You’re never too far from stunning National Trust sites, exhibitions or plush estates in Guildford – with rolling green hills to explore nearby.
Everything is walking distance, or just a short bus ride away. The university is a five-minute walk to the town centre, where it is a mix of old and new. Guildford high street is famous for its old buildings. There are lots of different restaurants for all budgets and tastes, clubs, and shops all in close proximity. Guildford is smaller than most uni towns, but it feels like a nice community and it’s nice to see the surrounding countryside out of the window from my uni accommodation. (Second year student, University of Surrey)
What Guildford's famous for...
Chilling history
Learn about the area's spooky tales, on a ghost walk tour. Meanwhile, its cathedral is part of horror movie lore, having featured in 1970s classic, The Omen.
Guildford nightlife, according to students
Most of the pubs and bars are on the high street, or the small streets off it. They are very nice, [but] quite expensive so are more for a treat, as opposed to a night out. There are a few clubs and a large Spoons. But the university Students' Union is good, so it is not necessary to have loads of clubs in town. (University of Surrey student)
Alice in Wonderland
Guildford has a special connection to author Lewis Carrol, who lived and is buried here. Spot the two statues of Alice around town, including one of her stepping through the looking-glass.
Guildford nightlife, according to students
All of the clubs are pretty much next to each other, and all [have] different music tastes so there is something for everyone. Being a five-minute walk back to the campus, or a journey on the night bus, it’s easy to go out and get back. Even walking at 3am, I felt very safe. (Second year student, University of Surrey)
Kiwi culture
A Surrey park might be the last place you'd expect a meeting house for New Zealand’s indigenous Maori people. The 'wharenui' in Clandon Park is one of only four outside of New Zealand.
Student life in Guildford
Local gems, tips, and things to do, as recommended by students.
Low on cash
Surrey is less about activities and more about surroundings. If you enjoy hiking and exploring, Surrey is perfect. (University of Surrey student)
Treat yourself
Positano and Olivo are two great family Italian restaurants that I highly recommend for special occasions. Turtle Bay is great for cocktails. (Second year student, University of Surrey)
Friday night out
The typical clubs (Rubix, Casino) are the best for going out. There are a couple of theatres in town (G Live and Yvonne Arnaud Theatre), that have performances throughout the year. (Second year student, University of Surrey)
Sunday chilling
Guildford has plenty of hills and green spaces to explore. My favourite is The Mount. It's uphill, but the views are worth it. (Second year student, University of Surrey)
When family visit
There is a lovely old-style pub, The Three Pigeons, which does pub classics, and looks as though it should be a part of Diagon Alley from Harry Potter. (Second year student, University of Surrey)
Feeling cultural
There's Guildford Museum and Guildford Castle, [while] G Live and Electric Theatre host live events. (Second year student, University of Surrey)
Catch up with mates
The King's Head, The Stoke, and some of the pubs by the river such as The Weyside, are great. Wates House on campus is one of the best pubs (and so cheap for Surrey – £4 doubles!). (Second year student, University of Surrey)
Grab a bite
I love to buy a snack from the Thursday market on campus. The baker's stall has great sausage rolls and pastries, [which are] all fresh. (Second year student, University of Surrey)
River Wey
A rainbow in the sky after a rainy walk along the river, exploring the little alleyways and shortcuts around the town. (Amber, second year student at University of Surrey).
Living in Guildford, according to students
Stoughton is very student-y, and is where you will find most of the student houses. It's a good area [with] a few local shops. The Gym is a close walk. I live around a 20-minute walk from university. The public transport to university is average – it's actually quicker to walk. I live near the Wooden Bridge pub, which is okay. Being a Greene King pub, it's slightly cheaper than most. There are other student areas such as Park Barn and Bellfields, so there's quite a lot to choose from. Stoughton is also about a 30-minute walk from town/the train station, but it's a lot easier to get there by bus. (Second year student, University of Surrey)
Living in Guildford
Housing, travel, and budgeting tips.
Where you'll find students
- Park Barn
- Farnham
- Stoughton
Local transport
- Weekly ticket: £12
- Stagecoach Guildford Local 7 Day MegaRider ticket
- Bus
Student money tips
Me and my ex boyfriend loved going on ‘walking dates’, where we’d wander around and explore a new area of the town. A real highlight was walking along the River Wey, which is so calming and pretty. (Second year student, University of Surrey)
The cost of living as a student soon adds up, us our budget calculator to find out roughly how much you'll need each month.
Discover more savings on student life in Guildford with UCAS student discounts. Find the latest deals, from fashion brands and eating fresh, to big discounts on tech and travel.
Living in Guildford, according to students
Park Barn – it was relatively inexpensive to live here. Tesco is a ten-minute walk away. It takes about 20 minutes to walk to campus. Lots of students choose to live in this area, so it is very safe. There is a lovely trail if you want some exercise and take in some fresh air. It's a relatively quiet residential area, so you don't have to worry about people being loud at night. The only downside is that it's about a 45-minute walk to town (but about ten minutes by bus). (Second year student, University of Surrey)
Study options
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