Digby Stuart College
Digby Stuart College is one of four colleges that make up the University of Roehampton, and we are delighted to welcome you to join our community.
Welcome
The Digby Stuart community is comprised of approximately 670 residential students living in Elm Grove, Bede House, Shaw House and Newman House, and over 3000 commuting students and staff from the School of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, School of Computing, Engineering, Built Environment, Nursing and Occupational Therapy, and the School of Continued Education as well as a large number of alumni, visitors, and friends of the College.
We are a friendly, creative, and diverse college committed to celebrating all our students and supporting them to achieve success both within and outside their academic studies. Our values of intellect, social awareness, personal growth, faith, and community are central to everything we do, and we are pleased to welcome current, new, and prospective students to learn more about who we are.
Professor Marilyn Holness OBE
Welcome again to Digby Stuart where your journey to knowledge, growth, and opportunity begins. Our vibrant campus community is dedicated to fostering academic excellence, curiosity and personal development in a supportive and inclusive environment. Whether you’re exploring your passions, preparing for a career, or seeking lifelong learning, Digby Stuart College is here to inspire and empower you every step of the way. We will encourage you to engage in activities that make a difference for yourself and for others, and help you to achieve your academic potential, preparing you for graduate life. All this, whilst taking time to enjoy the journey and along the way, making some lifelong friends.
We want you to know that each and every one of you matters. We are mindful of what drives you, your journeys, your passions, your goals, and aspirations. We want to get to know you so we can help you achieve, succeed, and realise your potential by taking control of your experiences and develop agency over your lives. So, when you see me or the College Team around campus, say hello, have a chat, share ideas, problems, and solutions. We are looking forward to working with you and will be making and taking opportunities to meet with you across the year. Join us and become part of a tradition of innovation, discovery, and success.
To find out more about our events and what’s happening around the college, follow us on X or Instagram (@digbycollege).
What we stand for
Digby Stuart is part of a global network of schools, colleges and universities founded by the Society of the Sacred Heart (RSCJs) - an international order of women in the Catholic Church. This means that as a College, our ethos and activities are driven by the five Goals of Sacred Heart Education.
Our Community - YOU!
We believe strongly in the ideals of kindness, looking out for one another, working together, and having fun, and it is important that each and every one of us does our bit to make sure Digby Stuart is an open and inclusive place for everyone.
Our community is led by the needs, wants, and creativity of our students. Therefore, we encourage you to raise your voice to let us know how you’re doing, take part in whatever ways you can, lift each other up, and be bold - if you have an idea, we want to empower you to make it happen!
At Digby Stuart, we believe in the power of community and celebrating the triumphs, challenges, and everyday moments of university life. Our college programme aims to centre our students and community at every turn.
As well as our residential blocks; Elm Grove, Bede House, Shaw House & Newman House, we have several common spaces in College open to our entire community to use to relax, recharge, and socialise.
Digby Diner
The Diner is our central social space in college and is a great spot to grab some food, spend time with friends, or just hang out. It is also available to be booked in the evenings for student-led or School events – please contact the College Engagement Administrative Officer for more information and a booking request form.
The Hive Café is another great communal space open to all students, staff, and guests, serving up the best coffee on campus!
The Base
The Base is our chaplaincy social space and kitchen; it is available for use by our entire College community. The Base is located on the ground floor of Erasmus House (near the College offices) and is open every day as a place to chill out and relax. We have books, games, and puzzles for you to enjoy with a hot drink – tea and coffee making facilities are provided! - and it is a lovely space to wind down and socialise with friends.
The Base is available to be booked for afternoon and evening social groups upon request – please contact the College Chaplain for more details.
Digby Square, Barat Square, Stuart Gardens
Digby Square holds access to Digby Diner, The Hive, The shop, and the Chapel. Follow through the tunnel and you can find Stuart Gardens, a wonderful communal green space outside Digby Accommodation with outdoor ping-pong tables. Finally, in Barat Square, located outside Erasmus House (where our friendly Digby College Team work) you will discover the Peace Garden and memorial walk which are places of tranquillity for those who need it.
Meeting new people is an integral part of the university experience, and at Digby Stuart College we want to empower our students to make friendships and networks that will last a lifetime. We have a regular and varied programme of social events and activities to enable all of our College community members to find their people and be accepted and welcomed as they are.
