When I first moved to Guildford, I thought it was just a cute town with a nice high street and a decent Nando’s. Three years in, I still think that—but I also see it as a bit of a bubble. A safe, comfy, slightly strange little bubble.

Guildford is definitely quieter than other uni towns. You will not find wild nightlife on every corner or loads of random things happening all the time. But that is part of the charm. It feels safe walking around, even at night. The town centre is clean, the buses are usually on time( well sometimes) , and there is something quite relaxing about not having too much chaos around you.

That said, the calmness can feel isolating sometimes. If you are someone who grew up in London or a busier area, it might take a while to adjust. It is easy to fall into a routine where you stay on campus, go to Tesco, maybe walk to the high street now and then, and that is it. Without meaning to, Guildford can make you feel like the whole world has shrunk to just lectures and Starbucks.

But once you push past that, you find the good stuff. The riverside walk near town is perfect for clearing your head. There are little cafes and indie shops tucked between the usual big brands. On Saturdays, the market stalls near Tunsgate sometimes have handmade jewellery, baked goods, or vintage pieces that are actually worth buying- TRSUST ME ON THAT ONE. Evenings in town are calm, but that also means you do not have to deal with madness every time you step out.

And while it might feel like a bubble, that bubble gives you space to breathe. I have been able to focus more here. I have made close friends and had time to work on myself without constant pressure to be out or doing something. Surrey’s campus adds to that too—it is green, quiet, and a short walk from town.

Guildford might not be loud or fast-paced, but it gives you room to grow. And sometimes, that is exactly what you need.