Make a night of it.

The Royal Agricultural University is a perfect base for exploring the Cotswolds. Situated on the outskirts of the Roman market town of Cirencester, with Bath, Cheltenham, Bristol and Oxford within easy reach for superb sightseeing and shopping. We are also a great location for those wanting to attend the races at Cheltenham, walk or cycle the Cotswolds Way or the other various footpaths right on our doorstep.

Set in the magnificent grounds of the University en-suite double, twin and single bedrooms are available all year round. 

The University has a wide range of catering options available on campus, whether you want to grab a sandwich, enjoy a coffee with friends, or have a freshly prepared meal in our restaurant.

The Restaurant

Here at the RAU, we know IT is an integral part of our students’ lives, both for learning and research, and also for relaxing and communicating with family and friends.

IT facilities on Campus

There are Windows Desktop PCs available in the Library as well as two computer rooms, one open 24 hours a day, year round (Atrium). There are colour printers available in the Library Foyer and the Atrium computer room, with photocopying and scanning ability.

When did you join the RAU and what brought you here?

My first experience of the RAU was when I became a PhD student in 1993. After completing my PhD I did a range of jobs but got a call in 2002 asking if I could cover for a member of staff who was off sick. This then lead into some more regular lecturing and I was a peripatetic lecturer until 2008 when I became a part time member of staff. In 2012 I became full time and gave up my other jobs.

When did you join the RAU and what brought you here?

I joined the RAU in June 2016. My brother came here as a student some years ago and I wanted to join a University that had strong roots in agriculture, farming and food production.

How did you get into Agricultural and Food Policy?

I was born and bought up on a farm and my under graduate degree is in politics and geography so it made sense to combine those two interests which is why I joined the NFU and spent 25 years in various lobbying and representative roles.

When did you join the RAU and what brought you here?

I first came here in 1992 to do a PhD in Rhizobium (nitrogen-fixing bacteria associated with legumes - peas, beans, clover). I also worked on a project looking at the genetics of native UK equine breeds before leaving to work on prawn genetics in the USA and Thoroughbred genetics in Ireland.  I was also a visiting lecturer in around 2002 & 2003 running the UG & PG Equine genetics and breeding modules at that time.  I started full time at RAU in October 2014 – on the same day that the students arrived!

When did you join the RAU and what brought you here?

I joined the RAU in Oct 2010. My first deep impression of the RAU stemmed from its long history. Secondly, its small but beautiful campus, friendly people I met, etc, made me feel comfortable to work in. 

Travelling during your studies

If you are a current RAU student on a Tier 4/Student Visa and you want to visit other European countries you will need to get a Schengen Visa. This is a visa scheme within the European Economic Area and Switzerland to travel between all of these countries with one visa.

Usually you will need a short stay or travel visa that will allow a visit of up to three months in any six-month period.