College Formals are a highlight on our social calendar, including – Mater Admirabilis Formal (October), Christmas Formal (December). Students and staff alike are invited to dress up and join us for a delicious three-course meal and post-formal social, in celebration of the friendships and ongoing achievements of our Digby Stuart community.
College Informals are for those that prefer smaller, more relaxed social gatherings throughout the year. These are great opportunities to meet new people and form friendships and great hospitality.
Your Elected Student Officers (College President and Deputy President) host a programme of student-led activities, events, and campaigns throughout the year as part of their roles.
If sport is your thing, the mighty Digby Lions football team are always hungry for new players, and in recent years we have seen several of our Digby Stuart students stepping up to leadership roles within university-level sports teams including rugby, netball, volleyball, and dance.
We also have many students involved in music, theatre, photography, and other creative projects across the university, and we helped to kickstart student-led societies. Whatever your passion, we want to celebrate it with you and help you to take part in whatever way you wish, both in the college and across campus as a whole.
Finally, if you’ve got an idea for a community activity, an event, or a society that you feel would be a great thing for the college community, you can make a pitch to the College Team for support to empower you to make your ideas happen.
Flat Leaders
Moving away from home and starting at university can be scary, so to ease the transition Digby Stuart College has a team of Flat Leaders spread throughout our residential blocks to assist our residential students in a smoother transition to university life and build a community within their accommodation.
Digby Stuart Flat Leaders are second- and third-year students who have elected to live on campus and have been chosen by the College to act as representatives of our residential community. Our Flat Leaders are fully trained and are a friendly, visible presence for residential students to turn to for assistance with day-to-day issues. Flat Leaders can also direct students to key services across the university, and report any problems or concerns raised by students back to the College staff team.
Our Flat Leaders help our new students in several different ways as they adjust to life at Roehampton, including:
- Navigating around campus
- Information about College life, events, and activities
- Tips, tricks, and useful information for living on campus
- Information about accessing Student Support Services and Wellbeing
- Key contacts at the University e.g. College Team, Security, etc.
Interested in becoming a Digby Stuart Flat Leader in your second or third year? Recruitment for next year’s team will open in January. For more information about the Flat Leader programme, please email the College Team at Digbystuart.college@roehampton.ac.uk for further information.
Scholarships
Together, the four Roehampton Colleges offer music scholarships to enable undergraduate and postgraduate students meet some of the costs of developing their talents through lessons, courses, or the purchase of relevant equipment (instruments/strings/sheet music etc.). In return, music scholars enhance the cultural life of the University through performances and enrich their colleges by being available for events at all colleges.
For more information click here. ** Attach link ( Music Scholarship | University of Roehampton, London )
The Black Heart Foundation
Black Heart Foundation - Provides bursaries and scholarships through its Black Heart Scholarship programme to assist under-resourced and underrepresented students in their educational pursuits.
The Black Heart Foundation aims to remove barriers to achievement for under-resourced and under-represented people by providing educational scholarships through its Black Heart Scholarship Programme and distributing grants to community initiatives that support the community and provide coaching and pastoral care to talented, ambitious and committed people.
For further information and FAQ’s on the application process click here
To access the application platform please click here
Further information available on the website click here
Please note, The Black Heart Foundation is an external foundation working in partnership with Digby Stuart College
Volunteering
Digby Stuart College is proud to be a part of Power2Inspire, an opportunity to create a space where everyone can enjoy inclusive sport together regardless of age, gender, faith, ethnicity or disability.
2025 will be the third annual PowerHouse Games hosted by Digby Stuart College at Roehampton, bringing together local primary schools to join in on the fun.
For further information click here.
Digby Stuart celebrates student excellence through a variety of prestigious awards that honour leadership, service, and academic achievement.
Among these are:
- The Sacred Heart Awards, which reflect the College’s deep-rooted values of compassion, community, faith, and growth.
- The St Dorothy Bell Prize, named after the revered educator and former Principal of Digby Stuart College, recognising outstanding contributions to education and social justice.
- The Flat Leader of the Year award, which applauds students who foster inclusive, supportive living environments within university accommodation.
