Meet some students

Students at Surrey come from over 130 different countries so you will be certain to get a truly international education.

Find out why these students choose the University of Surrey:

• Fitria Sabaruddin from Indonesia
• Jasdeep Bhachu from Tanzania
• Jun Bing Ye from China
• Abiola Awe from Nigeria

 

Fitria Sabaruddin

Fitria from Indonesia is studying for an MSC in Social Psychology

"I love British culture. The people, the films and especially the music. I’ve always loved Britpop and while I’m studying in England I’m going to go to as many concerts as I can. Britain is so welcoming and accepting. It’s very open to different cultures and that makes it a fun place to be. It’s been very free and very fun. Guildford is a perfect place to focus on studying and for enjoying the best of British community.

One of the reasons I choose Surrey was because in the prospectus I saw Muslim girls wearing the hijab headscarf and that made me feel like I would be totally accepted at the university, it can be quite difficult for women coming to England from a different culture but that's not been my experience at all. It could be quite difficult for women coming and living alone in a country with a very different culture, but that's not been my experience at all.

The study of psychology in UK has a distinct and unique perspective on individuals and society. There is a lot of focus on the social influence and this made me want to continue my studies in social psychology here. The University of Surrey is one of a few universities that focused its study of self and identity for MSc Social Psych.

The most challenging thing about studying in UK is bravely criticizing theories and publications. And to continue asking and stating our own opinions and theories - perfect for an empirical-based way of thinking. Lecturers and staff at University of Surrey are amazingly helpful; they respond to all our professional and personal questions and needs and they supportively engage with us. They are living superheroes!"

 

Jasdeep Bhachu

Jasdeep from Tanzania is studying Civil Engineering

"I love the campus, we’ve got everything here. When we need to get to London it only takes half-an-hour but Guildford is a nice small town, really green, a great place to be. The University of Surrey is top for jobs, the University has got great contacts in the business world. I thinking of coming back to Surrey to do my MSc here so it can’t be bad! It’s definitely been a worthwhile experience and there is no place I’d rather be.

The Surrey campus is beautiful. It has a lake and a lot of green area rather than just concrete. Almost everything is on campus from restaurants to gym facilities. There is also a diversity of cultures and nationalities on Surrey campus. I have used a wide range of facilities at the university. It offers computer labs which are open 24/7 and a big library open till late (helpful especially close to exams). The gym on campus offers a wide range of sporting activities and membership is at a very reasonable cost. Also the Eating outlets on campus offer a range of different foods therefore there is a lot of choice. The Students' Union is good for nights out and union itself offers a lot of support and has many societies one can be part of.

The hardest thing about my studies has been managing time effectively but tutors and staff help a great deal offering support and assistance outside lectures.

I plan to get a job in the engineering industry after I finish my degree at Surrey. With Surrey's reputation for top employment for graduates and strong links with various industries I am fairly confident to secure a nice job.

 

Jun Bing Ye (Ice)

Ice from China is studying for an MSc International Hotel Management

"It was my idea to study in England and leave China but at first I was very homesick. But I love it here now and I’d like to find a job in the UK.

Surrey has a beautiful campus with all the facilities around that we need. The lake by the Management School is the best location for us to have a party, BBQ and enjoy the sunshine by the lake.

I have used many facilities that the University provided for students such as the careers services, sport facilities, and the library services. I found the most helpful facility is the private group study room that we can book to use in the library. It is very helpful when we have group projects to do as we can have discussions and rehearse presentations in the room.

The tutors are always happy to help and especially my personal tutor, she is very kind and friendly and often gives support and great ideas for my study and research.

After my degree I plan in staying in the UK and find a job here."

 

Abiola Awe

Abiola from Nigeria is studying Law

"Surrey is 1st in the UK for jobs and that was my main reason for applying here. When I first visited I though ‘Oh my gosh it’s so beautiful!’. Guildford is a great places to be and it’s like a home away from home for me.

I love being so close to London, it’s great, so near, fantastic for shopping! And the University's campus is beautiful and accessible so I've got the best of both worlds.

I enjoy using the library most because it has different floors for different purpose from the Silent Zone to the Group discussion areas especially the Splash Zone. It makes learning more fun.

I think adjusting to a new environment form the one I was used to was the most difficult thing about starting at University but the Staff and tutors are approachable and easy going. I can talk to my personal tutor when I have any academic difficulties and the Student Adviser is always there for non-academic problems.

When I finish my degree I plan to back to my country to practise as a Solicitor."