University of Surrey Students – Your Complete Move-In Guide
Everything You Need to Prepare for Student Life at the University of Surrey
Starting at the University of Surrey means joining one of the UK's leading universities for employability, innovation and research. Renowned for its strengths in engineering, business, hospitality, veterinary medicine, computer science and health sciences, Surrey combines an award-winning campus with excellent graduate career prospects.
Whether you're moving into University accommodation for your first year or renting privately later in your degree, preparing before move-in day will help you settle in quickly and make the most of student life.
Located in the historic town of Guildford, less than 40 minutes from central London by train, the University offers an attractive campus environment with modern teaching facilities, extensive green spaces and a vibrant student community. Your accommodation quickly becomes the place where you'll study, relax and make lifelong friends.
This guide covers everything you need to know before moving to the University of Surrey, including accommodation advice, packing tips and the everyday essentials that will help you feel at home.
University of Surrey at a Glance
📍 Location: Guildford, Surrey
🎓 Student Population: Around 18,000 students
🏠 Popular Accommodation: University accommodation is located across Stag Hill Campus and Manor Park, with residences including University Court, Surrey Court, Battersea Court, Cathedral Court, Stag Hill Court, Millennium House, International House, Twyford Court, Bellerby Court and numerous Manor Park residences. The University offers around 5,750 student rooms across its campuses.
🛒 Nearby Shopping: The Friary Centre, Tunsgate Quarter, Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury's, Aldi and Guildford town centre
🚆 Transport: Guildford railway station provides direct services to London Waterloo, Reading and Portsmouth. Both campuses are well connected by walking and cycling routes, with Manor Park around a 20-minute walk from Stag Hill.
Student Accommodation at the University of Surrey
The University of Surrey offers a wide range of accommodation across its two main campuses:
- Stag Hill Campus – the main academic campus, close to lecture theatres, the library, Students' Union and Guildford town centre.
- Manor Park – a modern student village close to the Surrey Sports Park and the School of Veterinary Medicine.
Popular accommodation includes:
Stag Hill Campus
- University Court
- Surrey Court
- Battersea Court
- Cathedral Court
- Stag Hill Court
- Millennium House
- International House
- Twyford Court
- Bellerby Court
Manor Park
Manor Park offers a large selection of modern en-suite residences and studio accommodation, with several room types available across multiple residential blocks. It is particularly popular with students studying veterinary medicine, health sciences and sport.
Accommodation typically includes:
- Utility bills
- High-speed internet
- Contents insurance
- Cleaning of communal areas
- 24/7 Campus Safety
- Maintenance service
- Welfare and support services
- Fully furnished rooms
Students apply by fee band rather than selecting a specific residence, with accommodation allocated according to availability and preferences. Options include budget rooms, standard en-suite rooms, premium en-suite rooms, studio flats and shared rooms.
Many returning students choose to rent privately in Guildford, Onslow Village, Park Barn, Stoughton and Burpham.
Before buying everything, check your accommodation inventory so you know exactly what's already provided.
What Should You Pack?
Preparing before move-in day makes settling into university life much easier.
Bedroom Essentials
Make your room comfortable with:
- Duvet and pillows
- Bedding sets
- Mattress protector
- Clothes hangers
- Laundry basket
- Storage boxes
- Soft lighting
Kitchen Essentials
If you'll be sharing a kitchen, don't forget:
- Plates and bowls
- Cutlery
- Pots and pans
- Cooking utensils
- Food storage containers
- Tea towels
- Washing-up supplies
Bathroom Essentials
Pack your everyday necessities, including:
- Towels
- Toiletries
- Shower caddy
- Cleaning products
Study Essentials
University of Surrey students combine lectures with laboratory work, placements, research projects and independent study. Creating a comfortable workspace from day one helps you stay organised throughout the academic year.
Useful items include:
- Desk organiser
- Adjustable desk lamp
- Extension lead
- Laptop accessories
- Cable organisers
- Storage for textbooks and coursework
- Notebooks and stationery
Experience Student Life in Guildford
Guildford consistently ranks as one of the UK's best places to live, offering a safe, attractive environment with excellent shopping, cafés, restaurants and green spaces. London is less than 40 minutes away by train, making it easy to enjoy everything the capital has to offer while studying in a more relaxed town.
The University's Students' Union supports hundreds of clubs and societies, while the outstanding Surrey Sports Park provides world-class sports and fitness facilities.
After a busy day of lectures, placements or exploring Guildford, it's always good to return to a room that's organised, comfortable and feels like home.
Popular with University of Surrey students include:
- Comfortable bedding and mattress accessories
- Soft lighting for a cosy atmosphere
- Space-saving storage solutions
- Desk organisers for studying
- Kitchen essentials for shared accommodation
- Practical everyday accessories that make student life easier
All Loomz products are selected with student accommodation in mind, making them ideal for furnished student rooms where permanent alterations aren't permitted.
Why Students Choose Loomz
Students across the UK choose Loomz because we understand what makes student accommodation feel like home.
✔ Designed specifically for student accommodation
✔ Affordable essentials for every student budget
✔ Perfect for halls, studios and shared houses
✔ Free UK delivery
✔ Practical products that make everyday student life easier
Helpful Student Guides
Planning your move? Explore our other useful resources:
- UK University Packing Checklist
- Student Accommodation Guides
- University Move-In Checklist
- Bedroom Essentials Guide
- Kitchen Essentials Guide
- Bathroom Essentials Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do University of Surrey students live?
Most first-year students live in University accommodation on either Stag Hill Campus or Manor Park. Popular residences include University Court, Surrey Court, Battersea Court, Millennium House, International House and the modern en-suite accommodation at Manor Park.
Are bills included in University accommodation?
Yes. University accommodation includes utility bills, high-speed internet, contents insurance, communal area cleaning, maintenance services, welfare support and 24/7 Campus Safety.
Can I choose a specific hall?
Not usually. Students apply by accommodation fee band, and the University allocates a room based on preferences and availability rather than guaranteeing a particular residence.
What should I buy before moving to the University of Surrey?
Most students need bedding, towels, kitchen equipment, study accessories and practical storage before arriving. Preparing your room before move-in day helps you settle in quickly and stay organised throughout the academic year.
Ready for the University of Surrey?
Moving to the University of Surrey means joining one of the UK's leading universities while studying in the vibrant town of Guildford. By preparing your accommodation before you arrive, you'll be ready to settle in quickly, focus on your studies and enjoy everything Surrey has to offer.
Browse Loomz's collection of student essentials to find everything you need for your bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and study space before beginning your journey at the University of Surrey.