Receiving any of these awards is a mark of distinction—an affirmation of character, commitment, and impact. They not only bring personal honour but also open doors to future opportunities, from postgraduate study to leadership roles and professional recognition. These accolades embody Roehampton’s belief that education is not just about knowledge but about shaping individuals who lead with integrity and inspire change.
Our alumni community is a core part of who we are in the college. It’s a real joy to be able to stay connected and continue to flourish together after graduation and sometimes after many years past.
We have a flourishing network made up of past students from the 1950's through to our most current graduates. If you were a Digby Stuart Student and want to reconnect with us, we’d love to hear from you. E-mail us on digbystuart.college@roehampton.ac.uk, letting us know your contact details - including name and date of study, course, and year you graduated, and we will add you to our database. Each year the college sends out a number of communications and opportunities to connect - including one of the highlights of our academic year, which is our annual DSA (Digby Stuart Association) Alumni Reunion Day.
Click the links below to start your Digby journey:
College Guide
College Map
Feel free to contact us with your questions or to arrange a meeting to discuss anything related to life in college – we are more than happy to help you!
If you are unsure who is best to speak to about your enquiry, please email digbystuart.college@roehampton.ac.uk with your name and contact details and a member of the team will get back to you as soon as they can.
You can also pop up to see us at Erasmus House, first floor.
Marilyn Holness, OBE (she/her)
Head of Digby Stuart
Office – E107, Erasmus House (First Floor)
For the last two years I’ve had the privilege of being the Head of Digby Stuart College. I am also a Professor of Education, and the University’s first Dean of Students.
I have the best of both worlds, I blend a cross-university portfolio which focuses on driving improvements in student success outcomes, with a pastoral role that actively promotes the ethos and values of the providing body (RSCJ), to support Roehampton to deliver on its mission of changing the lives of students and improving communities around us.
I am passionate about the transformative power of education and the positive difference it can make to lives – my own included. I work to help students realise their potential by taking control of their experiences and develop agency over their lives. In 2009 my achievements were recognised by the award of an OBE for services to teacher education.
In my down time I am the biggest supporter of my son who is a triathlete, travelling the world carrying his bags and cheering him on, and when at home, I tend to my family, friends and a bountiful vegetable garden.
Rasanpreet Binning (she/her)
College Life Development Officer
Office – E102, Erasmus House (First Floor)
I have recently had a the pleasure of returning to my roots as a ‘Digby girl’ in my role as the College Life Development Officer (CLDO), working as the student facing member of the Digby Stuart College Team, my work is centred around supporting our student and working with them as partners, to deliver a variety of different campaigns, events, and initiatives. As well as this my work also expands to supporting our College Staff community, in ensuring they also feel a part of something bigger. My focus on student leadership allows me to help grow our students outside the classroom, ensuring they are developing key skills that will support them beyond their time here are Roehampton, as well as training them in various leadership roles. Outside of work, I pursue my passion for acting and hope to one day find myself cast in Netflix or Amazon show, as well as this I am very family orientated and spend much of my time with them playing games, going on walks, and doing anything else we think may be a good idea at the time.
Sarah Atkinson (she/her)
College Engagement & Activities Officer
Office – E104, Erasmus House (First Floor)
Hi! I’m Sarah, the College Engagement Administrative Officer for Digby Stuart!
I’m responsible for coordinating the logistics and day-to-day running of Digby Stuart, as well as the events, activities, and initiatives put on by the College throughout the year for our community of students, staff and Alumni.
I have a degree in Sport Science and PGCE in Primary Education. In my previous role I worked at a social mobility charity, training university students to run academic coaching programmes with school-aged pupils from less advantaged areas across England. Be sure to check out our social media or come chat to us at Erasmus House, to hear about the events you can be a part of! We want to make your college university experience a positive and memorable one! In my spare time, I love to do or watch sports, particularly running and hot yoga. In the Spring term you’ll find me cheering on my home nation (Wales) in the rugby!
Daniel Williamson (he/him)
College Chaplain
Office – E108, Erasmus House (First Floor)
Hi, I’m Dan, the Digby Stuart College Catholic Chaplain and the Catholic Chaplain to the university.
I love nature, dogs, triathlon and coffee. I’m super passionate about faith, after becoming a Christian just before I began studying Music Technology at University. I have since worked as part of a chaplaincy team at a boarding school and a church in central London serving its students and young adults' community before coming to Roehampton.
