Commuter students
At Surrey, we’re proud of our inclusive, supportive community. We want to make sure you’re thriving and enjoying life here, regardless of whether you’re living in halls or commuting to campus.
From cost-effective travel options to campus resources, here’s what you need to know about commuting to Surrey.
Why commuting might be for you
- Commuting can be a cheaper and more flexible option, allowing you to spend your money how you want
- You might have caring responsibilities
- You already live in private housing and don't want to move
- You want to stay close to family and friends whilst enjoying the benefits of university life
- You might just feel that university halls aren’t for you.
Whatever your reason, there is no right or wrong way to experience university. What matters is that you feel part of Surrey life.
It’s not just something that 20% of our UK students choose to do – in 2025, 31% of university applicants across the UK chose to commute*. So, you're in good company!
*31% of UK 18-year-old accepted applicants indicated in their UCAS application that they intended to live at home, UCAS end of cycle data for 2025.
Things to do outside of classes
Make use of our social and study spaces
If you’re searching for a quiet spot between lectures or a place for group study, we have plenty of study spaces on campus, including our Library and Learning Centre which offers individual, group and family study options, and our MySurrey Hive and Dot rooms.
We also have plenty of social spaces, whether it's doing a board game in the Front Room, playing pool at Manor Park Social or taking a digital detox in the MySurrey Nest, we've got a space for you.
Several of these spaces are open 24/7. We have a free WiFi network, Eduroam, which is available on both campuses.
No laptop? You can loan one from the Library laptop lockers for a few hours or a few days.
We also have daytime storage lockers scattered around the Stag Hill campus that are free to use when you don't want to carry everything.
Look after your wellbeing
Based on our Stag Hill campus, our Centre for Wellbeing offers a range of support services to help you with your mental health and wellbeing.
Enjoy our sports facilities
You can also get a student discount at Surrey Sports Park, with different levels of membership on offer. There are lots of facilities available, including a gym, climbing centre, swimming pool, and squash courts. Unwind between lectures or let off steam before you head home.
Grab some food and drink
There are lots of places to get food and drink on campus, including a Co-op, cafés, bars and restaurants. Hillside Food Court is a popular spot for students, with an array of hot and cold meal options and chances to save with lunchtime deals. We also have a food market every Thursday during term time.
You can download our Surrey Perks app, which advertises reward schemes and all our food deals on campus.
Online learning
Many of our lectures are recorded so you can catch up remotely at your own convenience on days when getting to campus might be a challenge.
SurreyLearn, our virtual learning environment, gives you access to lecture and seminar materials, module and programme information, online assignments, quizzes, discussions forums, and more. We also have various digital tools to help you study.
Stay in our guest rooms
If you ever need to stay on campus, we have guest bedrooms on both campuses that are available year-round for stays of up to 28 days.
Finding your community
Commuting doesn't mean missing out. There are lots of ways to get involved with student life at Surrey.
Clubs and societies
We have 170 clubs and societies, covering a wide range of interests, from climate change to anime and baseball to big band. It’s a great opportunity to meet people and make connections outside your course.
You can also join Team Surrey, a community of sports players, from beginners to professional athletes, friends, coaches, fans and curious first-timers.
Events
The Surrey Students’ Union hosts a series of Surrey Belonging events throughout the year to bring the student community together, from movie nights and campus socials to group trips around the country and overseas.
These events offer lots of opportunities to be fun, creative and enrich your Surrey experience.
Extracurricular activities
Future Leaders is an extracurricular programme designed to run alongside your degree, offering opportunities for personal growth and development to enrich your university experience. Eligible students are contacted directly, and you can take part in the programme in a variety of ways – from completing digital learning modules on SurreyLearn to joining interactive workshops and in-person events.
As part of the programme, you can join our Student Commuter Network. Led and developed by current Surrey students, the network is the perfect forum to meet other students and to make sure you have everything you need on campus.
Jobs on campus
There are lots of opportunities to get a part-time job while you study with us, including working in one of our cafés, bars or restaurants, working for a local business in Guildford or becoming a student ambassador. Jobs are advertised through our on-site agency Unitemps.
Surrey Students’ Union also offers lots of volunteering opportunities.