Royal Holloway University of London

ABOUT UNIVERSITY

Royal Holloway, University of London, formally known as Royal Holloway and Bedford New College (RHBNC), is a public research university and a constituent of the University of London. Located in Egham, Surrey, about 19 miles west of central London, the university serves around 10,500 students from over 100 countries. It comprises six schools and 21 academic departments. The university’s origins trace back to 1879 when Victorian entrepreneur Thomas Holloway founded Royal Holloway College as a women-only institution. Officially opened in 1886 by Queen Victoria, it became part of the University of London in 1900. The college began admitting male postgraduate students in 1945 and male undergraduates in 1965. In 1985, Royal Holloway College merged with Bedford College, another women’s college founded in 1849 by Elizabeth Jesser Reid. Bedford College, originally based in Bloomsbury, had moved to Regent’s Park in 1908 and also joined the University of London in 1900. The merged institution was legally named Royal Holloway and Bedford New College, a title still used officially.The campus is renowned for its Founder's Building, a striking red-brick structure inspired by the Château de Chambord in France. Designed by architect William Henry Crossland and described as an architectural landmark, the building houses a chapel and was opened by Queen Victoria. Over the years, Royal Holloway has explored partnerships with institutions such as Brunel University and St George’s, University of London. Although some collaborative efforts did not materialize, it continues to work with partners in health and social care. In 2022, following the University of London Act 2018, Royal Holloway gained university status in its own right, officially recognized by an Order of Council. Today, the university maintains a strong academic reputation, combining historic legacy with modern research and education.