About the University of Surrey Archives and Special Collections
To celebrate the start of the University of Surrey’s 60th anniversary year, which begins on Wednesday 9 September 2026, this selection of fascinating images - many drawn from the University of Surrey’s Archives and Special Collections - offers a fond snapshot of life on campus through the decades.
We hope you enjoy them – and please do look out for details of celebratory events coming up across the University over the next 12 months!
While the University was established on Friday 9 September 1966, when it was granted its Royal Charter, the institutional archive dates from the foundation of our predecessor institution Battersea Polytechnic, in 1891 and continues to the present day.
Our Archives and Special Collections also hold several collections related to renowned illustrator E. H. Shepard (Winnie-the-Pooh and The Wind in the Willows), the collections of the National Resource Centre for Dance, and a range of other special collections.
The department works with students, researchers and colleagues from across the University community. Researchers and the public are also welcome to visit to view material from the collections - we are open to all.
Please get in touch via archives@surrey.ac.uk to see how we can help.
Please click on the images to view them in full.
From Battersea Polytechnic Institute to the University of Surrey, 1891-1966
Founded in south-west London in 1891, Battersea Polytechnic Institute welcomed its first students in 1894. Its purpose was to provide technical education and practical skills for Britain's growing industrial economy.
Early courses included Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Art and Physics, alongside “Women’s Subjects”, such as Nursing and Domestic Science. Provision of evening classes enabled those in employment to study while working.
In 1957, Battersea became a College of Advanced Technology and was renamed “Battersea College of Technology”. During this period, it expanded its teaching, research and postgraduate provision.
By the early 1960s, the College was outgrowing its space in London, and a new site was sought, with Guildford identified as an ideal location due to its proximity to London and Europe.
In a major milestone in 1966, the College was granted a Royal Charter and became the University of Surrey. Work began to relocate from Battersea to a brand-new, purpose-built campus next to Guildford Cathedral. The move was completed in stages, with the final departments transferring to Guildford by 1969–70, establishing the modern University of Surrey.
The early years at Stag Hill
1966-1979
A muddy campus, buildings covered in scaffolding and a makeshift canteen greeted our first students from 1968 onwards, 1969 | © University of Surrey
A muddy campus, buildings covered in scaffolding and a makeshift canteen greeted our first students from 1968 onwards, 1969 | © University of Surrey
The original Sports Hall on the Spine Road, Stag Hill, 1973 | © University of Surrey
The original Sports Hall on the Spine Road, Stag Hill, 1973 | © University of Surrey
Wates House after construction at Stag Hill Campus, 1970s | ©University of Surrey
Wates House after construction at Stag Hill Campus, 1970s | ©University of Surrey
Satellite Command Station. The aerial complex of the command station, capable of tracking satellites to an accuracy of 0.5°. 1977 | © University of Surrey
Satellite Command Station. The aerial complex of the command station, capable of tracking satellites to an accuracy of 0.5°. 1977 | © University of Surrey
Students in a lecture in the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, 1979 | © University of Surrey
Students in a lecture in the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, 1979 | © University of Surrey
Daphne Jackson became the first female Professor of Physics in the UK in 1971. She also helped set up the Women in Science and Engineering initiative to attract more female students into those subjects | © University of Surrey
Daphne Jackson became the first female Professor of Physics in the UK in 1971. She also helped set up the Women in Science and Engineering initiative to attract more female students into those subjects | © University of Surrey
A student working in a laboratory in the Department of Chemistry. The technology in our Department of Chemistry may seem distinctly old-school, but it was cutting-edge at the time | © University of Surrey
