St Marys University Twickenham

St Mary’s University Twickenham is committed to providing comprehensive student support services that help students succeed academically, professionally, and personally. Through its dedicated Student Services Department, the university offers a wide range of support designed to enhance student wellbeing, academic achievement, and future career prospects.

The Student Services Department serves as a central hub for advice, guidance, and pastoral care. Students can access specialist support through the Accommodation Service, Student Funding Service, and Wellbeing Service. These services provide practical assistance with housing, financial matters, and personal wellbeing. The Wellbeing Service offers support for disability, dyslexia, mental health concerns, and counselling, ensuring students receive the help they need throughout their university journey. In addition, students benefit from general advice and signposting to relevant resources, creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

International students receive dedicated assistance through the university’s International Office. From the moment an offer is accepted, students can access pre-arrival guidance, visa support, and practical advice to help them prepare for life in the UK. Throughout their studies, the International Office continues to provide educational and personal support, helping students adapt confidently to university life and make the most of their experience in London.

St Mary’s also demonstrates its commitment to student success through a range of scholarships and bursaries available to international students. These financial support opportunities recognise academic potential and help make higher education more accessible for talented students from around the world.

Career development and employability are major strengths of the university’s support network. The Employability Services team works closely with students and graduates to develop professional skills, build confidence, and improve career readiness. Career consultants provide free, confidential, and impartial guidance on career planning, graduate opportunities, internships, part-time employment, and entrepreneurship.

A standout feature of St Mary’s employability support is the Centre for Workplace Learning (CWL). Through accredited work placement modules, students gain valuable practical experience while studying. Available to the majority of students during their second or third year, these placements help bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world workplace practice. The university’s placement team and employer engagement specialists work closely with students and industry partners to create meaningful placement opportunities and successful outcomes.

To further support academic achievement, St Mary’s offers pre-sessional and in-sessional English language courses. These programmes help international students strengthen their language proficiency, improve academic communication skills, and prepare confidently for university-level study. Together, these services create a supportive, career-focused, and student-centred environment that enables students to thrive both during their studies and beyond graduation.

St Mary’s University Twickenham has established a strong reputation within UK higher education through its consistent performance in national rankings, outstanding teaching quality, and high levels of student satisfaction. The university is particularly recognised for creating a supportive learning environment that helps students achieve academic and professional success.

In the Complete University Guide 2026, St Mary’s University was ranked 69th overall in the UK, demonstrating its position among the country’s respected higher education institutions. The university also achieved a ranking of 79th nationally in the Complete University Guide 2027 and was placed 12th in the UK for student satisfaction, highlighting the positive experiences of its student community. Additionally, the university is ranked 68th in the Times University Guide 2026 and 93rd in the Guardian University Guide 2026, reflecting its continued presence across major UK league tables.

One of the university’s greatest strengths is its exceptional teaching quality. St Mary’s is recognised among the Top 5 universities in the UK for teaching quality and is ranked within the Top 10 nationally for student experience. Further reinforcing this achievement, the university received a Gold rating for Student Experience in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), one of the most respected measures of teaching excellence in UK higher education.

Student satisfaction is another area where St Mary’s consistently excels. In the 2025 National Student Survey (NSS), the university ranked among the top five universities in London across several important categories, including teaching quality, academic support, and mental wellbeing communications. It was also recognised as the number one university in London for academic support, demonstrating its commitment to helping students succeed throughout their studies.

Subject-specific rankings further strengthen the university’s reputation. Law is ranked 50th nationally, Communication and Media Studies 59th, and Psychology 76th, reflecting strong academic performance across a range of disciplines. St Mary’s is also widely recognised for its excellence in sports science, with its programmes consistently ranked among the best in the country.

Internationally, the university appears in the 1001–1500 band of the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025 and is ranked 182nd in the Europe University Rankings – Northern Europe. Combined with an Ofsted Outstanding rating maintained for more than a decade and an impressive 98% graduate employment or further study rate within 15 months of graduation (HESA 2023), these achievements demonstrate St Mary’s University Twickenham’s commitment to academic quality, student success, and career-focused education.

Student life at St Mary’s University Twickenham is built around community, support, opportunity, and personal growth. Located in the heart of South West London, the university offers a welcoming and inclusive environment where students are known by name, supported throughout their studies, and encouraged to make the most of every aspect of university life.

