As Royal Holloway waits to welcome a new cohort of students for the start of the academic year, I am preparing to join the university from 1 October as its new Principal.

Professor Julie Sanders

I am really looking forward to building on the university’s very firm foundations, not just the significant history of the institution, but also all the excellent work that has been undertaken to create an educational and research community of students and colleagues underpinned by values of inclusion, academic excellence and social justice.

Royal Holloway’s relationship with the wider community is important and I am excited to not only be joining the university community, but also that of Runnymede - I therefore hope to meet many of you soon.

Arrivals weekend for new students takes place from Friday 16 – Sunday 18 September with the new term starting on Monday 19 September.

Our students bring many positives to the local area, from award-winning volunteering initiatives, and creative community events to investment in local businesses and enterprises.

We’re keen that our students settle into their halls and homes safely and considerately and become good neighbours. We are communicating to students the importance of being considerate to the communities they are joining, and our expectations of them both on and off campus. We encourage all students living in the local community to follow our ‘Be a Good Neighbour guidelines’. If you have any complaints about student conduct; Runnymede Borough Council, Environmental Health, Surrey Police and Royal Holloway are committed to working closely in partnership to respond to all community concerns.

My colleagues and I would like to thank you for your continued support of the university as I look forward to joining Royal Holloway and welcoming students to Runnymede.