Apart from the expense of living in Surrey, which has been difficult to manage, I would highly recommend this university. With an option to take a placement year for most degrees, they are extremely good at ensuring their students are employable after they graduate - which, in my view, is the most important outcome from a degree. The Creative Writing degree is one of the best in the country (in my opinion)

The library is well stocked

Guildford is beautiful but too expensive for students, and SOME of the residents (a small minority - most are lovely) seem to resent and complain about young people at the university

Joining a society influenced future career

The English Literature and Creative Writing departments are both fantastic. Paul Vlitos and Churnjeet Mahn are two of the best teachers I've ever had, and have not only taught me material for my course, they have changed the way I see the world.

The placement year has meant that many of my peers and I have either received job offers or at the very least, a glowing reference and valuable experience

Horrendously expensive - student loan barely covers a room where black mould is growing in the corners.

The campus is beautiful, with the lake, many coffee shops/restaurants and study spaces. Accommodation is quite cheap, depending on which Band you choose, and the location, but they are still relatively spacious. There is a Lidl nearby so groceries are quite cheap as well. Downsides are the rather confusing lines of communications with some departments, such as the Student Ambassador's department. There is no catered option, which is only really a problem if you don't enjoy cooking. If you live on Hazel Farm, getting to campus can be annoying because the buses are unreliable and it's a 40 minute walk, but the Surrey student discount Stagecoach offers is considerable and offers largely increased mobility for those who don't drive so I'd say it's worth it.

Lecturers and seminar leaders are always friendly and helpful, though clarity varies (this is a matter of opinion and what style of teaching works best for you). Most, if not all, lectures are recorded and uploaded online, which is extremely helpful. There is lots of flexibility and time to do things to your own schedule. Downsides include the amount of reading you may receive in one week (though this varies and is never unmanageable), and sometimes the selection of texts for a module is not conducive to the essay questions given to us for our assessments, which can make them difficult to plan/write.

Guildford is a historic town, with a castle and cathedral, and is usually quite beautiful. It has easy access to London, and many outlets/retailers in the town centre, along with quite a few corner shops in residential areas, which is very convenient. Being in Surrey, the cost of living is quite high, and it is predominantly inhabited by upper class white people, though the presence of the University brings some diversity. Bus routes are extensive but can be unreliable at times. There are many restaurants etc nearby that offer delivery, which is very convenient for a student.

It is quite cheap, since it is not on campus, and the combined cost of rent here and the yearly bus pass required to get to campus is still cheaper than a room on campus. It is in the middle of a residential area, so it is very quiet and peaceful, and since the halls are likely converted houses, flats are smaller and are typically only shared by 6-10 people. Despite this it is quite spacious in the flats. Cleaning of public spaces is offered once a week, and there is a corner shop across the road, which is extremely convenient. It also has several close-by bus stops.