Skip to content Exit mobile menu

Get to know us

We're a London university: we're community focused on giving you the best experience and support. You'll get one-to-one guidance from academics, mentors, and the wellbeing service. Our Simmies feel valued here - lecturers will know your name and be committed to your development.

1st in London for academic support (NSS, 2023) | 2nd in London for teaching on my course (NSS, 2023) | Rated Ofsted Outstanding for over 10 years | 98% of graduates are in employment, vocation, or further study within 15 months of graduating (HESA, 2023).

Where are we?

St Mary's is located in South West London, in the grounds of the gothic Strawberry Hill House.Our campus is green and spacious, close to the river and only 30 minutes from central London. 

What does St Mary's have to offer?

St Mary's is one of London's top-performing sports institutions with state-of-the-art sports facilities equipped to world-class standards. 

Watch this video to take a 30-second campus tour or find out more about the facilities and security on campus. 

The St Mary’s Students’ Union (SMSU) coordinates all sports clubs and societies on campus and provides all major events and entertainment throughout the year, so there's always something for you to get involved in!


Your home away from home

Bed, books, and beyond

At St Mary's we understand that student accommodation is more than just a place to study and sleep. It's a place where you can become part of a vibrant and welcoming student community. All of our halls are located on campus and minutes away from the popular student area of Twickenham!

Options for every budget

We offer a range of accommodation to suit all budgets and lifestyles including catered or self-catered, single rooms or shared rooms, so you will find somewhere that suits you. We guarantee a place in University accommodation to all new eligible undergraduate applicants whochoose us as their firm choice on UCAS. If you're starting in September 2024, accommodation applications must be submitted by 9th June 2024.

Hear from our students

Our current students and graduates can tell you what it’s like to study at St Marys. Find out what they enjoyed most!

Montel DouglasMontel Douglas - BA Acting

Montel is a stage and screen actor, as well as an award-winning writer, director and facilitator based in London. He’s worked alongside famous household names for shows on the BBC, CBS, and Sky, including Daniel Mays and Stephen Graham.

"All our teachers were very knowledgeable and had industry experience, whether in writing, directing, acting, or producing. That was so helpful because a lot of people at other universities graduate without actually knowing what it takes to be in this business, but St Mary's made sure we were prepared. The teachers have a good one-to-one                                                                            personal connection with their students too, which was very beneficial."

Nyah HawkesNyah Hawkes - BA Theology, Religion, and Ethics

“Quite a few people from my family have gone to St Mary’s including my mum and brother, so it always just felt like a natural continuation and something that's always been here for me. I know in some universities you're in a lecture full of hundreds of people, but here it’s not like that. I don't feel like I'm just a name in the crowd.” 

“There’s such a friendly and personal aspect to studying here - my lecturers know who I am, what my work is like, and what I need. I walked in on my very first day and knew I’d made the right decision.” 

Lucia SantorielloLucia Santoriello - BSc Sports Coaching Science

“I love that because our classes aren't huge, the teachers get to know you as a person. They get to know what you're trying to achieve with the degree, and I feel like everyone is invested in you.” 

“Even if the modules aren’t specific to your sport, the lecturers still try and make the classes relevant to you. They ask questions to find out more about you and your particular interests in the field, which is really nice.” 

""Naj Salah - Primary Education with QTS

"One of my favourite things at St Mary’s – definitely, 110% – is the Unity Fast during Ramadan. Some of us come together to fast the day of Ramadan. It’s open to everyone, not just Muslims. And then we all have a giant feast. We break our fast together. You get to meet people you didn’t even know you went to uni with because people are so interested in learning about different cultures."

"Also, the open days. Oh my god! Half of the friends I made were off the Student Ambassador scheme, including friends I’ve made for life."

"Another thing: Summer Ball. Even though it happens every single year, it is never the same. There’s a whole new group of people and the vibe changes. It’s always great. Everybody just enjoys the music and the vibe. And because it’s on campus, it’s not hard to access. The Student Union makes that extremely easy for us."

Explore Twickenham, London, and beyond

With hundreds of pubs, cafes, and restaurants within 20 minutes of campus, St Mary’s is at the heart of a vibrant social community, whilst giving you the comfort of a leafy suburban campus.

We're based in Richmond upon Thames, which according to official Metropolitan Police figures (2022) is the safest London Borough.

St Mary’s location is hard to beat. The University has all the advantages of a great London location along with the peace of a beautiful self-contained campus. KingstonRichmond and central London are close by so you’ll find plenty of things to do.

Sporty or not, there's a society for you

From manga and anime, to mindfulness, tennis, or ultimate frisbee - you're guaranteed to find a student activity to suit your interests. You can even start your own and create a space for others with your interests. Find out more about sport at St Mary's and the vast number of societies ran through St Mary's University Students Union.

We've got your back

Here at St Mary's, we make sure you always have somewhere to discuss, in confidence, any concerns you have that may affect your studies or time at University. We are here to listen and provide advice and guidance where necessary; whether you need a solution to a specific difficulty or require ongoing support.

Parents and carers – we can help

We understand that the process of your young person applying to University can be daunting. We're here to help. Visit our parents and supporters pages, or sign up to our parent and carer mailing list. 

Come and explore what we have to offer

Meet current students, explore our green campus, and find out why St Mary’s could be the place for you!

You'll also get a chance to:

  • speak one-on-one with our lecturers
  • experience interactive subject-specific sessions to give you a feel for what studying your degree will be like
  • view our specialist facilities.