Guildford is the county town of Surrey and home to the University of Surrey. The town is host to a wealth of history and there are free, guided walks to help freshers get to know their way around as well as hearing tales of days gone by.
According to Channel 4’s ‘The Best and Worst Place to live in the UK’, Guildford is the ninth best place in the country and the town’s students appear to agree.
Read what Guildford’s students have to say about their second home...
Pews Bar & Restaurant
21 Chapel Street, Guildford, Surrey
Tel: 01483 535012
This bar is tucked away from the main drag and has a gorgeous Mediterranean courtyard that’s open all year round. There is usually a DJ playing or an acoustic guitar player, which is nice on a warm Spring evening. The food’s great too and it’s freshly prepared - unlike some of the other bars around town.
Kellie Furniss
Rubix
University of Surrey
Tel: 01483 689223
Our own Student’s Union club is a great live music venue with a pretty impressive sound and lighting set-up and a huge capacity. There are the usual club nights with some fairly high profile DJs but I’ve also seen some great live acts including The Darkness during my time at University. Rubix can get pretty rammed on a popular night and you might need to buy your tickets well in advance.
Paul Williams
The Rose Valley
50 Chertsey Street, Guildford, Surrey
Tel: 01483 572572
This Indian curry house does amazing food and special discounts for students. Opt for the Bangladeshi buffet!
Andy Pownall
All That Glitters
44 High Street, Guildford, Surrey
Tel: 01483 565652
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but that doesn’t apply on a student budget! All That Glitters is my favourite shop for well-priced jewellery that looks a little different from your average high-street fodder. There’s crystals, shell and diamante with earrings, bracelets, necklaces and tiaras in rainbow colours. Retail heaven!
Ellie Middleton
Guildford Castle
Castle Street, Guildford, Surrey
Tel: 01483 444702
Guildford Castle isn’t the biggest or most visually impressive castle in the country but it has been standing proud in Guildford since it was built shortly after the Norman conquest in 1066. The castle gardens are peaceful and pretty and a lovely place to have a picnic or chat with friends. Also look out for productions from the Guildford Shakespeare Company who put on evening performances in the castle grounds.
Marie Fazakerley
River Wey
You’ll be aware of the river that runs through Guildford as soon as you arrive, but the Wey Navigation is more than just a town feature – there is much fun to be had! You can hire boats for romantic get-togethers or canoes and kayaks for a day out with mates. If you can scrape together the budget, then I would definitely recommend hiring a barge for a long weekend with friends and paying a few visits to the pubs that you’ll pass on your travels.
Andrew Cook