A student working in a laboratory in the Department of Chemistry. The technology in our Department of Chemistry may seem distinctly old-school, but it was cutting-edge at the time | © University of Surrey
Students working in a laboratory in the Department of Chemical Engineering, 1977 | © University of Surrey
Students working in a laboratory in the Department of Chemical Engineering, 1977 | © University of Surrey
Students standing outside the Bookshop on Stag Hill Campus, 1970s | © University of Surrey
Students standing outside the Bookshop on Stag Hill Campus, 1970s | © University of Surrey
A demonstration of the SeeBoard Electric Car. Pictured are students from the Department of Home Economics, Dr Arthur Tarrant and Professor V S Griffiths, Pro-Vice Chancellor | © University of Surrey
A demonstration of the SeeBoard Electric Car. Pictured are students from the Department of Home Economics, Dr Arthur Tarrant and Professor V S Griffiths, Pro-Vice Chancellor | © University of Surrey
Students in the Library on Stag Hill Campus, 1974 | © University of Surrey
Students in the Library on Stag Hill Campus, 1974 | © University of Surrey
A martial arts class, 1978 | © University of Surrey
A martial arts class, 1978 | © University of Surrey
Students playing basketball in the Sports Hall, 1976 | © University of Surrey
Students playing basketball in the Sports Hall, 1976 | © University of Surrey
Life on campus
1980-1999
Creation of the water cascade at Stag Hill Campus, 1983 | © University of Surrey
Creation of the water cascade at Stag Hill Campus, 1983 | © University of Surrey
© University of Surrey
© University of Surrey
The Geodesic Dome in the Lake. There are various rumours as to how the Dome came to be in the lake, including that it was a prank by the rugby club, 1984 | © University of Surrey
The Geodesic Dome in the Lake. There are various rumours as to how the Dome came to be in the lake, including that it was a prank by the rugby club, 1984 | © University of Surrey
Student working on a computer in the Department of Economics, 1987 | © University of Surrey
Student working on a computer in the Department of Economics, 1987 | © University of Surrey
Students in the Computing Unit, 1980 | © University of Surrey
Students in the Computing Unit, 1980 | © University of Surrey
Clean room for UoSAT - the first modern microsatellite with re-programmable on-board computers, launched on October 6, 1981. Our Satellites Control Room helped launch the success of Surrey Space Centre, while pioneering academic Professor Sir Martin Sweeting established Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd in 1985 | © University of Surrey
Clean room for UoSAT - the first modern microsatellite with re-programmable on-board computers, launched on October 6, 1981. Our Satellites Control Room helped launch the success of Surrey Space Centre, while pioneering academic Professor Sir Martin Sweeting established Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd in 1985 | © University of Surrey
Students in the Department of Management Studies for Tourism and Hotel Industries learning about wines during the launch of the Grants of St James's Wine Project Award, 1987 | © University of Surrey
Students in the Department of Management Studies for Tourism and Hotel Industries learning about wines during the launch of the Grants of St James's Wine Project Award, 1987 | © University of Surrey
A student working in a microbiology laboratory, 1981 | © University of Surrey
A student working in a microbiology laboratory, 1981 | © University of Surrey
A student working in a laboratory in the Department of Physics, 1984 | © University of Surrey
A student working in a laboratory in the Department of Physics, 1984 | © University of Surrey
Mechanical engineering students got to grips with the latest computer-aided design software | © University of Surrey
Mechanical engineering students got to grips with the latest computer-aided design software | © University of Surrey
Two Nursing Studies students monitoring a patient using a Cardiorater at the Royal Surrey County Hospital, 1980. Our first cohort of nursing students graduated from the University in 1982 | © University of Surrey
Two Nursing Studies students monitoring a patient using a Cardiorater at the Royal Surrey County Hospital, 1980. Our first cohort of nursing students graduated from the University in 1982 | © University of Surrey
