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    Study in Guildford

    City guide

    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)

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    • Adeola Priscillia

      Coventry University
      MSc International Business Management
      I am currently studying International Business Management and have a background in education. Although I’ve recently started as a student ambassador, I bring previous customer service experience, which has strengthened my communication and interpersonal skills. I’m passionate about pursuing a career in global business, combining my interests in education and international management.

    • Abdul

      University of Lincoln
      Architecture - BA (Hons)
      “Hi! Feel free to ask me any questions about the courses here in Lincoln and also about the city itself. I am more than happy to help you with any questions you might have.”

    • Aditi

      University College Birmingham
      Finance and Accounting
      I am Aditi Ghevade, from the city of Mumbai, India. Currently pursuing my postgraduate studies in Finance and Accounting, I find immense joy in delving into the intricacies of financial systems and exploring the world of numbers. Fluent in English, Hindi, Marathi, and even French, my multicultural and multilingual background has equipped me with a versatile skill set.

    • Adrianna

      University of the Arts London
      Public Relations
      ✨Public Relations student passionate about creative storytelling & making an impact through strategic marketing. 📈Obsessed with digital analytics, media research 🔍, and fostering real connections within the media world! 🤝 👩‍🎓Active as a Peer Mentor, Senior Student Ambassador, and Media School Rep – always here to help and share my journey! 🌟 💡 Let’s chat all things PR, media, and beyond!

    • Abbey

      Leeds Trinity University
      Criminology with Police Studies BA Combined (Hons)
      I am looking at going into the police after university and doing their graduate detective program. I enjoy watching all sorts of true crime documentaries.

    • Aditya

      University of Glasgow
      Medicine [MBChB]
      Hello everyone, This is Aditya. I am a 2nd Year international medical student at the University of Glasgow. My aspiration is to become a cardiologist with a special interest in interventional cardiology and cardiac physics. I am open to any questions you guys might want to ask about the university, the medical school, or even the city and how it’s been adapting to a new culture as an international student :)

    • Abigail

      City St George's, University of London
      Politics BSc (Hons)
      Hi, my name is Abigail and I am a 2nd year Politics undergraduate, who wants to become a lawyer in common law. I am happy to answer questions regarding university, a career in law, etc! ❤️

    • Abbie

      Leeds Trinity University
      Primary Education (Early Years 3-7) with QTS BA (Hons)
      Hi I’m Abbie 🫶🏻. I am a primary education student here at Leeds trinity completing my first year currently. I live at home and commute in for my lectures. I am a course representative so look very closely into student feedback. I am also the mental health officer for Leeds trinity and look forward to building campaigns to help those at trinity! I was very nervous joining university but realised very quickly it’s like family where everyone is supportive and tries to help at any opportunity. The campus is beautiful and I love to study in lots of different spaces to change up the scenery every now and again! I have a dog walking business to satisfy my love of animals and am also a student ambassador for university. I work part time in a pub not far from the university and love to go running in my spare time to clear my mind! I came from sixth form to university and knew what course I wanted to do. I’m here to answer all of your questions about life at university hoping to give an insight on the student life and what to expect!

    • Abdullah

      Liverpool John Moores University
      Computer Science, BSc (Hons)
      Currently in my second year, I’m focused on making the most of my degree and building a strong foundation in my field. After completing my bachelor’s, my plan is to pursue a master’s in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. I’m passionate about using AI to tackle real-world challenges, and eventually, I’d love to work in a tech company that’s leading the way in innovation. My vision is to be part of projects that push the boundaries of what technology can achieve—I’m excited about what the future holds!

    • Abby

      Swansea University
      Sport and Exercise Science, BSc (Hons)
      I am a keen swimmer and am part of the University Swim team and have competed in the BUSL swim league as well as Welsh Varsity representing the university. The swim team is comprised of a range of abilities. I love what I study and am passionate about Sport Psychology and hope to pursue it as a Masters when I graduate. I am in my second year of the degree course and am loving it so far, so any questions about my course or the swim team are more than welcome.

