The University of Surrey’s home town of Guildford voted leading university town for LGBT+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans) friendliness, according to new study.
The research, carried out by the Alternative UK University City League, is based on information from LGBT charity Stonewall and created by Citybase Apartments.
The table used information from different organisations including Stonewall, whose most recent data (for 2015) is based on a ten-point checklist. These factors include whether the universities have an LGBT+ society and other types of available support and resources.
Often traditional league tables concentrate on academic performance, but this survey looked at aspects of student life which are important to millennials, which also included crime rates, average graduate salary, sustainability, and the “price of a pint”.
President of the Students’ Union, Alex Mackenzie Smith, said: “It’s vital that every single Surrey student is treated equally at our university. The Students’ Union promotes inclusivity in everything we do, from joining a sports team, society or taking part in an event – it is really important everyone feels a part of the Surrey community.
Everyone should feel at home where they choose to study, so this vote shows that everyone at our university knows they are a valued member of our community.”
Professor Jane Powell, Vice-Provost Education and Students, added: “This reflects the positive feedback we have from our students about their experience of their time here, not just in their studies but also in relation to broader quality of life issues, including social facilities, support systems and a welcoming community.
“It is testament to the warmth and friendliness of our community that those who come to study here have such a positive experience in many aspects of their lives.”