Students in a dance class in the Department of Dance, 1985 | © University of Surrey
Students in a dance class in the Department of Dance, 1985 | © University of Surrey
Students from the Department of Civil Engineering taking part in practical exercises, 1984 | © University of Surrey
Students from the Department of Civil Engineering taking part in practical exercises, 1984 | © University of Surrey
Rugby Club during a match, 1983 | © University of Surrey
Rugby Club during a match, 1983 | © University of Surrey
Our students have always been high-flyers… particularly these members of our Trampolining Team in 1988 | © University of Surrey
Our students have always been high-flyers… particularly these members of our Trampolining Team in 1988 | © University of Surrey
Clive Elliot, a member of staff of the Sports Hall, conducting a beginner class in fencing, 1984 | © University of Surrey
Clive Elliot, a member of staff of the Sports Hall, conducting a beginner class in fencing, 1984 | © University of Surrey
The Canoe Club had clearly come straight from the river and not had time to stow away their boats at this Freshers Fair in 1983 | © University of Surrey
The Canoe Club had clearly come straight from the river and not had time to stow away their boats at this Freshers Fair in 1983 | © University of Surrey
Sallie Robins and Sue Canterbury, Students' Union President and Vice President, 1989 | © University of Surrey
Sallie Robins and Sue Canterbury, Students' Union President and Vice President, 1989 | © University of Surrey
Our first Students’ Union was based in Senate House from 1968. The current Students’ Union building was constructed in 1972. It’s seen many undergraduates pass through its doors. | © 1980 University of Surrey
Our first Students’ Union was based in Senate House from 1968. The current Students’ Union building was constructed in 1972. It’s seen many undergraduates pass through its doors. | © 1980 University of Surrey
Cliff Richard being interviewed by Radio Surrey during a visit as a guest of the student Christian Union, 1984 | © University of Surrey
Cliff Richard being interviewed by Radio Surrey during a visit as a guest of the student Christian Union, 1984 | © University of Surrey
A DJ from Radio Surrey playing music at Freshers Fair, 1984 | © University of Surrey
A DJ from Radio Surrey playing music at Freshers Fair, 1984 | © University of Surrey
The Grand Viennese Ball, a fundraising event in aid of an appeal to provide specialist facilities for Music and Dance Studies, 1987 | © University of Surrey
The Grand Viennese Ball, a fundraising event in aid of an appeal to provide specialist facilities for Music and Dance Studies, 1987 | © University of Surrey
Students of the Dance and Music Departments at the University of Surrey dancing the quadrille at The Grand Viennese Ball in aid of the Appeal to provide specialist facilities for Music and Dance Studies, 1987 | © University of Surrey
Students of the Dance and Music Departments at the University of Surrey dancing the quadrille at The Grand Viennese Ball in aid of the Appeal to provide specialist facilities for Music and Dance Studies, 1987 | © University of Surrey
HRH The Duke of Kent, Chancellor of the University of Surrey, taken during a visit to the Students' Union, 1986 | © University of Surrey
HRH The Duke of Kent, Chancellor of the University of Surrey, taken during a visit to the Students' Union, 1986 | © University of Surrey
Chancellor HRH The Duke of Kent, during a visit to the Department of Music to watch a music student, Joe Farler, recording a concert being given by fellow students in the University Hall, 1984 | © University of Surrey
Chancellor HRH The Duke of Kent, during a visit to the Department of Music to watch a music student, Joe Farler, recording a concert being given by fellow students in the University Hall, 1984 | © University of Surrey
A visit by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 1992 | © University of Surrey
A visit by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 1992 | © University of Surrey
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during a visit to Surrey Space Technology Limited at Surrey Research Park, 1998 | © University of Surrey
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during a visit to Surrey Space Technology Limited at Surrey Research Park, 1998 | © University of Surrey
Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II returned to campus in 1998 to award prizes for our work on small satellite technology and communications | © University of Surrey
Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II returned to campus in 1998 to award prizes for our work on small satellite technology and communications | © University of Surrey
Students outside Guildford Cathedral during a degree ceremony, 1990 | © University of Surrey
Students outside Guildford Cathedral during a degree ceremony, 1990 | © University of Surrey
Graduating students outside Guildford Cathedral, 1990s | © University of Surrey
Graduating students outside Guildford Cathedral, 1990s | © University of Surrey
Graduating students throwing mortar boards in the air following their graduation ceremony, 1999 | © University of Surrey
Graduating students throwing mortar boards in the air following their graduation ceremony, 1999 | © University of Surrey
Marquees and a helter skelter for the graduation ball, 1991 | © University of Surrey
Marquees and a helter skelter for the graduation ball, 1991 | © University of Surrey
Fairground rides at Stag Hill Campus for graduation, 1996 | © University of Surrey
Fairground rides at Stag Hill Campus for graduation, 1996 | © University of Surrey
Students sitting at tables outside Chancellors Bar and Restaurant at Stag Hill Campus, 1989 | © University of Surrey
Students sitting at tables outside Chancellors Bar and Restaurant at Stag Hill Campus, 1989 | © University of Surrey
Students in the kitchen of a student residence, 1991 | © University of Surrey
Students in the kitchen of a student residence, 1991 | © University of Surrey
A student residence room, 1989 | © University of Surrey
A student residence room, 1989 | © University of Surrey
An exercise class in the Sports Hall, 1986 | © University of Surrey
An exercise class in the Sports Hall, 1986 | © University of Surrey
Some students got on their bikes in the Sports Hall to get fit in 1988 | © University of Surrey
Some students got on their bikes in the Sports Hall to get fit in 1988 | © University of Surrey
Members of the Juggling team practising on Stag Hill Campus, 1990 | © University of Surrey
Members of the Juggling team practising on Stag Hill Campus, 1990 | © University of Surrey
Students using the Language Labs in Senate House, 1990s | © University of Surrey
Students using the Language Labs in Senate House, 1990s | © University of Surrey
Students in the Department of Management Studies for Hotel and Tourism Studies preparing dishes in a kitchen, 1990s | © University of Surrey
Students in the Department of Management Studies for Hotel and Tourism Studies preparing dishes in a kitchen, 1990s | © University of Surrey
Students in a recording studio in the Department of Music, 1990 | © University of Surrey
Students in a recording studio in the Department of Music, 1990 | © University of Surrey
Entrance to Surrey Space Centre, 1990s | © University of Surrey
Entrance to Surrey Space Centre, 1990s | © University of Surrey
Aerial photograph of Stag Hill Campus, 1992 | © University of Surrey
Aerial photograph of Stag Hill Campus, 1992 | © University of Surrey
Embracing the new millennium
2000-2026
Celebrations for the 35th anniversary of the University of Surrey and unveiling of the statue 'Surrey Scholar' at the junction of Quarry Street, Guildford. Present were HRH The Duke of Kent and Penelope Keith, 2002 | © University of Surrey
Celebrations for the 35th anniversary of the University of Surrey and unveiling of the statue 'Surrey Scholar' at the junction of Quarry Street, Guildford. Present were HRH The Duke of Kent and Penelope Keith, 2002 | © University of Surrey
We don’t just educate undergraduate and postgraduate students at Surrey. In 2000, our Department of Chemical Engineering ran a course to train future Chemical Weapons Inspectors | © University of Surrey
We don’t just educate undergraduate and postgraduate students at Surrey. In 2000, our Department of Chemical Engineering ran a course to train future Chemical Weapons Inspectors | © University of Surrey
Sleep Research subject, asleep in a research bed, 2012 | © University of Surrey
Sleep Research subject, asleep in a research bed, 2012 | © University of Surrey
Rachel Butler demonstrating Flow Cytometer to students sat down listening to their teacher, 2013 | © University of Surrey
Rachel Butler demonstrating Flow Cytometer to students sat down listening to their teacher, 2013 | © University of Surrey
Student nurses holding tools in the operation simulation suite, 2013 | © University of Surrey
