Travelling to the University

The University of Surrey is located on a landscaped campus on the outskirts of Guildford. London is only 35 minutes away by train and its major airports of Heathrow and Gatwick are both within easy reach, giving ready access from all over the world.

Please note: This webpage reflects standard practices. We endeavour to offer an exchange programme as normally as possible this year, however in light of the COVID-19 situation, there may be changes and we are expecting a more hybrid approach (combination of in person and online). We will keep you updated via email regarding exchange specific changes and please refer to the university coronavirus webpage for general updates. 

Airport Meet and Greet

The International Student Support team organises a free Meet and Greet service to meet and collect students from our nearest international airports:

  • September exchange arrival day: London Gatwick and London Heathrow airports (7am - 9pm)
  • February exchange arrival day: London Heathrow airport only

To book your place on the Meet and Greet service, you will need to complete our online booking form, which is available on our Meet and Greet webpage from July and December. Please note: to register for the service, you must have booked your flight and you will need to provide details of your flight booking.

From Heathrow Airport

September: students will either be put on a RailAir coach to Guildford central train station and collected by minibus or driven by coach to the main University campus (Stag Hill) or Manor Park campus, where they will collect their room key and be shown to their accommodation. For students living in private-sector accommodation off-campus, helpers will call a taxi for you. Students with accommodation at Hazel Farm will be taken there by minibus.

February: there may be a limited Meet and Greet service from London Heathrow Airport in February as we receive fewer students at this time of year.  Please keep checking the Meet and Greet website for details.

From Gatwick Airport

September: students will be given a (free) train ticket and put on a train to Guildford central station. University minibuses will take students from the station’s front entrance to collect their room key and then to their accommodation at Stag Hill, Manor Park or Hazel Farm.

February: There will be no pick-up from Gatwick in February. However, we often run a minibus shuttle service from Guildford station, so check the Meet and Greet webpage if this is available. 

Travellers from elsewhere – if you are arriving in the UK earlier or coming via a different route, but would still like to take advantage of the Heathrow Meet & Greet service and travel with your fellow exchange students, you can take the Piccadilly underground train line from central London to Heathrow Terminal 3 and join the University of Surrey Meet and Greet team in the Arrivals Hall there. Please email internationalsupport@surrey.ac.uk for instructions on how to book a place without flight details.

Making your own way to the University

For directions to the University if you are travelling independently, please visit our Travelling to the University page.