One of the defining features of St Mary’s is its close-knit community. Students benefit from one-to-one guidance from academics, mentors, and wellbeing professionals, creating a supportive atmosphere that helps them thrive academically and personally. The university’s beautiful campus, situated within the grounds of the historic Strawberry Hill House and close to the River Thames, combines extensive green spaces with striking neo-Gothic and modern architecture. This creates a peaceful setting where students can focus on their studies while building lasting friendships.

The St Mary’s Students’ Union (SMSU) plays a central role in campus life. It organises major events, entertainment, and activities throughout the year, ensuring there is always something to get involved in. Students can choose from more than 50 clubs and societies covering sports, academic interests, culture, creativity, and social activities. Popular events such as Freshers’ Week and the Summer Ball help students connect with others and create memorable university experiences.

Sport is a major part of life at St Mary’s. As one of London’s leading sports institutions, the university offers state-of-the-art sports facilities built to world-class standards. These facilities support both recreational participation and high-performance training, contributing to a vibrant sporting culture across campus.

Students also enjoy excellent on-campus amenities. The Refectory, located at the centre of campus, operates seven days a week and serves a variety of freshly prepared meals, snacks, drinks, and grocery essentials. Students living in catered accommodation benefit from a Residential Meal Plan, providing convenient and cost-effective dining options throughout the week.

Beyond campus, students benefit from the university’s location in Richmond-upon-Thames, one of London’s safest boroughs. The surrounding areas of Twickenham, Teddington, Kingston, and Richmond offer a rich mix of culture, shopping, restaurants, entertainment, green spaces, and historic attractions. Students can enjoy everything from riverside walks and independent cafés to vibrant nightlife and major sporting events.

The university also provides excellent transport connections. Regular bus services stop directly outside the campus, while Strawberry Hill railway station is only a short walk away, offering easy access to central London and neighbouring areas. This allows students to take full advantage of London’s world-renowned cultural attractions, academic resources, business networks, and career opportunities while enjoying the comfort and community of a suburban campus.

With its supportive environment, active student community, outstanding facilities, and exceptional London location, St Mary’s University Twickenham offers a rewarding and enriching student experience that extends far beyond the classroom.

St Mary’s University Twickenham offers comfortable, affordable, and convenient accommodation designed to help students make the most of their university experience. Located on or close to the main campus, the university’s residences provide a supportive environment where students can live, learn, and thrive while becoming part of a welcoming and vibrant community. One of the biggest advantages of living on campus is convenience. Students are only minutes away from lecture halls, the library, study spaces, sports facilities, and other essential campus services. Without the need for a daily commute, students have more time to focus on their studies, participate in university activities, and enjoy campus life.

St Mary’s accommodation is designed to foster a strong sense of community. Living alongside fellow students creates opportunities to build friendships, engage in social events, and become part of an active student network. The university’s residential environment encourages students to feel connected, supported, and fully involved in campus life from the moment they arrive.

Safety and wellbeing are also key priorities. Students benefit from 24/7 security and on-site support services, providing reassurance and assistance whenever needed. This secure and supportive atmosphere helps students settle into university life with confidence.

The university offers a wide variety of accommodation types to suit different needs and preferences. Available options include ensuite rooms, adapted ensuite rooms, standard single rooms, small single rooms, large single rooms, twin rooms, and studio accommodation. Students can choose from residences such as Cashin, Cronin, Clive S, Clive T, Clive U, De Marillac North, De Marillac South, Doyle, Graham, Wiseman, Old House, Waldegrave Houses, Waldegrave Studios, and Waldegrave 15. This diverse range of housing options allows students to find accommodation that best matches their lifestyle and budget requirements.

Dining is made simple through the university’s catered accommodation options. Students with Residential Meal Plans can enjoy meals throughout the week, while the Refectory, located on campus and open seven days a week, provides a wide selection of freshly prepared meals, snacks, drinks, and essential grocery items. This convenient arrangement removes the stress of daily meal preparation and helps students focus on their studies.

Affordability is another major advantage. Accommodation prices start from £6,250 per academic year, making St Mary’s one of the more cost-effective options for student housing in London. Rent is all-inclusive, covering utilities, WiFi, basic contents insurance, and support services, helping students manage their budgets more effectively without worrying about additional household expenses.

For international undergraduate students, the university guarantees accommodation if applications are submitted before the accommodation deadline. Postgraduate students can choose from university residences, shared student housing, or private accommodation in Twickenham and surrounding areas. The Student Accommodation Office provides dedicated support and guidance to help students find suitable housing and resolve any accommodation-related concerns, ensuring a smooth and positive living experience throughout their studies.