Moving into accommodation

Two student carrying boxes on campus

Living in University halls is one of the most exciting and valuable parts of your Surrey experience. Here you will find all the important information about collecting your key and moving in.

Collecting your key

Please ensure you bring a form photo ID with you when you collect your key, for example, a valid passport, a photo driving licence or your student card if you have it.

Where to collect your key

This includes Battersea, Cathedral, Millennium House, Stag Hill, Surrey, Twyford and University Courts.

Visit the Stag Hill reception at Senate House. There are maps and signs around campus to guide you, or you can download the MySurrey App to get an interactive map of campus on your phone.

Please note that between Monday-Friday (7:30am-5pm), cars can only be parked in the University’s pay and display car park on Stag Hill, which can be full at peak times and is chargeable.

Visit the Manor Park reception on the Manor Park campus.

Please note that there is no parking available at Manor Park. There are a small number of spaces at Bellerby Court for permit holders only. There is no visitor parking at either residence.

Students moving to Hazel Farm will need to collect their keys from Stag Hill reception at Senate House – there is no reception at Hazel Farm.

Students resident at Hazel Farm may park free of charge in designated spaces at Hazel Farm. You must register for parking in advance.

Reception opening hours:

On Saturday 3 February and Sunday 4 February, Stag Hill and Manor Park receptions are open as follows: 

  • Saturday 3 February 8am – 6pm
  • Sunday 4 February: 8am – 6pm

Outside of these dates, both receptions are open: 

  • Monday – Friday: 8am – 8pm 
  • Saturday 9am – 5pm 
  • Sunday: Closed 

Arriving out of hours?

If you arrive outside of reception opening hours, you can still collect your key. Please use the intercoms located outside of both reception buildings to call Campus Safety, who will issue your keys to you.

Please note, if you arrive out of hours at Manor Park you may have to wait for a member of the Campus Safety team to return from patrol.

Saturday 3 February and Sunday 4 February 2024 – Moving-in weekend

This is one of our favourite weekends of the whole year! We will be welcoming thousands of new students to our campus from around the world, and you will be experiencing university life for the first time.

Prepare for moving-in weekend

If you are arriving by public transport, you don't need to book an arrival slot and you can collect your key at any time from 8am on Saturday 3 February 2024.

We recommend that you take a bus or taxi from the station.

When you arrive at Guildford train station follow signs for the main entrance/car park. Please wait at the bus stop outside the main entrance.

If you are moving into Hazel Farm, please remember to change at Stag Hill for a separate minibus service to your accommodation.

Moving-in weekend FAQs

Moving in so many students in a short space of time is quite a challenge, but we have some very easy systems in place to make sure it goes smoothly. 

When you arrive on campus you will be directed to key collection to get your room keys. From there you can drive or walk to your block to take your belongings to your room. There will be lots of signs around campus to show you where to go, so you do not need to worry about getting lost. 

If you have friends or family taking you then they can stay with you as long as they like on the day, so you are welcome to explore campus together, get something to eat and drink or even visit town or a supermarket for your first food shop. 

Yes, you are very welcome to bring people with you to help you move in.  

In order to make the experience as smooth as possible, we ask that, unless assistance is needed from a carer or support worker, only students enter buildings to collect their keys – guests should wait in the car park.

There is no need to worry if you are unable to arrive on moving-in weekend. You will still be able to collect your key and take your belongings to your room. 

Our friendly volunteers won’t be on hand to meet you, but our Campus Safety team are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help. See the Arriving out of hours section above for information.

What to expect on moving-in weekend

Moving into non-University of Surrey halls

If you are going to be living in halls or housing that is not managed by the University, for example private housing in the local area, Scape, Bankside etc, then there will be different processes for you to follow. You will be informed about these processes by the respective providers or landlord, usually via the same email address which you used to apply for the property/room.

Top tips

If travelling by car, please make sure that you stick to the time that you are allocated, otherwise campus can become congested, queuing times will increase and you will need to wait longer to get moved in.

Download our MySurrey App to get interactive maps of campus on your phone – this will help you to navigate your way around. 

A parent and student unpacking their suitcase in halls
What to pack
Make sure you know what to bring.
Student sat in International House accommodation room
Once you have moved in
Get connected to the wi-fi, explore the campus and make friends.
Guildford Weyside pub across the river
Explore Guildford
Outside of campus is a selection of entertainment, restaurants and bars.