[HDNG]INTRODUCTION:[EHDNG][PARA]On the edge of the North Downs, in the heart of London's commuter country is the city of Guildford. Around the outskirts, it's a post-war invasion of modern architecture (not least the cathedral, where Gregory Peck met a sticky end in 'The Omen') and shopping malls, but the city centre is a [ITAL]quaint [EITAL]old place with its cobbled main street [ITAL]and its rural feel[EITAL]. The University campus is on Stag Hill, 10 minutes walk away. It was built (largely of concrete) in the late 60s, before which the University had been Battersea Poly. [ITAL]The campus is a bit cramped and confusing and suffers from looking like a sandy grey Lego set. But, from certain viewpoints over the man-made lakes and landscape gardening, it's just about possible to hide the concrete with greenery and occasional migrant wildlife (rabbits, ducks and the like). These are the only views the prospectus offers, but they're not the bleakly functional impression you get from ground level.[EITAL][HDNG]ATMOSPHERE:[EHDNG][PARA][ITAL]Being campus-based and with such a large proportion of students living in, Surrey University is a close-knit community, which from the outside seems insular, but is friendly enough from within. Most courses being 4 years, with part of the 3rd year spent in vocational training (ie. a job), there are some seriously career-minded individuals around and a fairly business-like attitude to study. To say that it is overrun with engineers would be harsh... but fair. However, the sex ratio is less bloke-heavy than some science-based universities. [EITAL][HDNG]THE TOWN:[EHDNG][PARA][STAT][BULL] Population: 121,500 [BULL] London: 30miles [BULL] Southampton: 45miles [BULL] Birmingham: 106miles[ESTAT][PARA][ITAL]One of the best things about Guildford is that it is close to London. For serious spending and furious fun, it's best to hop on the next train out of town.[EITAL] However, for your daily needs, Guildford is well equipped with supermarkets (a Tesco's within walking distance of the campus), shops (a few open till late), banks with cashpoints, bookshops (including 2nd hand), public libraries and a street market. Last year, the Spectrum Leisure Centre opened with an ice rink, bowling alley, pool and gym. Guildford also offers the River Wey, 2 museums and the castle keep.[HDNG]TRAVEL:[EHDNG][PARA][BOLD]Trains: [EBOLD]From Guildford Station (1/2 mile from campus) main-line connection to London (40 mins).[PARA][BOLD]Coaches: [EBOLD]National Express from Guildford to London (ú3.25, 1hr, 5/day), Bristol (ú15.75, 4hrs, 5/day) and Birmingham (ú12.75, 4:10hrs, 5/day).[PARA][BOLD]Car:[EBOLD] 5 mins from A3 (look for the mortar board sign posts), A25 and Junction 10 of the M25 also near.[PARA][BOLD]Air: [EBOLD]1/2hr by car to both Heathrow and Gatwick (inland and international)[PARA][BOLD]Hitching: [EBOLD][ITAL]Okay for A3 for London or M25.[EITAL][PARA][BOLD]Local:[EBOLD] Good bus service around town, including a minibus every 12 mins from campus to city centre (50p return).[PARA][BOLD]Bicycles:[EBOLD] [ITAL]Not too hilly and there are a few bicycle racks, but no cycle lanes and theft can be problem.[EITAL][PARA][PARA][ITAL][HDNG]LIBRARIES and COMPUTERS:[EHDNG][EITAL][PARA][ITAL][STAT][BULL] Books: 300,000 [BULL] Periodicals: 2,200 [BULL] Study places: 550 [BULL] Computer workstations: >1,000[ESTAT][EITAL][PARA]Students are urged to be computer literate. Access to Macs and PCs available day and night all week long.[HDNG]CAREER PROSPECTS:[EHDNG][PARA][STAT][BULL] Careers Service [BULL] No of staff: 4full [BULL] Unemployed after 6mths (1992): 5.2%[ESTAT][PARA]Many find permanent work through their work placements.[HDNG]SPECIAL FEATURES:[EHDNG][PARA][BULL]Most of 1 year (usually 3rd) or 2 half years are spent on professional placements. Although some are optional, it's generally seen as an advantage.[PARA][BULL]Students (regardless of their own course) are encouraged to learn a language for which extra classes are laid on.[PARA][BULL]Many courses are already modular and many more will be moving this way. From 1995 2 15-week semesters rather than 3 10-week terms will be introduced.[HDNG]FAMOUS ALUMNI:[EHDNG][PARA]Alec Issigonis (the guy who designed the mini); Nabil Shaban (actor, founder Greae Theatre).[HDNG]FURTHER INFO:[EHDNG][PARA]Prospectuses for undergrads and postgrads. The SU also produces an alternative prospectus.[PARA][PARA]
