Ah, technology. If you have a smartphone, this post is for you! The following are apps that will help you get settled and make the most of your time in Guildford.
Essential Apps:
University of Surrey: The university’s very own app has a helpful map of campus and information about Guildford and the surrounding London area. Within this app you have access to images of all different bands of accommodation and to read about notable Guildford hot spots. These accommodation images helped me plan what to pack for my room. Disappointingly, this app is quite limited and will likely only be used while you are getting acquainted with the area. The app could do with a content upload but it is definitely beneficial nonetheless.
Arriva: The bus may not necessarily be your preferred mode of transport but I recommend this app to anyone – regardless of whether they have the annual bus pass or not. Chances are you will encounter a time that you will need to take the bus – maybe after a night out in Guildford or a late night stay in the library – and when you need the bus, it’s best to have this app. The app is location enabled and provides information about the nearest bus stops. It also has a live-updated timetable and information about journey lengths.
Circuit: If you are living on campus, Circuit is a necessity. Circuit is the app and website used by students to pay for their on-campus laundry. Just download the app, make an account, load it up with credit, and you are ready to go!
Tixtu: Tixtu is used to purchase tickets for all Student Union events, including Rubix nights and Welcome Week festivities. Tixtu is available via web browser but the app is user-friendly and hassle-free.
Trainline: While at Surrey, you are likely to explore the UK – even if it is just a 34-minute train ride to London. Our campus is conveniently situated just a short walk or bus ride away from the Guildford train station, making it a prime location for weekend travel. Trainline offers live timetables of trains, the option to pre-book tickets, and a helpful trip planner. I have downloaded a few other rail-focused apps but Trainline is, in my opinion, the most user-friendly and extensive.
“Not-So-Essential-But-Still-Helpful” Apps:
Surrey Life: If you are interested in the Greater Surrey area, I definitely recommend downloading Surrey Life. Surrey Life is essentially a mobile-enabled magazine that is up-to-date with all Surrey events and news. This app is great for finding weekend craft fairs and vintage markets. Even better, during the warmer months, there tends to be a lot of information about outdoor events.
University of Surrey Student Union: Our Student Union is great but unfortunately their app is lackluster. It is often not updated, however, on a good day you are bound to find a few mobile-friendly editions of the Stag – our student newsletter. I also noticed that they posted all Welcome Week events on their Events tab. Because of its limited updating, I can’t recommend this app with much enthusiasm. But, if you have smartphone storage to spare, I say download it anyways! It’s free and it could prove useful in the future.
That’s all for now! In the mean time, if you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us at northamerica@surrey.ac.uk.
Also, Katie Sharpe, the Regional Manager of Surrey’s International Student Recruitment team, is hosting a US student webinar on her next trip to the States. The webinar/presentation will be a great opportunity to learn more about studying in the UK, the university, and Surrey’s programmes. To register, visit the following link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5604296908977762049
Cheers –
Briana
