Your ultimate freshers guide to surviving and thriving in the creative hubs of Farnham and Epsom.
Stepping into your first year university experience is always a mix of nervous anticipation and electrifying excitement. When you are joining a specialist creative community, that feeling is amplified tenfold. The Surrey Institute of Art and Design, University College student life 2026 is set to be one of the most vibrant, collaborative, and hands-on environments you could choose to launch your artistic career.
Known historically for its rigorous focus on fine art, design, media, and communication, the institution (now widely known under the University for the Creative Arts umbrella, but retaining its distinct local character in Farnham and Epsom) offers an intimate, highly focused campus life. Here, you aren't just a number in a lecture theatre of five hundred people. You are a designer, a filmmaker, an animator, or a craftsperson working in dedicated studio spaces from day one.
This comprehensive freshers guide is written by students, for students. We will dive deep into everything from navigating your first weeks to managing your studio budget, finding the best local spots, and making the most of your student experience.
"I chose Surrey because I wanted to be surrounded by people who were as obsessed with visual storytelling as I am. The moment you walk into the studios, you feel that shared obsession." - Mia Chen, BA (Hons) Animation AlumnaYour journey begins with Freshers Week. Unlike traditional, massive multi-faculty universities where freshers is dominated by generic arena club nights, the freshers guide for a creative specialist college looks a little different. It is intimate, deeply social, and highly collaborative.
In September 2026, you can expect a mixture of gallery openings, welcome parties, live music events at the Student Union, and practical workshops designed to get you familiar with the extensive facilities. Do not miss the campus-wide scavenger hunts and themed pub crawls, which are legendary for helping first-year students bond over shared tastes in music and design.
The student experience varies slightly depending on which historic campus you are based at, though both share a core ethos of intense creative focus.
Farnham is a historic market town that feels like a living postcard. The campus here is a self-contained creative village. It features incredible facilities, including a dedicated cinema, extensive glassmaking and clay workshops, and vast fine art studios. Life in Farnham is relaxed but deeply artistic. You’ll spend your evenings in local pubs like the Star Inn or hanging out at the local meadows with a sketchbook in hand.
Located much closer to the edge of Greater London, Epsom is fast-paced, stylish, and highly connected. Famous for its fashion, graphic design, and marketing programs, Epsom campus life is energetic. With London just a short train ride away, students frequently visit galleries, fashion shows, and agency talks in the capital, bringing that urban inspiration directly back to their studio spaces.
One of the most important university tips for creative students is learning how to budget for materials. Unlike other degrees where you only buy a few textbooks, art and design students must budget for clay, fabric, camera rentals, printing, and high-spec digital software.
Here is an honest breakdown of the average weekly cost of living for a student at the Surrey campuses in 2026:
| Expense Category | Average Weekly Cost (Farnham/Epsom) | How to Save Money |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (Halls/Shared House) | £145 - £190 | Opt for standard rooms or shared flats rather than premium en-suites. |
| Groceries & Food | £40 - £55 | Shop at local discount supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi instead of Express convenience stores. |
| Art & Course Materials | £15 - £30 | Buy in bulk through the Student Union shop or reuse scrap materials from end-of-year exhibitions. |
| Transport & Trains | £10 - £25 | Use your Railcard and walk around town; both Epsom and Farnham are highly pedestrian-friendly. |
| Socialising & Leisure | £30 - £50 | Take advantage of student nights at the Student Union bar where drinks are heavily discounted. |
The real value of your time at The Surrey Institute of Art and Design, University College student life 2026 lies in the workshops. You have access to professional-grade equipment that would cost thousands to rent in the real world.
Make it your mission in your first year university term to get certified on as many machines as possible. Even if you are a fashion student, learning how to use the woodshop or the screen-printing beds can add incredibly unique textures and dimensions to your portfolio. The technical tutors are industry veterans—treat them with respect, ask for their advice, and they will help you bring your wildest concepts to life.
The libraries at both campuses are treasure troves of rare art books, independent zines, and high-end design magazines. Additionally, you will have access to extensive digital suites equipped with the latest Adobe Creative Cloud, 3D rendering software, and video editing tools. Don't buy expensive software licenses before checking what the university provides for free!
Because these campuses are smaller than giant city universities, the social vibe is incredibly tight-knit. You will quickly get to know almost everyone on your course and adjacent disciplines. This cross-pollination of ideas is where the magic happens. Filmmakers collaborate with fashion designers for wardrobe; actors work with animators; musicians score fine art installations.
Outside of the studios, the Student Union acts as the social heart of campus. Weekly pub quizzes, karaoke nights, and live acoustic sessions offer a relaxed environment to unwind. For big club nights out, Epsom students often head into Kingston or London, while Farnham students enjoy local pub culture or organise legendary house parties in shared student accommodation.
As you prepare to embark on this incredible chapter of your life, remember that art school is what you make of it. Be bold, experiment without fear of failure, and throw yourself into the community. Attend the exhibitions, talk to the guest lecturers, and don't spend all your time locked in your bedroom. Your creative voice is waiting to be discovered, and Surrey is the perfect canvas to paint it on.