Student nurses holding tools in the operation simulation suite, 2013 | © University of Surrey
Students laughing in accommodation bedroom © 2013 Richard Booth / University of Surrey
Students laughing in accommodation bedroom © 2013 Richard Booth / University of Surrey
DJ in Students' Union, DJ looking down at his set, dark background with laptop in front, 2013 | © University of Surrey
DJ in Students' Union, DJ looking down at his set, dark background with laptop in front, 2013 | © University of Surrey
Student presenter on Stag Radio © 2013 University of Surrey
Student presenter on Stag Radio © 2013 University of Surrey
Guildford School of Acting moved its headquarters from the centre of town to Stag Hill and became part of the University in 2009. This photo shows BA Theatre Production students backstage at Guildford School of Acting's production of The Watsons. © Steve Gregson Photography
Guildford School of Acting moved its headquarters from the centre of town to Stag Hill and became part of the University in 2009. This photo shows BA Theatre Production students backstage at Guildford School of Acting's production of The Watsons. © Steve Gregson Photography
MA Stage and Production Management students backstage at Guildford School of Acting's production of Macbeth. © Danny Fitzpatrick Photography
MA Stage and Production Management students backstage at Guildford School of Acting's production of Macbeth. © Danny Fitzpatrick Photography
Guildford School of Acting's BA Actor-Musician students performing We Happy Few. © Steve Gregson Photography
Guildford School of Acting's BA Actor-Musician students performing We Happy Few. © Steve Gregson Photography
Guildford School of Acting's BA Acting students performing The Watsons. © Steve Gregson Photography
Guildford School of Acting's BA Acting students performing The Watsons. © Steve Gregson Photography
Guildford School of Acting's BA Musical Theatre students performing Hunchback Of Notre Dame at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. © Steve Gregson Photography
Guildford School of Acting's BA Musical Theatre students performing Hunchback Of Notre Dame at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. © Steve Gregson Photography
Guildford School of Acting's MA Musical Theatre students performing The Rink. © Steve Gregson Photography
Guildford School of Acting's MA Musical Theatre students performing The Rink. © Steve Gregson Photography
Guildford School of Acting's Junior Conservatoire students performing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. | © Guildford School of Acting
Guildford School of Acting's Junior Conservatoire students performing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. | © Guildford School of Acting
Guildford School of Acting's MA Acting students performing Mansfield Park. © Steve Gregson Photography
Guildford School of Acting's MA Acting students performing Mansfield Park. © Steve Gregson Photography
Guildford School of Acting's BA Applied and Contemporary Theatre students performing Love and Information. © Craig Fuller Photography
Guildford School of Acting's BA Applied and Contemporary Theatre students performing Love and Information. © Craig Fuller Photography
Guildford School of Acting's MFA Acting and MFA Musical Theatre students performing Working. © Danny Fitzpatrick Photography
Guildford School of Acting's MFA Acting and MFA Musical Theatre students performing Working. © Danny Fitzpatrick Photography
In 2010, we opened Surrey Sports Park on our Manor Park campus. This £36 million centre provides world-class sports facilities that are used by local, national and Olympic athletes | © University of Surrey
In 2010, we opened Surrey Sports Park on our Manor Park campus. This £36 million centre provides world-class sports facilities that are used by local, national and Olympic athletes | © University of Surrey
Surrey Sports Park, people on indoor bikes | © University of Surrey
Surrey Sports Park, people on indoor bikes | © University of Surrey
Boat Club rowing on a river, 2000s | © University of Surrey
Boat Club rowing on a river, 2000s | © University of Surrey
Shot of men playing Basketball at Surrey Sports Park, dark background, two men playing basketball, 2013 | © University of Surrey
Shot of men playing Basketball at Surrey Sports Park, dark background, two men playing basketball, 2013 | © University of Surrey
