University Students Contradict Survey Findings

Published on: 16 Apr, 2026
Updated on: 16 Apr, 2026

Listen to Isabelle Trubshaw’s interview with students from the University of Surrey, who discuss the commutability of Surrey’s campus.

By Isabelle Trubshaw

University of Surrey students interviewed by The Guildford Dragon NEWS disagree with a recent analysis conducted by student accommodation provider, Canvas, which ranks university among the least commutable campuses in the UK.

Using various metrics recorded via Google Maps, Canvas gave the University of Surrey a walkability score of 5.57 out of 10, placing it fifth worst out of 40 campuses analysed across the UK.

Key findings from the analysis include:

The nearest major shopping area, The Friary Centre, is a 28-minute walk from campus (1.2 miles)
Guildford High Street is 32-minute walk from campus (1.4 miles).
The nearest supermarket is a 16-minute walk from campus (0.7 miles)
The nearest pub is a 17-minute walk from campus (0.7 miles).
The closest pharmacy is also 16 minutes away (0.7 miles).

However, our interviews with Surrey’s students does not reflect these findings, with most respondents stating that the university is within a very walkable distance – around 10 minutes – to town.

A Canvas spokesperson wrote that isolated campuses often leave students relying on transport or “limiting choices beyond campus life”.

In contrast, the Dragon survey found that students rarely, if ever, used transport links. Those who did highlighted affordable e-bike access and reliable bus routes to and from the centre.

Students also reported that, despite the short walking distance, the Guildford borough feels very safe both during the day and at night.