Our officers say that Park Barn is great for students because: 

• It is much cheaper than other areas
• It is easily walkable to all three campus' (and very close to Kate Granger and Manor Park) 
• It is near Tesco's and the Hospital 
• Typically it is off-road street parking, and you do not need a permit so there is lots of parking spaces
• There are frequent bus routes into town and to campus 
• Lots of student housing available

But they say that it is typically poorer quality housing, and is far from the town centre.

Our officers say that Southway and Stoughton is great for students because: 

• Easily walkable to the University (5 - 15 minutes)
• Free parking, although on-road parking can be competitive
• There are lots of shops nearby, including 2 Co-ops, cafe's and take-away's
• Frequent bus into town 
• Lots of student housing

But it can be further away from big supermarkets like Tescos, and is it a little further from town.

Our officers say that Woodbridge Hill is great for students because:

• Lots of parking available on and off road
• Some areas (like Northway) are very student friendly
• Can be cheaper as it is further away from the University 

But as it is mostly a residential area, it can be pricey and it tends to be further away from the University, town and main supermarkets. 

Our officers say that Onslow village is great for students because:

• Very close to the University, with only a 5 minute walk to Stag Hill campus 
• Close to tesco's and Manor Park campus, Surrey Sports Park and hospital (10/15 minute walk)
• Close to the train station and town centre
• Very desirable area for student

But as it is a very desirable location, it can be expensive. As it is closer to town, you will find that parking can be difficult too. 

Our officers say that Guildford Park Avenue and Walnut Tree Close is great for students because:

• Very close to the Stag Hill campus, only 5 minute walk 
• Close to the train station and town centre (2-5 minute walk)
• Very desirable area for students
• Can be cheaper than Onslow Village, usually as the houses can be smaller in size.

But as it is a very desirable location, it can be expensive. As it is closer to town, you will find that parking can be difficult too, with most of it permitted with a waiting list. It is also far from Manor Park campus' and tescos. 

Our officers say that the Town Centre is great for students because:

• Close to Stag Hill campus, with good bus links to Manor Park and Tesco's and a direct bus to campus
• Close to the train station

But as it is a very desirable location, it can be expensive. As it is closer to town, you will find that parking can be difficult too, with most of it permitted with a waiting list. It is also far from Manor Park campus' and Tescos. 

Our officers say that living in the greater Guildford area is great because: 

• Living in Guildford means that you still get to experience being a student in the city - with easier access to things like clubs, societies and Rubix nights. 
• It can be cheaper than living in the typical "student" areas

But they say that public transport can be difficult, and Guildford does not have many night buses that will take you from campus to the outer areas of the town. So, if you are considering living in Greater Guildford, make sure you check out the local transport, walking routes or have access to a car. 

Our officers say that living in Woking is great because: 

• Very good transport connections, with frequent trains and buses to Guildford
• Closer to London 
• Good shopping with lots to do - Woking is a vibrant town with lots of shops and cafes

But they say that it can be more expensive than other areas, like Ash or Aldershot. 

Our officers say that living in Farnborough and North Camp is great because: 

• Good transport links, with a direct train to Guildford
• Farnbrough is in Hampshire, so it will be cheaper than other areas in Surrey (like Woking, Guildford or Godalming) 
• Farnbrough has it's own University so there are lots of other University students around, and lots of student housing.

But they say that it is further away than other areas, so it is a longer commute.

Our officers say that living in Ash is great because: 

• There is a direct train to Guildford, and Ash is only one stop away so it is a quick commute.
• It is in Hampshire, so cheaper than other areas in Surrey (like Woking, Guildford or Godalming) 

But they say that whilst gentrification is happening, the area can be a little run-down. 

Our officers say that living in Aldershot is great because: 

• There is a direct train to Guildford, and Aldershot is only two stops away so it is a quick commute.
• There is also a direct bus to Guildford main bus station
• It is in Hampshire, so cheaper than other areas in Surrey (like Woking, Guildford or Godalming) 
• There is lots to do - they have a cinema and an indoor ski centre

But they say that whilst gentrification is happening, the area can be a little run-down and it is further away than other areas. 

Our officers say that living in Godalming is great because: 

• There is a direct train to Guildford, and Godalming is only one stop away
• The train is on the direct London line, so you can get into London easily
• It has a lovely high street with boutique shops and cafes

But they say that the area is expensive as it tends to be a family commuter town to London, which increases the rent prices. 

Did you know that the University can also look at altering your timetable if you are a commuting student? We (your Students' Union) advocated for this a few years ago, to make sure that our commuting students didn't have to come to campus for 1 hour of lectures a day. Instead, the University can look at a condensed timetable for you. Get in touch with your faculty or email our advice team on ussu.advice@surrey.ac.uk 

Additionally, spaces like the Nest are open 24/7 and have access to nap pods and comfortable spaces for you to rest if you happen to get to University early, or have some time to wait before your transport links. 

The University has ample locker space available around campus - in Manor Park, Kate Granger Building, The Nest, the Library and your students' union building. You aren't able to store things overnight in them, but you can rent them out for the day to ensure that you aren't carrying too many things around with you. 

Microwaves and kitchen space are also dotted around campus in the Library foyer, the Nest, Kate Granger and the Vet School. 

If you have more ideas on how we can help improve the student experience for commuting students, why not tell us? Email ussu.vpsupport@surrey.ac.uk (We are currently working on getting you your own common room!). 

Bus Routes

For key bus routes and timetables: look on the council website.

You can find out more about season tickets, or weekly tickets, and bus fare prices here.

Train Routes

For key train routes and timetables: look on the National Rail website or Trainline website.

Don't forget that you can purchase a Railcard to help with the cost of your train travel. See all the railcard options here, including the 16-25 railcard, and the Network railcard (which covers the whole of the south east)