Support at the Advice Centre

If you're missing all the amazing free stuff you bagged at Freshers' Fair, here's a list of freebies you can get at the Advice Centre (all year round!)

advice

If there's one thing students can't get enough of, it's free stuff. And hey, we get it - who doesn't love a cheeky freebie?

So, if you're missing all the amazing free stuff you bagged at Freshers' Fair, here's a list of freebies you can get at the Advice Centre (all year round!)

Tampons & sanitary pads

Red alert! No fret - if you've ever been caught short by getting your period unexpectedly and don't have a tampon/pad handy, fear no more! You can find organic cotton tampons or winged pads at the Advice Centre! Access to free period products isn't just about the cost of living, it's also about period dignity - to break the taboo around periods and make sure that everyone has easy access to period products.

Condoms

Don’t be a fool, wrap your tool!

You can collect free condoms at the Advice Centre. There are many types of contraception methods to help protect against pregnancy and STIs. The method of contraception you choose is entirely up to you and you should take the time to find out more about each method to see what works best for you! Barrier contraceptives are the only way to protect you from STIs such as latex or polyurethane internal/external condoms and dental dams.

Pregnancy Tests

Feeling a little late? Come grab a free pregnancy test. We can provide you with a pregnancy test and support you while you confirm whether you're pregnant or not. Our free, confidential services can provide you with the space you need to talk about your circumstances - just head over to the Advice Centre and ask to speak to one of our advisors!

STI Testing Kit

Don't guess - get a test.

An STI is an infection that can be passed from one person to another, usually through sexual contact such as unprotected vaginal, anal, oral sex, or even by sharing sex toys. It's important to get tested regularly to protect your sexual health and others. You can pick up an STI testing kits (chlamydia and gonorrhoea) at the Advice Centre or the SU Shop.

If you need an HIV and syphilis test kit, you can order one online.

Drink Spike Test

If you are worried that you have been a victim of spiking, come speak to an Advisor at the Advice Centre and get a free testing kit. The kits are effective for up to 48 hours-post incident, so we advise you to see us as soon as possible.  The results from these kits will be used in a non-prejudicial way and should help to inform you of the next steps you need to take e.g. reporting a crime to the Police or the specific type of medical care required.

Please note that the Advice Centre is only open Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm and we are unable to provide spiking tests over the weekend or bank holidays.

We know it can be scary to report being spiked, but the police are here to help you. They will listen to you and take you seriously. They may ask for a sample of your blood or urine to test, to find out if drugs have been used. It is important you are tested as soon as possible if you think your drink was spiked as most drugs leave your body within 12 –72 hours.

Further Support

Our Advice Centre is a free, independent, and confidential service for all students here at Royal Holloway. Our friendly, experienced, and professional staff will provide a listening ear and offer general and specialist advice. We’re here to support you with a whole range of issues, big and small, and if we’re not the best people to help you with a particular issue, we’ll point you in the right direction.

Our advisors hold drop-ins online on Zoom and in-person every Tuesday from 13:30-15:30 and every fortnight on Zoom on Wednesdays from 17:30 – 19:30. You can find more information on our events calendar.