Hello everyone:)

Following up the post which I have mentioned that the accommodation application process has started since 1 March, this post would be introducing the accommodation at Surrey with a little bit more details adding on top of Jelena’s post before.

Have you applied for your accommodation if you already have an offer? Student accommodation on campus is guaranteed to new undergraduate students, provided that accommodation is applied before 25 July 2016 and the conditions of the formal academic offer are met by 25 August 2016. Of course, living off campus is also possible if students are more concerned about privacy and flexibility. However, it is cheaper and easier to live on campus since the utility bills (water, electricity, internet etc.) are included in the rent. Living in student accommodation offered by the university would be a great option for students who have a limited budget for their living expenses or who are the first time living yourself or abroad. If safety is another issue you’re highly aware of, staying on campus would be the best option for you.

A wide range of student accommodation is offered by the university and students can choose from band A to F according to the price and amenities provided. Preferences such as band and single or mixed sex can be indicated when applying for the accommodation, but these are only preferences and cannot be guaranteed that the allocation is exactly same as what has been indicated. Yet, the university would try their best to allocate accommodation according to our preferences.

Accommodation is located at Stag Hill (main campus), Manor Park, which is near the Surrey Sports Park, or Hazel Farm. In my opinion, convenience is the biggest advantage of living at Stag Hill campus since the lecture theatres and seminar rooms are within Stag Hill, while students who do sports quite often can consider living at Manor Park since it’s just a few minutes’ walk from Manor Park to our Sports Park, as well as our new vet school. To me, although Hazel Farm is slightly far away from the main campus when comparing with the others, the surrounding environment is quiet and nice! If a more affordable option is the thing you’re seeking, it would be an ideal place to live. What’s more, the rent of Hazel Farm includes a free bus pass which you can go from Hazel Farm to Stag Hill campus, from Stag hill campus to town or wherever places in Guildford you want at any time. These three locations offer different options for students who are having various needs.

Our university also offers a Student Life Mentoring scheme which provides a proactive support services to students living in university accommodation. The mentor visits your room occasionally to help you feel comfortable like you’re at home and offer advice and assistance if you need. For instance, if your neighbour always produces noises during night which might be a typical issue when you’re sharing a flat, the mentors are there to help you with and to seek solution together to sort it out with your neighbour.

The reception which opens from Monday to Saturday is another place which is important to students. Our letters and small packages can be collected there and if you accidentally lost your key or left it in your room and got locked out, it is the place where you can run into!

Personally, I really recommend living in university accommodation to start your life at Surrey. Sstaying away from your parents and sharing a flat with someone else may be hard and challenging, but there are always places where you can find support from in the university. Once you are used to it and have got along with you flatmates well, living in university accommodation is fun. It just enriches your uni life! But please make sure you have read the resident’s guide before applying and be considerate for the others while staying in university accommodation, then your fruitful year in student accommodation will follow!

If you have any further questions or specific topics you want to hear about, please feel free to leave comments or just email us at hongkong@surrey.ac.uk

See you next week~!