As several higher education institutions in the UK reflect on their historical connections to slavery and colonialism, and their racial legacies today, increasing attention has been given to how slavery-associated and colonial wealth contributed to the development of modern British universities. ‘Audits’ of how funds derived from empire helped to establish academic chairs, student bursaries, and physical infrastructure are vital to understanding the history of higher education and slavery in Britain; and necessary first steps before taking further actions to learn from and make amends for such legacies. But where do we go from here? And what can greater knowledge about universities’ financial links to slavery and colonialism tell us about how professors, students, and alumni also contributed to the development of the racial thought which underpinned enslavement and colonial rule?