Living in A GUIDE FOR YOU

Overview Woking is a large town located in the west of , providing excellent links to making it a popular town with young professionals, students and families. Whilst retaining its own unique charm and appeal the town centre has undergone extensive development in the form of purpose built accommodation and shopping facilities. Less than 10 miles away it is an excellent option for student looking for quick transport links to the University. Travel The following information sets out the various options available to students on the assumption they are responsible for their own transport arrangements. (The information was correct as of June 2016.)

By Bus All bus routes between Woking and are operated by Arriva Serves No. Route Journey Time Frequency Campus? 23 daily 34 via Westfield, Sutton Green, Jacobswell 28mins No - Friary Varies between 20 - 35mins 35 via , Grangefields Estate 28mins 23 daily No - Friary via , Send, Burnt Common, Ripley 7 daily 462 45 – 50mins No - Friary and (Hourly Service) via Old Woking, Send, Burnt Common, Ripley 7 daily 463 45 – 50mins No – Friary and Merrow (Hourly Service) via St. John's, Hermitage Estate, , 9 daily 28 1hr 10mins Yes Brookwood, and Varies between 45mins – 2hrs

Validity Normal Price Student Price Student Saving Student Arriva Annual Surrey & West 12 calendar months £800 £400 £400 Sussex Travelcard Student Arriva 3 monthly Surrey & West 3 calendar months £216 £160 £56 Sussex Travelcard

By Train Train travel is the quickest option between Guildford and Woking and the average journey time is 8 minutes. On an average weekday, there are 86 trains per day travelling from Woking to Guildford. Train Season Tickets Days / Months Price Average journey price 7 Days £25.40 £2.54 1 Month £97.60 - 3 Months £292.70 - 6 Months £585.30 - 12 Months £1,016.00 £2.11

By Bike The route between Woking and Guildford is connected by the national cycle route 223 – map available here, this route follows a quiet road. Students will be able to flip between "fastest", "balanced" and "quietest routes". Egley Road A320 has been improved in recent times and now has dedicated cycle facilities along much of its length. Cycling at a steady pace would take approximately 45 minutes from the centre of Woking to the Stag Hill campus. The University can help students get access discounted bikes from suppliers at reasonable prices. A cycle helmet, lights, high visibility clothing and a decent security lock are all essential for any cyclist and can be purchased on campus.

By Car Guildford and Woking are approximately 7 miles apart, roughly a 15 minute drive.

By Taxi Taxi journeys between Woking and Guildford cost approximately £18 for a single journey.

Housing Woking has seen an influx of population over the past 15 years, as transport has been increased and improved both to and from London. This saw Woking being ranked the 2nd best commuter town of 2016, taking in to account the travel time, cost, and house prices. House prices competitive considering the easy access in to London. Average rental prices per calendar month (pcm) 1 Bedroom 2 Bedrooms 3 Bedroom s 4 Bedrooms Per Property £900 - 1100 pcm £1200 – 1400 £1500 - 1750 £2250 – 2450 Per Person £900 - 1100 pcm £600 - 700 £500 - 580 £560 - 600

The types of properties vary throughout Woking. There are plenty of purpose built accommodation around the town centre that offer an on-site gym, concierge and parking. Moreover, there are also plenty of 3, and 4 bedroom houses available for students looking to lower costs by sharing in larger groups. There are three main purpose built development that are very popular with current students. It is estimated around 150 flats are currently occupied by students in these three apartments blocks alone. Said blocks are typically Studios, 1 or 2 bedroom apartments.

Some further information on these three blocks being discussed can be found below:  The Centrium  Cardinal Place  New Central

Local Area

Entertainment, Sport & Leisure With it being such a popular commuter belt and only a 25 minute train to London Waterloo, Woking this thriving town has plenty to offer.

 Home to Fit, a charity dedicated to safeguarding recreational spaces ensuring everyone has access to free, local outdoor space for sports and recreation.  Explore one of the many walking trails and take in some fresh country air.  Visit The Lightbox which is one of the most exciting cultural spaces with three galleries, a museum and café.  Work up a sweat at the Woking Leisure Centre.  Try your hand at Laser Quest, Crazy Golf, bowling or relax with a film at the local cinema.

Eat, Drink & Shop Woking offers a modern shopping experience alongside a range of dining options, making the town a lively and interesting place to live. The iconic Peacock Centre is the hub, with great shops and eateries. Woking caters for all needs, from high end products to affordable, on-the-move food necessities.

 Indulge in a day’s shopping at the Peacock Centre with late night shopping until 8pm on Thursdays.  The Sovereigns has previously been voted the best local pub where you can dine for as little as £4.49 for a main meal.  Take advantage of 2-for-1 cocktail at the Bed Bar, membership here is also free.  The up market Sands at Bleak House serve local produce and a selection of fine wines.