Both Strodes College and Royal Holloway are situated in Egham, and a large proportion of residents in the area are in fact university students living away from home. However, other residents may believe that this growth in youth and student population could be causing more harm and damage than progression and development in the small town.

Recently we have seen an increase in complaints by residents who feel that the students are damaging parks with litter and are not only disrespectful with their language and behaviour on the streets, but also with their inconsiderate parking. Measures have been taken to ensure that students are more cooperative with the residents, but those who have not demonstrated this behaviour feel targeted simply because they are young. One student says, “Residents of Egham should not be so quick to blame students and treat the youth in the area as scapegoats.” In fact, he believes that “youth in the area offer a new and wide range of diversity”.

It also cannot be ignored that the large student population generates money in the area, as they buy food and other items daily from local stores. Without this money, the success of these businesses can be debated.

Perhaps it is the age gap between the young students and the older population that cause such dispute and misunderstanding between them. Perhaps if the students were more considerate and the residents were more tolerant, Egham could flourish in harmony as a diverse town with much to offer.