Surrey ranked best for welcoming new students
The i-graduate survey of universities found that University of Surrey students ranked their university as the Best in the UK's for Welcoming new students.
Students were impressed by the accommodation arrangements, the official welcome, internet access, social activity and the quick response that they get if they have any problems or concerns after arriving.
Before arriving, every student coming to join Surrey will get an online introduction to the University. In this virtual orientation, students, some in as far-away places as Asia, Africa or the Middle East, will be able to view aspects of the campus that will help them get a clearer idea of how things will look like once they arrive.
A smooth and stress-free arrival is always one of the things that new students and their parents wish for. Whilst this achievement is good news for students and parents of students who choose to study at Surrey, it is also excellent for the University as it showcases its hardwork in ensuring that students feel at home away from home. David Dickinson, Director of Student Care Services, said: “In overall terms, we have an exceptionally good approach to welcome and orientation of our new students and one we can be justifiably proud of.
“Joining a university can be a daunting process for some students and we try to make the experience as pleasurable and welcoming as possible. Many of our staff get involved in Welcome Week by volunteering to show students around and allay any concerns they may have. We are pleased our efforts have been recognised by students.”
The survey was conducted by an independent benchmarking and consultancy service interested in enabling positive change in the UK education sector - the International Graduate Insight Group (i-graduate).
This finding is yet another star added on Surrey's shoulders and its growing leadership position in the UK Higher Education sector, after recently being ranked first for producing the most employable graduates.
University of Surrey - still Number One for graduate employment
The University of Surrey continues to be the top-performing university for graduate employment, where 96.9 per cent of those obtaining first degrees from full-time courses in 2008-09 were employed or in further study - a great achievement in the current economic climate.
Surrey’s strength lies in providing opportunities for students to experience relevant employment during their studies. More than fifty per cent of Surrey’s undergraduates opt for a Professional Training Year. The placements number up to 800 every year. Come graduation, students who have had a placement are unbelievably attractive to employers.
The University's Head of the Career Service commented that "So successful is Surrey that it has come to be known as 'The University for Jobs' ", after the data was published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).
Recently, we were thrilled at the University of Surrey ISC to announce the University's partnership with the Surrey Law Centre - a charity which would give Law students vital work experience when they contribute free legal advice to community members who cannot afford it. This came at a time when the Law option within the Business, Economics, Law and Politics Foundation Year was re-introduced making it a great time to join for international students who want to study Law at Surrey.
