Frequently Asked Questions

Applying For Accommodation

If I apply early will I have a better chance of getting the type of room I want?

No, rooms are not allocated on a first-come first-served basis.

I would like an ensuite room. Will I get one?

We have over 2500 ensuite rooms so there is a good chance of getting one. Please note that this is not guaranteed.

I have been accepted for a course and I have returned my application for accommodation. Why have I not heard anything?

Undergraduate applicants should receive an allocation letter in August or September. Undergraduate applicants who come through the UK Universities Clearing System should be aware it will take at least 2 working days after an offer is made and they have been released by their previous University before they can be allocated a room.

Postgraduate applicants should ensure they have returned their acceptance and paid the appropriate portion of their course fees (see your email from Registry for details of what you should pay). The Accommodation Office will not be able to allocate a room until course fees are paid and received by the University (you should note that bank transfers can take 10 - 15 days to reach the University bank account). Allocation letters are sent out in August and September.

Arrival At University

I want to come to Guildford a few days early. Can I move into my accommodation early?

No, our rooms are in use most of the time throughout the year, so we cannot guarantee that your allocated accommodation will be available before the start date on your allocation letter. Our arrival weekend is carefully planned to help new students settle in and orientate themselves when they first arrive, and we advise all students to attend. For this and other reasons, including student security in residences, you cannot arrive before your accommodation start date as stated on your allocation letter.

International students should be aware that if they are booked on the International Orientation Programme their accommodation will be available for when they arrive for this.

I want to bring a car to Guildford. Where can I park?

Residents of Stag Hill Campus and Manor Park may not park either on Campus or any of the roads close to the University. We strongly advise students not to bring cars to Guildford, as Guildford Borough Council will not issue them with residential parking permits. Roadside parking is available for residents of Hazel Farm residences, although the restrictions on bringing them onto Campus remain. There are a limited number of parking spaces for residents of Bellerby Court; these are managed by the Parking Management Office of the Royal Surrey County Hospital, and cannot be reserved in advance.

Will bedding be provided?

In common with most Universities, we do NOT provide any bedding. However, you can order and purchase a bed-pack from the University Online Store . This includes a Duvet, duvet cover, pillow, pillow case and sheet.

Can I send luggage in advance?

No, because the Courts of Residence do not have any storage space for luggage. Please arrange for your shipped luggage to arrive a day or two after you move into your accommodation.

My parent or friend wants to come to Guildford when I move into accommodation. Can they stay at the University?

Please read our section on Guest accommodation.

Please note that during the busy arrival periods we do not have rooms to spare for guests. Remember you will be busy with Freshers Week and possibly a Departmental Induction during your first week here, and it is the ideal time to meet people and make new friends. Guildford can be extremely busy in September, so it is essential your parents or friends book a place to stay well in advance. They may find a room from this list of local hotels, but should be prepared to stay further away from Guildford.

When should I arrive at University?

Your exact arrival date will be specified on your letter of room allocation. You should make arrangements to be at the University on that day. Arrival details (key collection, parking on campus etc) will be published later in the Summer but an indication of our main arrival dates are given here to assist with planning travel arrangements.

The main arrival weekend for all students will be Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th September 2013.

Please note that early arrivals are not permitted, with the exception of new International Students who have booked the International Orientation Programme, through our International Office. Students recruited as mentors, and students who have been recruited by the Student Union to help over the Welcome Weekend/Freshers Week will be sent individual instructions about when they can arrive.

The main 'Moving Rooms' weekend will be Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September 2013.

Continuing Students in residence over the Summer, who are continuing to the next academic year without a break, will be advised of their individual move dates, according to availability of their 2013-14 room; however most students can expect to move rooms over the weekend of 14th/15th September, and should therefore ensure they are around at that time to complete their move.

After Moving In

I want to change the room I have been allocated. How do I go about this?

We regret that we are not able to change rooms in advance of arrival. When all new students have been housed, usually late October, residents may seek a room swap with another resident. All room swaps must be approved by Accommodation Services and are subject to an administration fee. For more information refer to the page on Room Swaps.

How will I find out my telephone number?

Phone handsets are available for collection from your court reception. Your phone number will be displayed on the phone handset in your accommodation. To protect your security we will not give out your telephone number in advance over the phone or by email.

Will I need a TV licence?

If you will be watching live TV from any device (TV or computer) you will need a TV licence.

I would like to move out early; how do I do this?

If you decide to move out of your accommodation before the end date of your booking you must give notice in writing by either letter, email or through completing a withdrawal form at Accommodation Services.

Please note; you may give notice to leave your room at the end of the First Semester without penalty. To do this notice must be received in writing no later than 5pm on 6th December 2013 and you must vacate your room by 12 noon on 1st February 2014.

If you wish to vacate your room earlier than 1st February 2014 you can advise Accommodation Services of your intentions. Please note you will be liable for the payment of your room rent up to 1st February 2014 unless we are able to re-let your room earlier. In the event that we are able to arrange a re-let, you need only pay until the date the new tenant moves in.

If notice is not received on or before 5pm on 6th December 2013 no rebate of rent will be given if you decide to leave before the end date specified in your allocation letter unless we are able to re-let your room. If you leave before the end of your licence or tenancy you will be required to continue instalment payments until your account is cleared in full.

If you cease to be a student, because you withdraw from your course or the University terminates your course, the notice period is waived. You will remain liable for the rent until Accommodation Services have received written confirmation of your change in status, you have moved out and returned your key/s.

Prices And Payment

Full details can be found on the Prices and Payment pages.