'Wetherspoons is best thing to happen to university'
Zac Sherratt/BBCUniversity students have shared their excitement ahead of the opening of a Wetherspoons on campus.
The UK's first university-owned Wetherspoons pub is set to open on the University of Surrey's campus in Guildford on Tuesday.
Cameron Corrigan, who is studying law at the university, says "it's probably the best thing to ever happen to the university", while paediatric nursing student Chloe Richardson said: "It's great for uni students, we all struggle with money as well and it's cheap."
However, student Ben Cutting said he was against the new pub. "I know they're very inclusive, but it just feels like: 'Is this what we've settled for?'" he added.
The Wetherspoons model means that staffing, prices and licensing will be set by the University of Surrey, while the budget pub chain will provide guidance as the franchisor.
Corrigan said the new pub could have an impact on nightlife in Guildford but urged venues in the town to cut their prices to compete.
"They are far too expensive for anyone to actually go out and have a good night without staring at your bank account every two seconds," he added.
"So this is a great alternative."
University of SurreyRichardson said although it might affect business in Guildford, she expected many students would meet at the Wetherspoons before making their way to the town centre.
"We would probably still go into town anyway, so I don't think it's going to take us away from the nightlife in Guildford at all," she explained.
Student Wilaed Ahmed said the new pub could be "a safe community for the students to be [in] within campus where they can enjoy their time together", rather than "potentially causing trouble out in the city".
However, he did have concerns about students having "too much fun".
Ahmed said he did not think the pub would impact trade in the town.
"With all types of students, like anywhere in the country, you'll find some that will like the Wetherspoons, others will like their favourite pub in the city, [and] some will rather promote a local business and maybe live music within the high street," he added.
Zac Sherratt/BBCHowever, Cutting questioned if the town needed two Wetherspoons.
He said he spoke to a pub worker in the town who was concerned about how the new branch could impact trade in Guildford.
"If you look at old pubs they are working class bases, they're the people's palaces, you've got these beautiful pubs in London and stuff," he said.
"Working class people have been priced out of normal pubs."
University of Surrey chief operating officer Will Davies previously said the aim was to "give our community a pub-style venue", while Wetherspoons' chief executive John Hutson said it was a "great addition" for the university.
