Student safety is a massive priority for us here at the Union, so I've put together a list of teams and services you can use to support throughout your time here at Royal Holloway.
Sharanya Sivarajah
President
Student safety is a massive priority for us here at the Union, so I've put together a list of teams and services you can use to support throughout your time here at Royal Holloway.
This year, I’m running a campaign to champion student safety and make our campus truly the home away from home that students deserve. To keep up to date with my campaign, check out the NeverOk campaign which I’ll be leading this year. I’ll also be launching a student safety survey (tied around my manifesto aim of advocating for safe routes for students) in December so keep your eyes peeled on the SU website and my Instagram for updates!
Staying Safe on Campus
Campus Security Office
Campus Security operates and is contactable, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your protection. If there is an emergency on campus please call the dedicated security line on 01784 443063.
You can also email the team or drop into the Security Office on the ground floor of Founder's East, next to the Visitor's Centre.
Health and Counselling Services
The University’s Student Life teams are here to support you with your health, wellbeing and experience and to help you have positive academic, personal and social experiences as a Royal Holloway student.
University wellbeing teams are not an emergency service and are also not available 24/7. If you require urgent or crisis support please view details of where and how to access crisis and emergency help.
Community Wellbeing
Community Wellbeing Co-ordinator: community@royalholloway.ac.uk or visit Founder's East, room 114
Counselling & Mental Health
Counsellors: counselling@royalholloway.ac.uk or visit Founder's East, room 140
Mental Health Practitioners: mentalhealth@royalholloway.ac.uk or complete our online referral form.
Disability & Neurodiversity
Disability Advisers: disability@royalholloway.ac.uk or visit Founder's East, room 152 / 154.
Hall Life
Hall Life team: hall.life@royalholloway.ac.uk or visit their evening drop-in sessions.
International & Money Advice
International Advisers: internationaladvice@royalholloway.ac.uk or visit Founder's East, room 132.
Money & Funding Advisers: moneymatters@royalholloway.ac.uk or visit Founder's East 135
Multifaith Chaplaincy
Chaplains: chaplaincy@royalholloway.ac.uk or visit Founder's East, room 156, the Chapel or Muslim Prayer room.
Wellbeing Support
Wellbeing Advisers or Harassment & Wellbeing Advisers: wellbeing@royalholloway.ac.uk or visit Founder's East, rooms 129, 130, 133 or 114.
Report Issues
RH Be Heard is a way for you to report issues in one place, through one simple online form. Universities can be complex communities, and it’s sometimes difficult to know who to contact when you need something resolved. Whether you have a concern, need to resolve a complaint, or report misconduct that you experience or witness, RH Be Heard makes sure that we can help. Reporting through RH Be Heard means that your question or complaint will be directed to the right team for, the first time.
University wellbeing teams are not an emergency service and are also not available 24/7. If you require urgent or crisis support please view details of where and how to access crisis and emergency help.
The Students’ Union - Advice Centre
Based on the first floor of the Students’ Union, the Advice Centre is a free and independent service for all students at Royal Holloway. We’re here to support you with a whole range of issues, big and small, and free from judgment.
While our advisors specialise in academic and housing advice, we can offer guidance on just about everything that may affect you during your university journey. If we’re not the best people to help you with a particular issue, we’ll point you in the right direction.
The Advice Centre hold drop-ins in person and on Zoom during term time on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons 13:30 -15:30.
Check out our events calendar for more details, just filter by "Advice" on the left-hand side of the calendar.
Call the Union Helpdesk on 01784 276700 for general enquiries about the Advice Centre.
Email us at advice@su.rhul.ac.uk.
Personal Safety Tips:
Awareness and Preparedness
It’s really importance to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Make sure you use well-lit and populated routes when walking home when it's dark. Try to avoid distractions like headphones and texting while walking – as this can make you less aware of what is happening around you!
Utilize "Find My Friends" or Location-Sharing Apps such as WYA or Life 360
One of the simplest and most effective ways to enhance your safety on campus is by using location-sharing apps like Find My Friends (available on iOS) or similar apps for Android. These apps allow trusted friends or family members to know your location in real time, which can be incredibly useful in case of emergencies or when you're heading somewhere unfamiliar.
How to Use "Find My Friends" for Safety:
Share with trusted contacts: Only share your location with people you trust, such as close friends, family members, or roommates. It’s a good idea to keep your network small and reliable, ensuring that the people with access to your location can act quickly if something seems wrong.
Check-in before and after outings: Before heading out to a party, late-night study session, or unfamiliar area, let your trusted circle know where you're going. When you arrive back safely, a quick check-in or notification can give everyone peace of mind.
Set up temporary location sharing: If you're attending an event or meeting up with someone you don’t know well, consider sharing your location for a few hours or until you feel safe. This way, friends can monitor your whereabouts for a limited time.
Buddy System
If you’re walking late at night, in the dark, or perhaps on an unpopulated route, please consider walking with friends. Make use of night buses where you can, or perhaps carpool / split an Uber to stay safe.
Social Media and Online Safety
When you’re online, please avoid oversharing any personal information or your location. This could put you at risk as your information will be open to anybody.
Be vigilant and aware of emails or messages that seem suspicious. Fraudsters specifically target students so make sure you don’t get caught out. These can be from emails or calls about accommodation, fee payments and more. To help keep you safe, please visit the university’s fraud and scams page for more information.
Safety in social situations:
Attending Parties and Social Events
At university, you’re likely to mingle and attend parties or social events. It’s important that you stay with trusted friends and look out for one another. Don’t accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended. If you’re at any of the Students’ Union Venues (The Packhorse, Medicine, SU Venue), you can ask for stoppers and drink covers at the bar to ensure your safety.
Make sure you have a plan for how to get home safely. Walk in groups and down well-lit routes to ensure your safety.
Navigating Relationships
It’s important to understand and set personal boundaries within platonic and romantic relationships. We have numerous resources like counselling and support for students dealing with harassment and/or sexual misconduct.
This academic year we are asking all incoming and returning students to complete the Consent Matters Online interactive course. You can find the course and further resources here: Consent - Royal Holloway Student Intranet.
Wrapping things Up:
Campus safety is about taking proactive steps to ensure your well-being in various situations. By staying aware of your surroundings, using available resources, and trusting your instincts, you can minimize risks and focus on enjoying all the exciting opportunities university life has to offer.
I hope this was helpful! If you need any further support, guidance or have a concern about your safety please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself (President@su.rhul.ac.uk) or any of the teams outlined above.