University of Roehampton

Roehampton University is in south-west London, within a beautiful 65-acre parkland campus. Though it became an independent university in 2004, Roehampton’s history dates back to the 19th century when it was founded as four separate teacher-training colleges. Today, the university is home to 8,000 students from over 110 countries, providing a vibrant and diverse academic community.

Roehampton is known for offering a supportive learning environment, with students joining one of its four historic colleges: Digby Stuart, Froebel, Southlands, or Whitelands. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and its strengths include Teacher Training, Dance, Drama, Biological Anthropology, and English Literature. Recently, Roehampton has expanded its academic offerings to include online courses in business and health-related subjects in collaboration with the Glion Institute of Higher Education for hospitality programmes.

The university’s teaching is research-led, strongly emphasising employability, critical thinking, and creative skills. Its London location offers excellent access to many professional and cultural opportunities, allowing students to gain practical experience and engage in industry-based learning.

Roehampton University provides a range of services to help international students settle into life in the UK. Some of the essential services include:

• Meet and Greet Service: Student ambassadors offer a warm welcome at London Heathrow Airport during key arrival times, assisting new international students with their journey to the university campus.
• Orientation Week: Roehampton’s Orientation Week introduces new students to university life and helps them navigate their academic and social environment.
• Personal Tutor: Each student is assigned a personal tutor to support them throughout their time at university, offering guidance on both academic and personal matters.
• English Language Support: Roehampton offers English language courses and workshops throughout the year, ensuring international students are well-prepared to succeed.

Roehampton University is consistently recognised for its high-quality research and teaching. In the Times University Guide 2024, Roehampton is ranked 99th, while in the Guardian University Guide 2024, it is ranked 111th. The Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) showed that 77% of Roehampton’s research was rated as “world-leading” or “internationally excellent,” a significant improvement over the previous review. This places Roehampton among the top modern universities in the UK for research quality, particularly in fields such as Education, Humanities, and Health Sciences.

Roehampton’s unique college system and focus on community-driven education have also earned it recognition as a student-centred institution, contributing to its high student satisfaction rates.

Student life at Roehampton University is enriched by its strong sense of community, fostered through its four colleges. Each college has its own traditions and events, contributing to a vibrant campus culture. The university’s Student Union (RSU) actively organises various activities, clubs, and societies, from sports teams to cultural and academic societies.

Located in south-west London, Roehampton offers the benefits of a green and peaceful campus while still being just a 30-minute train ride away from the hustle and bustle of Central London. Students can easily access the city’s world-class theatres, museums, galleries, and shops while also enjoying the tranquillity of nearby Richmond Park and Wimbledon Common.

Roehampton supports student well-being through various services, including mental health support, counselling, and academic skills workshops. With its blend of academic excellence and student-centred support, Roehampton offers an ideal balance between study and personal development.

Roehampton University offers on-campus accommodation to all first-year international students. The university provides around 1,500 rooms, spread across its four colleges. Most rooms are single-occupancy and self-catered. Students can choose between standard rooms with shared facilities or en-suite rooms, depending on their preference and budget.

Postgraduate and mature students also have access to dedicated accommodation options, which are typically quieter and provide more private living arrangements. For students who prefer to live off-campus, Roehampton offers support in finding private accommodation in Roehampton and the surrounding areas, including Wimbledon and Putney.