Wondering what it's like to be a student living and studying in Richmond? Student Ambassador Ayla gives us her take on student life in the St Mary's neighbourhood.
As someone who has spent three years studying in the borough of Richmond, I like to think that I have become a pretty good judge of what the area is like to live in.
Choosing to stay in Richmond after studying here for just one semester (I was a study abroad student from the United States) was no coincidence: I was absolutely captivated by my surroundings and felt I needed to see as much as I could.
In saying this, I wanted to highlight some of my favourite aspects of living in this borough, such as the beautiful parks and landmarks that are nearby, the activities that are easy to reach, and the convenience of living near St Mary’s.
What's student life like in Richmond?
I have loved living in Strawberry Hill; the neighbourhood is charming while providing perfect resources for me as a student. is a short walk away, giving me access to a plethora of materials for both studying and personal enjoyment. Alongside this, there are so many local cafes that are perfect for studying, such as in Twickenham.
When on campus, I would frequently be studying in the Living Room on the second floor of the Library, as it is a cosy space to get work done during the day. When I found myself needing a late-night study session, the on campus was always the perfect place for me to lock in when I really needed to.
History and scenery
My absolute favourite part of living in the borough of Richmond has to be the combination of history and scenery; I have loved living so close to Strawberry Hill House, Marble Hill House, and Orleans House Gallery and Gardens, just to name a few.
Marble Hill House and Orleans House Gallery are situated just about two miles away from campus, allowing an easy journey to and from each. Both locations are free to enter, providing an easy activity to partake in during an open afternoon. Both places have a rich history and beautiful paintings, as well as volunteers with extensive knowledge of the area's historical significance. Each place has its own lovely gardens filled with a variety of flowers and greenery, offering a perfect escape from the outside world.
Even closer to campus, is attached to St Mary’s, creating an amazing atmosphere that always draws you back for more. Because of its proximity, I would often sit outside to enjoy the ambience and beautiful view of the Gothic-style mansion. This place has a remarkable past as the birthplace of the first Gothic novel, The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole, something that suits the breathtaking appearance of the house both inside and out.
Green spaces around campus
Aside from these nearby landmarks, I have also loved the parks and gardens that are near campus, as they provide a perfect escape from the outside world, allowing you to reconnect with nature. Some of my nearby favourites are Radnor Gardens, Terrace Gardens, Bushy Park, and the Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park, which all hold their own unique beauty.
Closest to campus is , sitting right next to the River Thames with weeping willow trees scattered throughout. Because it is so nearby to campus, I have frequented this park often, as there is always a guaranteed view of the river and a nice tree to sit under. This place has proved to be the perfect spot to sit with a picnic or a good book.
Second closest to the University is an amazing place to get in touch with nature by going for a nice walk, run, or even sitting to observe the wildlife. This park covers almost 1,000 acres, creating the perfect space to get out and explore. There are several different gardens within as well, allowing visitors to experience different pockets of peace. Not only this, but it is a great spot for observing wildlife as there are free-roaming deer within, giving the park an even more whimsical feel.
Another great spot for being in nature is , which is about an hour away from campus. While the journey is a bit longer, it is extremely worth it, as the gardens are packed with an array of breathtaking plants and flowers. Tucked on the edge of Richmond Park, the streams, ponds, and stunning azaleas make this space nothing short of ethereal.
The last spot I simply must mention is in Richmond, a scenic hour-walk away from campus. As these gardens are placed right next to Richmond Hill, there is a stunning view of the river that weaves through the trees towards Twickenham. Besides the view, there are incredible blooms that are best showcased in the spring, creating a charming space to take in the landscape.
The convenience of living in Richmond
Aside from the beautiful spaces accessible to you when living in Richmond borough, the area is also highly convenient when it comes to shopping and transport.
When it comes to clothes shopping, I typically take the bus into Kingston, where I shop at the charity shops, the Bentall Centre, or Primark, depending on what I need.
When it comes to groceries, there is access to an entire array of shops nearby to the university; Tesco and Lidl are my favourites as they are close by and provide affordable food shopping for student budgeting.
When it comes to eating out, there are vast options for cuisines, as well as access to popular chains that cannot be found everywhere. As an American, Chick-fil-A and Wingstop are two of my favourites, because they taste like home.
There is also a vast array of cafes and boba tea spots (Multea Choice is one of my favourites), places I love to try to treat myself.
Going out in and around Richmond
As you can imagine, the nightlife in London will never disappoint. There are truly options for everyone, as there are clubs, pubs, and bars to cater to anyone’s tastes.
While Circuit Kingston is a classic spot for student night at St Mary’s, I tend to enjoy branching out to try new experiences in central London. One of the best ways to find new activities is using a platform such as Eventbrite, an app that helps you find events that cater to your personal tastes. Not only can this help to find nightlife, but you can also find events that are specific to your interests, something that is super helpful when trying new things.
I also tend to look on social media to find new spots, something that has led me to fun new bars in the city like The Waxy Sisters and Eastcheap Records, two places that I found really matched my vibe. The Waxy Sisters has a more medieval rustic style, which created a unique night out, while Eastcheap Records combined vintage and modern aesthetics to curate the perfect space for dancing.
After spending a night out, nothing makes me feel better than knowing I live in the safest borough in London. As a woman, this is particularly important to me, as I find it extremely desirable to feel a sense of security where I live. I never feel unsafe walking alone at night, something I really value about the area.
Transport links in Richmond
In addition to these aspects, the accessibility to transport is excellent in this area, something I love for travelling into central London.
Trains go into the city from many nearby stations, giving you lots of options when planning your route. I tend to take the 33 bus into Richmond to take the train from there to central, as you can reach many different destinations from there at more frequent intervals.
Trains also travel to London Waterloo from Strawberry Hill, as well as other nearby stations, making a journey into the city much easier.
On top of this, as someone who flies quite frequently, the university is simply one bus away from Heathrow, something that has made my travels much easier.
The combination of all these aspects makes the borough of Richmond a superb place to live, particularly when it comes to attending university. It is somewhere where the possibilities are limitless, giving you so many things to experience during your time at St Mary’s.
Student life at St Mary's
Studying at St Mary's, you get a community, not a long commute. Whether you decide to live on campus or not, Twickenham and the wider Richmond borough offer everything you could possibly need as a student, from study spaces to nightlife. And when you want it, the bustle and opportunities of central London are just a short train ride away.