Friday, March 29Royal Holloway's offical student publication, est. 1986

Tag: University

News

UCU marking boycott hits Royal Holloway

The University and College Union has undertaken a boycott on the marking of formative work and setting of coursework in a bid to make the Government reassess changes to the pensions of University teaching staff. The strike began on the 6th of November in over 69 British institutions, including Royal Holloway, meaning hundreds of thousands of students will be affected. The industrial action is centred around a dispute regarding the Universities Superannuation Scheme. The scheme is in a predicted £8bn of debt and, hence, wishes to reduce the pensions payable to teaching staff by 11-27%: in real terms this could result in a cut to pensions of £3000 to £12000 annually. The general secretary of the UCU Sally Hunt has been quoted saying that the current proposals were ‘full of holes’, and tha...
Opinion

We can’t stop at LSE

By now I’m sure you’re familiar with the goings on at LSE. The (former) Rugby club distributed sexist and homophobic leaflets to Freshers all across their university, which resulted in many students calling them out, with the internet backing up those who did, and their club being disbanded for the year. This is an unfortunately perfect example of how harmful lad culture can be at university. But it doesn’t stand alone, and shouldn’t be treated as though it does. We’ve got one university to take action against the promotion of this lifestyle; what about the rest? Take Nottingham University, for example. Only now are we beginning to hear about the chant from Nottingham university’s fresher’s week, despite it being over a month ago. The words to this were incredibly misogynistic and rude,...
Sports & Socs

#BearsDay- RHUL Hockey Wolfpack Vs Imperial Medics 5’s

After several months of lone, predatory hunting in the wilderness of Surrey, the Wolfpack finally regrouped to participate in what they do best: Play some mediocre-yet-passable hockey. The summer hadn’t been good on the pack after many of the groups matriarchs had left for pastures new, more specifically actual careers, but many of the new pups quickly came up to the pace of the sport. Unfortunately, the match quickly deteriorated with the two’s struggling to have a serious spell in possession. It was clear that a summer of drinking and inactivity had not had the best effect on the team: by the end of the first half, we were undeservedly 2-0 down, particularly because our goalkeeper had only two hours experience in that position and because of a fumbled and scrappy ball over the line. A...
Sports & Socs

#BearsDay- Disappointment for Women’s 1st Fencing

After narrowly missing promotion to the Premier League last year, the start of the new season saw the Women's 1st Fencing team put our brand new pistes into action. This week's opponents were new to our league; having risen through the ranks of South Eastern 2A, the Kings College London team earned promotion, and it showed. Our first weapon of the match was foil, with ex-Captain and resident foilist, Lyndsay Galpin, new blood, Chloe Hooper, and current Captain Verity Ridgeon, who having switched to Sabre hasn't picked up a foil in 11 years. The KCL girls started strong with a 15-1 lead, but after the third bout we started to warm up. Verity began to pull us back with impeccable footwork and timing, Chloe began finding her feet again after two years out of fencing, and Lyndsay looked lik...
Sports & Socs

#BearsDay- ‘The Bears steam out of the cage’

Royal Holloways’ Men’s 1st Hockey team produced a clean and clinical performance on October 15th, dismantling new boys Chichester 3-0 in a huge first game of the season. Game One: three points. Despite their being no earlier stage found than this one and even though it may not define champions or label relegation battlers, it was a gritty performance that already bore extreme significance. New to the League 4A experience, a lot has been expected of the boys that hold the highest hockey helm at the College. Royal Holloway, since I have been a student certainly, has been acclaimed to higher leagues in the past and the fact that relegation, albeit through default of not recording the end-of-season draw, had become a reality, there remained a lot on the line to ensure that we climb into ...
Relieved to be a Returner
Opinion

Relieved to be a Returner

Are you a returner, suddenly faced with the realisation that you most definitely are no longer a Fresher? Are you filled with horror at the fact that you are quickly growing up, and soon need to become a ‘proper’ adult? Do you find yourself repeatedly telling first years to ‘make the most of it’? Trust me, I know how you feel. As a third year (scary!) I began this term feeling jealous, envious and even hateful towards the new students, who get the excitement of beginning university. “Why can’t that be me?!” I found myself crying (in my head, of course). However, once I calmed down, I realised that life as a third year is pretty great! Here are a few reasons why we should be relieved to be returners. I hope that I have saved money. I have let the first years enjoy the SU (which I k...
News

Royal Holloway places highly in World University Rankings

Royal Holloway has placed at 17th in the UK and now sits at 118th in the world according to the Times Higher Education World University rankings. The College once again had an impressive performance in the ‘international outlook’ category, ranking at number one in the UK, and sixth in the world. The College Principal, Paul Layzell, issued a statement to the university website commenting that ‘The excellent and distinctive position of Royal Holloway in this year's world rankings is a testament to our excellent staff and the diversity and impact of our students.’ However, the results do highlight a dip in performance for the university, in comparison to its 2013-14 performance; the College dropped 5 places from 12th in the UK. In addition to this, the arguably more reputable Sunday Tim...
Check out Royal Holloway’s Cricket Club! OPEN TO ALL
Sports & Socs

Check out Royal Holloway’s Cricket Club! OPEN TO ALL

Whether you’re already a skilled player or haven’t yet picked up a cricket bat, cricket has something for everyone! There are many reasons why you should pursue this brilliant sport. This sport not only improves your overall health and fitness but also develops your rhythm and coordination skills. There is a strong team spirit both in training sessions and on the pitch.. If you have previously played hockey, golf, tennis or another racquet sport you would be well suited to giving cricket a try! Alternatively if you simply thrive off competition and get a thrill from winning then you should pick up this sport now! Cricket is all about socialising with your teammates and enjoying yourself both on and off the pitch. There is nothing more thrilling than a game which is taken to the last ...
Royal Holloway, University of London?
Opinion

Royal Holloway, University of London?

As I’m sure you’ve guessed by now, you aren’t in London. However it’s much faster, easier and more impressive to nod along when family, friends and strangers assume that you are. Either that, or tell them that you live next door to the Queen in Windsor. Even though we aren’t in London, we are only a stone’s throw away. A short walk to Egham train station, hop on a train to Waterloo, and you’ll find yourself in the capital in under 40 minutes. A word of warning; the 20 minute walk to Egham train station may sound like a doddle now, but as you become accustomed to student life that walk seems increasingly too far! Nevertheless, some of you will use this opportunity to explore London, and it’s something that I strongly encourage. If this is your first real exploration of London, I’ve pu...
Sports & Socs

To all that like the fine things in life

Whether you are Italian or not, if you're an enthusiast of Italian culture, welcome to the Italian Society! Not only do we host several culture-related socials like Pizza & Cine Nights, Aperitivos, Karaoke Nights (with Italian songs!) and Italian dinners in local restaurants, we will also be going to Italy to experience the beauty of Italian culture, and ‘live’ in Florence! We also have something for those passionate about sports: once again we will host the Inter-Society Football Cup where you can show off your skills in front of all the language societies. And anyone interested in the language will not miss out either! We offer language classes on several levels, so everybody who wishes to solidify their language skills or wants to start from scratch, will definitely find a ...