Research & policy
At the Students' Union, we regularly conduct research to ensure we understand the student experience so we can help create positive changes on campus. This research comes in a few different forms:
Policy Inquiries
This is an in-depth, research-informed process that generates a high-quality Student Voice Report on a particular topic. Involving students in investigation and deliberation, the end goal is a range of recommendations we can lobby the University to implement.
Insight Reports
Where a policy inquiry can take place over an entire academic year, insight reports are smaller research projects focusing on a more specific topic and generally take place over a term.
Ad Hoc Research
There might also be some standalone surveys, focus groups, and other projects that come up throughout the year.
Why should you take part?
Getting involved in our surveys and focus groups is one way you can make sure your voice is heard at Royal Holloway. We use all the information collected to create recommendations we will lobby for to ensure long-lasting change, positively impacting your university experience. It's also a great way to earn a little bit of extra cash! Often for our surveys, we offer prize draws and incentives, and for focus groups, you'll also get paid for your time!
Check Out Our Research Projects
You can view all of our past research reports, including the findings, the recommendations, and where we've got to so far on implementing the changes:
2024/25 Ad hoc projects:
Women's Only Gym Hours
Olivia Davies, VP Wellbeing & Diversity, proposed Women’s Only Gym Hours to offer female-identifying students a designated time to access the gym and/or fitness sessions to exercise confidentially and comfortably in a space of their own. We launched a survey asking female-identifiying students about their interest and the results showed 99% of respondants would like some type of women's only sports hours. As a result, ALS piloted Women's Only Gym Hours at the Sports Centre, along with a Women's Learn to Lift programme. Due to their success, both initiatives will now become permanent features. View the results of the survey here.
updates on our latest projectS
Thu 20 Mar 2025
The second survey for our Commuter Student Experience Policy Inquiry is now live!
Wed 19 Feb 2025
Last year international students told us about their experiences with forming friendships and the cost-of-living crisis. This year we are asking the hard-hitting questions about barriers to your experiences. Has Royal Holloway become a home away from home? We want to know.
Tue 18 Feb 2025
In Term One, we asked commuter students about their travel patterns and journey time, their academic experience and engagement with the Royal Holloway community while studying. Here is what we have learned.
Thu 30 Jan 2025
As part of our manifesto aims to improve the service and provision of competitive sport and physical activity for all students while studying at Royal Holloway, the Students’ Union has launched a new survey to get your feedback about your experiences!
Fri 22 Nov 2024
From SU President, Sharanya - As part of my ongoing campaign to improve student safety at Royal Holloway, the Students’ Union has launched the Student Safety survey to get your feedback on how safe you feel in Egham and Englefield Green. We also want to learn more about your travel patterns to and from University in the day and night.
Thu 14 Nov 2024
The Students’ Union launched a survey in Term One that asked current female-identifying students about their interest in a trial of women’s only gym hours and/or fitness sessions at Royal Holloway sports facilities.