Guildford at a glance
Guildford, located in Surrey, is a vibrant town known for its rich history, beautiful countryside, and excellent student life. Home to the University of Surrey, it offers a perfect blend of urban convenience and rural charm. International students will find a welcoming community, a bustling high street, and plenty of green spaces to explore.
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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Why Guildford?
Guildford is famous for its historic cobbled high street, impressive castle, and thriving arts scene.
The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, the Guildford Spectrum leisure complex, and the Electric Theatre are popular cultural hubs. The town’s location offers easy access to London while maintaining a quieter, more relaxed student experience.
Student life in Guildford
Local gems, tips, and things to do, as recommended by students.
Low on cash
Sunday chilling
When family visit
Grab a bite
Transport tips
Guildford is well-connected by trains, with direct services to London Waterloo in around 35 minutes. Local bus services, including student discounts, make travel convenient. Many students also cycle around town due to its compact size.
The town is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to walk between the university, shopping areas, and entertainment venues.
Accommodation
The University of Surrey provides a range of student accommodation options, from budget-friendly shared flats to en-suite rooms. Popular student areas include Stag Hill, Hazel Farm, and off-campus housing near Guildford Park.
Rent in Guildford can be high, but shared housing and budgeting tips can help students manage costs effectively.
International student information
Discover everything you need to know as an international student planning to come to the UK.
Whether you're coming for the first time, returning for postgraduate, or are still waiting to make a decision, our international pages can help you prepare as best you can for life in the UK.
Where to eat
Guildford has a mix of restaurants, cafés, and takeaway spots catering to diverse tastes.
Affordable options include The Tea Terrace for British classics, Kokoro for quick Japanese bites, and Rumwong for authentic Thai cuisine.
Students also enjoy food deals at chains like Wetherspoons and Five Guys.
What to visit
On your doorstep
Guildford’s location makes it an excellent base for exploring the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, perfect for hiking and cycling. London is a short train ride away, and historic towns like Windsor and Farnham are also within easy reach.
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)
Park Barn – it was relatively inexpensive to live here. It takes about 20 minutes to walk to campus. Lots of students choose to live in this area, so it's very safe. 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)
Basic safety
It’s important to adhere to basic safety practices when studying and living in any city. Being aware of your surroundings is always wise, especially in busy and populated areas.
Some basic advice from the Metropolitan Police will help to ensure you stay as free from crime as possible:
- Keep your valuables hidden and don’t carry large amount of cash.
- Beware of scams, such as street hustlers, unlicensed taxis, and non-official sellers.
- Keep your belongings, shopping, and luggage close to you at all times.
- Don’t eave your drinks unattended or accept them from strangers.
- Travel as a group and always make sure you tell your friends you got home safely, and vice versa.
- Double check all taxis have a visible and valid licence before using them.
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