We're really excited to be taking part in the Big Read this year. This project aims to bring our community together through a shared reading experience. Before you start your studies with us in September, you'll receive a free copy of Hannah Fry's Hello World: How to be Human in the Age of the Machine. Getting involved is a great way to meet other new students. It'll also provide you with opportunities to connect with your department and other university services as you settle in at Royal Holloway.
Watch the video below to find out more from Hannah.
Data, algorithms and AI. We're hearing these terms more and more in everyday life, but how do they really interact with humans and what we do? This book explores the new era we've entered along with the power and limitations of algorithms.
From law and medicine to social media, you'll find the topics covered within the book are far-reaching as Hannah Fry covers the newest debates in data. Whatever your interests are and whatever you're coming to study at Royal Holloway, we hope there'll be something of interest to you within this book.
It’s totally normal to feel nervous about what's to come in the next few months, but this shared reading experience is one way for you to be involved in a shared community conversation that allows you to meet new people through sharing ideas and discussing interesting topics. We hope the book and Big Read events will prove a helpful tool while you settle in at the start of your university journey.
When will I receive my copy of 'Hello World: How to be Human in the Age of the Machine'?
Once your place with us in confirmed, if you have a UK or EU address, we’ll post out your copy at the start of September. If you are living outside the UK or EU, you'll be able to collect your copy when you arrive on campus and complete your enrolment.
Do I have to read this before I start?
It's not compulsory to take part, but we hope that you'll be able to find some time before you start your academic studies to read it. There'll be a series of talks throughout Term 1 exploring the book's themes and topics relevant to our community in more detail.
How can I get involved?
During Welcome Week and the first term, you'll see and hear lots about Hello World: How to be Human in the Age of the Machine. We'll have a series of talks centred around the book - more news to follow once you arrive! The highlight will be a visit and talk from Hannah Fry.
Will other Royal Holloway students be reading the book too?
Yes, staff from around the university will also be reading it as well as your fellow students. The topics covered in the book are ones we see and are hearing more about in everyday society, so why not use it as a conversation starter and to get to know new people?
You'll find out more about Welcome Week activities covering the book in the coming months.
More information
This is the second year Royal Holloway is taking part in the Big Read, along with Kingston University and St George's, University of London.