My office door is always open whether you want to chat all things faith over coffee, are in need of prayer, or just want a chat.
Amy Pedlar (she/her)
Digby Stuart Student Wellbeing Officer (SWO)
Office – E101, Erasmus House (First Floor)
Hi I’m Amy, I am the student wellbeing officer for Digby College! I am here to support you with any non-academic issues you are having that are affecting you and your studies.
Throughout my career I have worked in medical settings and palliative care and my specialties are in trauma and bereavement. There is nothing too big or too small that you cannot come to me to talk about. I am here to ensure you have the right wellbeing support so you can thrive at university! In my spare time I love strength training, Zumba and going travelling!
You are always welcome to book a confidential chat with me or send me an email! I am based in E101 in Erasmus House on Tuesday and Fridays and the wellbeing centre in Richardson Building on a Wednesday.
Ginny Jordan-Arthur (she/her)
Heritage and Horizon Lead
Hi, I’ve worked in the college for over 15 years, and I’m still
discovering exciting facts about our past and finding ways of connecting our heritage with our future hopes. I have had the privilege of working in different roles and across departments, where I enjoy listening to people’s stories and watching students get animated about their studies and extra curriculum interests. Digby Stuart College is made up of a wonderful community, we have a great relationship with our alumni and our founders, allowing our current students and staff to stand on firm foundations as we move forward. We have some fun traditions and celebrations, which often include sharing meals together! We also have a commitment to developing our Sacred Heart Goals. So, you will find me involved in college events, networks and ready to celebrate the amazing people and moments that have shaped who we are and that guide us for where we’re going.
Each year, Student Officers are elected by the student body to represent their voice and strive to make Roehampton an amazing place for students. Throughout the year, each Officer will improve student life and your university experience by working on their own projects and goals!
The 2025/26 Digby Stuart College’s Student Officers are:
Divanshi Sharma
Nursing
This year, I’m focused on building a college that feels like home by making campus life more affordable, ensuring your education feels truly valuable, and creating fun, inclusive events that bring us together. From community pantries to academic representation, I’m here to make your voice count and your experience unforgettable.
Khrystyna Burlak
Journalism
In this year, I will work to make our community stronger, more supportive, and more inclusive. My goals are: Ensuring every student’s voice is heard and represented; Organising events that bring us together and celebrate our achievements; Supporting wellbeing and making Digby a place where everyone feels they belong; Organising career events and workshops with guest speakers and alumni; Creating opportunities for networking, internships, and skill-building; Making sure all students have access to resources that support their ambitions.
Together, we can make this academy year one of unity, growth, and pride in being part of Digby.
To contact your Student Officers at digby.deputy@roehampton.ac.uk and digby.pres@roehampton.ac.uk.
College Wardens are post-graduate students who live on campus with residential students. They are available if you need support during the evenings or weekends. They are part of a university team of College Wardens, who provide out-of-hours support and pastoral care to our students on campus.
The 2025/26 Digby Stuart College Wardens are:
Michal Zogorski
Studying: MA Criminology and Criminal Justice
Maliha Siddique
Studying: MA Education
To request out-of-hours support from a Warden, please call the Security team on 020 8392 3333.
The College Wardens are managed by two Senior College Wardens, Shai Danmole-Ellis and Olivia Ogunbunmi, who are responsible for coordinating the Warden Teams across all colleges.
Chaplaincy
Welcome to Chaplaincy at Digby Stuart College! Here at Digby Stuart College, we have a wonderful and rich heritage gifted to us by our founders, the Society of the Sacred Heart, and their vision and commitment to educating and celebrating the whole person still sits at the heart of what we do.
Through our College Chaplaincy Team, Digby Stuart offers a welcome to all members of our community from all faiths and cultures. The chaplaincy supports each member of our community to flourish by creating spaces and opportunities to practice and explore faith, build community, and experience the gift of hospitality where everyone is invited to come as they are.
History
Digby Stuart College was founded by the Society of the Sacred Heart Sisters (RSCJ) in 1874 as a centre to train and inspire women who would go on to serve in education as teachers and leaders. Its roots and ethos are grounded in Catholicism which cherishes the dignity, freedom of conscience, and value of every human person.
