Ciao ragazzi, buon anno!! 🙂

If you are thinking about studying at the University of Surrey, you probably wonder how it is like to live in Guildford.

Well, I assure you Guildford is the most student-friendly city you can think about! First, the University is the pumping heart of Guildford. Therefore, wherever you are, you’ll always find a fellow student around the corner. Moreover, there is no shortage of venues for you and your friend to go out at night: ethnic restaurants, fast food chains, typical pubs, night clubs. During the weekend, you can go to the Friary, the town mall, or stroll down the High Street, with its lovely shops and cafès.

However, Guildford is much more than just nightlife or shopping. Indeed, the city is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The University is surrounded by green hills and parks, like Stroke Park, where many students go for a run at weekends. If you’re more of a picnic-kind-of-person, you’d better climb up the Mount, from where you’ll enjoy a beautiful view of Guildford and its surrounding area.

Now, take all these perks, and add the proximity to London. The multicultural, eccentric, and never-sleeping metropole is 30 minutes away from Guildford. Take the train from Guildford Railway Station, and in half an hour, you’ll be at Waterloo Station, in the heart of London, 10 minutes away from the Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. If you love London as much as I do, I suggest you apply for a Rail Card (https://www.railcard.co.uk/). It is the best way to get discounted tickets to travel to London.

Just think about it: you follow your lectures in the morning, spend the afternoon studying in the library, and then meet with your friends to spend the night in London. Isn’t it what you have always asked for?

Lastly, if you are a sporty person, have a look at the Surrey Sports Park (https://www.surreysportspark.co.uk/). This majestic sports facility is where you’ll train if you join a Sports Club at University or if you decide to get a gym membership. You can easily walk to the SSP from wherever your accommodation is, either on campus or Manor Park. It will just take you literally two minutes to reach the centre in the latter case!

I know what you might think at this point: why not London? Well, let me just point out that London might not prove the best living solution for a student. Besides the living cost, which is higher than anywhere else in England, is also a very stressful city. More often than you might now think, everything you’ll want during your studies is some tranquillity. Trust me, at this point, you’ll be grateful for a place like Guildford.

I hope I have cleared your mind about choosing the University of Surrey and, therefore, Guildford!

Have the best start in the new year 🙂

Jack