that we do a little exercise each day. So why not stretch your legs with a walk around Founder’s Field? Or, if you need five minutes of fresh air, take a quick break in either of the Quads or in Founder’s Square. Both spaces have benches available where you can sit and pause for a few minutes.
Photo: Royal Holloway Student Intranet