BEDDING DOWN

Nearly all freshers choose to live in halls, unless they're commuting from home (which is more common than you'd think). Many choose to live in the giant orange castle that is Founders. Great if you're a Harry Potter fan, Founders has recently renovated, catered rooms on single sex floors with shared bathrooms and pantries. Perhaps the most sociable hall, Crosslands bar is just downstairs so you can go for a drink in your pyjamas. Reid and Runnymede are the older and cheaper alternatives to the shiny new Williamson, Tuke and Butler and Wedderburn and Gowar halls. Both are almost identical but Wedderburn and Gowar are slightly further away and as a result there are more rats running around outside. You should know now that if you're coming to RoHo, you will have to grow to love rats and deer...and wildlife in general. The campus is in the middle of a forest and next to Windsor Great Park. The newest halls may be the most expensive but they have double beds, ensuites and really swanky kitchens. Be prepared for noisy 4am flat parties by having the number for security saved on your phone. If you didn't fancy living on campus, or missed out on your first choice accommodation, Kingswood is the place to be. Because it's a decent walk away from campus, Kingswood freshers tend to form their own friendship groups and can be found hanging out in their own bar, 8Bar9. 

THE BIG NIGHTS OUT

Despite what the prospectus might tell you, Royal Holloway is not a great place to come if you're expecting to go clubbing three nights a week. Coaches are arranged into London, but it's often expensive. Most people hit the SU to get their kicks, but predrinking is essential as the queues at the bar waste precious dancing time. On Thursdays there is a bus to and from Liquid Windsor which will almost always end messily. Monkey's Mondays at the Monkey's Forehead is a staple in everyone's week with a live DJ and great deals on drinks. 

WEEKENDS

A huge amount of Royal Holloway students live nearby and it's common for campus to go deathly quiet at the weekend when everyone goes home. For those who are left, Saturday night is the time to go to Medicine. It's usually packed and can get pretty toasty; many a cold has been caught from queuing outside in the winter without a jumper. Sunday is the time for a roast dinner and a quiet night in one of the many local pubs. 

THE PUBS

If there is one thing Egham is great for, it is the traditional English pub. Every student has their own personal favourite, so it's worth trying them all out in first year. Most societies will arrange a pub crawl at some point in first term for this purpose! The two most popular pubs are the Monkey's Forehead and the Happy Man. Both owned by the same people, they do great food and are regularly used by sports teams and societies for socials and committee meetings. The Happy Man has a more intimate, chilled out vibe but Monkey's is bigger and better for partying. Other options include the Foresters Arms with its friendly landlord and pub quizzes, and the Barley Mow which is great if you fancy something quieter (it's quite far from campus).

LATE-NIGHT MUNCHIES

A lot of the best nights at uni are when you order in takeout and have a movie night with friends. Luckily, Egham has a vast array of takeaway options. After sampling three local Chinese restaurants, I can conclude that the best takeout is from Empire House - they don't have a website so look out for the orange menus appearing in halls. For a cheaper alternative to Dominos, call Village Pizza. Their gloriously greasy pizza is a huge guilty pleasure but great for those late night cravings. If you fancy Indian, order from Mango Chutney; their restaurant is also great if you want to go for a celebratory meal with friends. If you want to splash out, Sopranos cooks expensive but authentic Italian food either to eat in or for delivery. 

WHAT TO WEAR

Egham is a pretty chilly place for the majority of the academic year. Bring lots of jumpers, unless you're a Drama student in which case you will end up buying at least three production or society hoodies. You'll also need shoes which will withstand mud for when you decide to take the shortcut up the steep hill from Wedderburn to Founders, or if you drunkenly decide to go on a late night 'adventure' in the forest. You should also be prepared for fun in the snow - last year lessons were cancelled due to weather conditions and were replaced by huge snowball fights and sledging. 

WHAT NOT TO WEAR

Girls, I would generally advise against wearing heels. Campus is pretty hilly and I've had to walk home barefooted on several occasions with sore feet from the SU. If you're desperate to dress up, take flats in your bag for walking there and back. 

TOP TIP

Join sports teams and societies! From Humans vs. Zombies to Fencing, there really is something for everyone, and there are great nights out to be had with like-minded people. Your society is the key to making friends and succeeding at uni; committees arrange everything to be tailored to members' interests and you will meet tons of new people.

FAMOUS ALUMNI

Example, KT Tunstall, David Bellamy, Sophie Christiansen, George Eliot, Lenny Henry (currently taking PhD).