    • Aaliyah

      University of Hertfordshire
      Animation, film, games and creative media
      Hi, I'm Aaliyah! I am a final-year Games Art student and want to work hard to hone my skills and improve as a character artist! I am also a producer so if you want to talk about that specialism within Games and VFX then feel free to ask. You might be feeling a bit worried or uneasy about what there is and what the course entails but I am here to answer all your questions. No matter how big the question or how small :) Whilst I'm not in the other animation pathways (3D/VFX, 2D animation, Comic & Concept Art) I can always give my knowledge in those areas too. Just pop a message over! Very excited to talk about the courses with you :D

    • Adrianna

      Bangor University
      Marine Biology
      Hi, I'm Adrianna. I'm from North West England. I decided I wanted to do marine biology, when someone did an online talk at my college all about the marine environment and biology. My main hobbies include sewing; gaming; watching films and series; and spending time with friends and family. Some of my favorite games are Animal Crossing; Slime Rancher; and Stardew Valley. Some of my favorite movies/series are: How to Train Your Dragon; Vampire Diaries; Grey's Anatomy; and Disney movies.

    • Abigail

      Bournemouth University
      BA (Hons) Film
      Hi, I'm Abigail and I'm a third-year Film student! I'd be very happy to answer anything about filmmaking and media related questions at Bournemouth University, and what it’s like to move out for the first time and settle into a new city! :))

    • Aayan

      City St George's, University of London
      Actuarial Science BSc (Hons)
      I did my Foundation year from INTO City, University of London. Currently doing BSc Data Analytics and Actuarial Science. I plan to work in Data / AI Field, I have strong interest in Trading and Content Creation 😊.

    • Advika

      University of Glasgow
      Common Law [LLB]
      Hey there ! I am Advika from India🇮🇳 and I am a third year Common Law student. I would be happy to answer all your questions about the university, studies, student life, or anything else. Please feel free to chat 😊

    • Abigail

      University of Lincoln
      Dance - BA (Hons)
      Hi, I'm Abi and I'm a third-year BA (Hons) Dance Student. I'm from Suffolk. I started dancing from the age of 3 in Ballet, Modern and Tap and then also started training in Contemporary, Irish and Ballroom & Latin dance before completing both GCSE & A-level Dance. I'm now continuing my passion here at UOL and hope to continue this into a professional career!

    • Accalia

      University of Sussex
      Law with International Relations LLB (Hons)
      I would love to be engaged in various sectors specifically Media, Law and International Business, My end goal is to be an international consultant for Caribbean small businesses.

    • Adam

      Coventry University
      Sports Coaching BSc
      Hi there👋, My name is Adam and I am currently a first year Sports Coaching student and a lifelong Coventry habitant. Sports has been a massive part of my life which has lead me to studying the Sports Coaching Bachelor Degree here at Coventry. I am looking to pursue a career within Sport Coaching as I look to teach and coach others the amazing thing that is sport🤩. Feel free to ask me questions about the Sports Coaching Course and elements of University life😃 ⚽️🏀🎾🏓🏏

    • Abdul Rashid

      University of Aberdeen
      Biotechnology, Bioinformatics and Bio-business MSc
      My current career plan is to delve deep into the core of bioinformatics and try as much as possible to make it easy for future prospects in that field of study.

    • Abigail

      University of Essex
      Criminology
      Hello! My name is Abi, and I'm currently in my third year doing Criminology with Counselling Skills. I aspire to go into the police force to be a detective! I love helping others and cooking. Alongside my degree, I am doing some content creation and photography as a fun hobby as I also have a passion for both of those things.

    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.

    Girl in horror movie

    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.

    Alice in Wonderland

    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.

    Wharenui in Clarendon Park

    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).

    River Wey, Guildford

    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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