Aerial view of Surrey Sports Park, 2021 | © Grant Pritchard / University of Surrey
Aerial view of Surrey Sports Park, 2021 | © Grant Pritchard / University of Surrey
Stag Hill, Manor Park, Surrey Sports Park - aerial photography taken Sept 2013 by Jason Hawkes | © University of Surrey
Stag Hill, Manor Park, Surrey Sports Park - aerial photography taken Sept 2013 by Jason Hawkes | © University of Surrey
UG FHMS & FASS 2020, School of Veterinary Medicine building exterior | © Grant Pritchard / University of Surrey
UG FHMS & FASS 2020, School of Veterinary Medicine building exterior | © Grant Pritchard / University of Surrey
Photography shoot coordinated by Royal College of Veterinary Students (RCVS) of Surrey students at the School of Medicine. | © Jacob Cook
Photography shoot coordinated by Royal College of Veterinary Students (RCVS) of Surrey students at the School of Medicine. | © Jacob Cook
Surrey Space Centre - Propulsion Lab_2, 2025 | © Darren Cool / University of Surrey
Surrey Space Centre - Propulsion Lab_2, 2025 | © Darren Cool / University of Surrey
6GIC building exterior, 2025 | © Darren Cool / University of Surrey
6GIC building exterior, 2025 | © Darren Cool / University of Surrey
Building shot of Surrey Satellite Technology, 2011 | © University of Surrey
Building shot of Surrey Satellite Technology, 2011 | © University of Surrey
Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing, 2018 | © PAUL STEAD / University of Surrey
Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing, 2018 | © PAUL STEAD / University of Surrey
The Heat Islands Exhibit. In November 2022, the University invited Guildford and Surrey residents to campus to experience two open-access installations, dubbed the Innovation Exploratorium project, which bring to life the University’s sustainability-focused research. | © Dean Whiting / University of Surrey
The Heat Islands Exhibit. In November 2022, the University invited Guildford and Surrey residents to campus to experience two open-access installations, dubbed the Innovation Exploratorium project, which bring to life the University’s sustainability-focused research. | © Dean Whiting / University of Surrey
The Roundhouse, religious life centre, Stag Hill campus, 2025 | © Murray Scott / University of Surrey
The Roundhouse, religious life centre, Stag Hill campus, 2025 | © Murray Scott / University of Surrey
Lake and view of Guildford, 2025 | © Darren Cool/ University of Surrey
Lake and view of Guildford, 2025 | © Darren Cool/ University of Surrey
A barista serving a happy customer coffee at Hillside Coffee 2024 | © Paul Stead / University of Surrey
A barista serving a happy customer coffee at Hillside Coffee 2024 | © Paul Stead / University of Surrey
Students on rainbow cross roads walking | © Grant Pritchard / University of Surrey
Students on rainbow cross roads walking | © Grant Pritchard / University of Surrey
The University’s partnership with Dongbei University of Finance and Economics in Dalian (SII-DUFE) has been operating for nearly 20 years. This picture is from the 2026 graduation | © Unknown
The University’s partnership with Dongbei University of Finance and Economics in Dalian (SII-DUFE) has been operating for nearly 20 years. This picture is from the 2026 graduation | © Unknown
Professor Amelia Hadfield speaking at the Dongbei University of Finance and Economics (DUFE) annual graduation, 2026 | © Unknown
Professor Amelia Hadfield speaking at the Dongbei University of Finance and Economics (DUFE) annual graduation, 2026 | © Unknown
April 2022 Graduation event | © University of Surrey
April 2022 Graduation event | © University of Surrey
We hope you enjoyed this feature and join the anniversary celebrations that will take place throughout the year – keep an eye on SurreyNet for more details. Our new film, published this summer, showcases the wide range of facilities across campus, and the great news is that the evolution is continuing!
The University’s vision, as laid out in Vision 2041, is to create a dynamic, pioneering campus that stands as a destination for education and research, characterised by its sustainable, digitally integrated environment. This includes the development of a campus that blends the ongoing development of teaching, study and research facilities with the need for spaces that support physical and mental wellness.
More information on Vision 2041 is available on SurreyNet or by viewing the Vision 2041 document.
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