Guildford may be steeped in history, but it’s also packed with modern student energy. From casual sports and creative cafés to cultural venues and green spaces, the town has something for every kind of hangout.

Whether you’re between lectures or making weekend plans, Guildford offers a mix of affordable, student-friendly places that are fun, relaxed, and easy to get to. From riverside coffee spots to late-night bites, the range of student hangouts in Guildford makes it easy to unwind without going far.

1. Sixes Guildford

If you’re looking for a hangout that mixes sport, food, and fun, Sixes Guildford in Tunsgate Quarter is a top choice. It’s part of the UK-wide Sixes group, offering tech-enabled batting nets, a full kitchen and bar, and a lively social setting.

The space is designed for student groups, so it’s perfect for birthday meetups, sports socials, or just something different after class. You don’t need to know how to play cricket — just grab a bat and jump in. Students can also score great savings with 50% off nets for walk-ins, or 20 to 50% off online using Student Beans or a valid student ID. It’s one of the most popular picks for cricket nets in Guildford and a standout student sport hangout.

2. Unplug + Play Board Game Café

When you want to wind down without switching off completely, Unplug + Play is the perfect setting. This board game café has a massive selection of games, from quick party favourites to long-form strategy titles, all in a relaxed and cosy space.

It’s great for study breaks, low-key evenings, or weekend chill sessions with friends. The coffee is solid, the staff are welcoming, and the table fees are low. If you’re after a student spot that feels social without being loud, this is one of the best board game cafés in Guildford for casual, creative hangouts.

3. Surrey Sports Park

Right next to the university campus, Surrey Sports Park is the go-to for anyone into fitness, sport, or team events. It offers gym facilities, fitness classes, indoor courts, and a pool. It’s also home to varsity teams like the Surrey 89s basketball squad, which students often come out to support.

With flexible membership options and drop-in rates, it’s ideal whether you’re a regular gym-goer or just want to catch a game with mates. The atmosphere is active but friendly, and it’s a key hub for student fitness in Guildford.

4. AirHop Trampoline Park

If you want to switch up your routine with something more energetic, AirHop Guildford delivers. This indoor trampoline park is packed with activities like dodgeball, open jump sessions, and fitness classes that are way more fun than they sound.

It’s a solid pick for group birthdays, society socials, or anyone looking for an affordable workout that doesn’t feel like exercise. With student deals often available and no long-term commitment needed, it’s a fun, flexible way to stay active and bounce off the stress of uni life.

5. Odeon Cinema

For a classic evening out, Odeon Guildford on Bedford Road is the go-to for the latest releases at student-friendly prices. Whether you’re into blockbuster films, cheesy rom-coms, or the latest superhero drop, there’s always something showing.

Student discounts are available with ID, and weekday screenings are often quiet and budget-friendly. It’s a simple option that works for first dates, flatmate outings, or even solo movie nights when you need a break from revision.

6. Cafés with Student Vibe

Whether you’re meeting a friend or trying to get through your reading list, Guildford has plenty of cafés that hit the sweet spot between cosy and productive. Three top student picks are Esquires Coffee, Canopy Coffee, and Cocco French Patisserie.

Esquires Coffee near the station offers comfy seating, solid Wi-Fi, and great value drinks. Canopy Coffee is a favourite for speciality brews and a more minimal vibe, perfect for solo study sessions. Cocco brings a more European feel with patisserie treats and plenty of quiet corners. These spots rank among the best study cafés in Guildford and are reliable for casual meetups or extended laptop time.

7. Live Performance & Theatre

Guildford has a surprising range of venues for live music, theatre, and comedy, many of which offer student discounts or youth events. The Electric Theatre is known for its community performances, open-mic nights, and jazz evenings that attract a creative student crowd.

Just a short walk away, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre hosts a mix of plays, pantomimes, and touring productions, while G Live brings in bigger names for concerts, stand-up, and dance shows. If you’re looking for something more cultural but still fun, these are the go-to spots for live entertainment on a student budget.

8. Boileroom & The Star Inn

For intimate gigs and indie nights, Boileroom is one of Guildford’s most iconic live music venues. The space is compact, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the lineup often includes emerging artists alongside touring bands. It also hosts creative markets and student-friendly events.

Right around the corner, The Star Inn is a cosy pub with a dedicated music room that hosts acoustic sets and smaller performances. Both are ideal for students who want to discover new music, support local talent, or just enjoy a laid-back night out without the club scene.

9. Stoke Park & Guildford Lido

If you’re looking for green space without leaving town, Stoke Park is the place. It has wide open lawns, a skatepark, tennis courts, and a crazy golf course. On weekends, it’s often filled with students playing frisbee, joining the local parkrun, or just relaxing in the sun.

Right next door, the Guildford Lido offers outdoor swimming during the warmer months. It’s a great spot for group swims, chilled afternoons, or just stretching out poolside between deadlines. Both venues are within easy walking distance from campus and offer a refreshing break from indoor routines.

10. Guildford Castle & The Undercroft

If you’re in the mood for something slower and more scenic, head to Guildford Castle. The grounds are open daily and make for a quiet, peaceful place to relax, read, or take in the views. It’s a popular spot for picnics when the weather’s good and a solid go-to for a midweek mental reset.

Just off the High Street, The Undercroft is a small medieval chamber that’s open on weekends. It’s a cool little slice of history and one of the town’s lesser-known gems. These sites are perfect for students looking for somewhere peaceful that still feels connected to the town’s identity.

11. Guildford Spectrum

If you’re after variety, Guildford Spectrum has it all. This large leisure complex offers an ice rink, bowling lanes, a swimming pool, a gym, and various student session deals throughout the week. It’s especially good for societies, flat socials, or sports teams looking for fun off campus.

The centre is easily accessible by bus and is one of the few places in town where you can go from a gym workout to a bowling night in the same building. With regular discounts for students and flexible booking options, it’s one of the best all-round activity venues in Guildford.

Final Thoughts: Best Student Hangouts in Guildford

Guildford packs a lot into a small footprint. Whether you’re into social sport at Sixes, live gigs, outdoor green spaces, or cultural events, there’s something for every mood and budget. You can study at a quiet café in the morning, hit the trampoline park or cricket nets in the afternoon, and watch live music or theatre in the evening.

It’s this balance that makes Guildford such a great place to be a student. With a strong mix of fun, fitness, and focus, these hangouts are more than just places to pass the time — they’re the backdrop to your best university memories.