Student Support Services

The International Office

The International Office provides information and support which is uniquely relevant to international students. It currently helps over 3000 students from 130 different countries in areas such as immigration, work permits, police registration, opening bank accounts, part-time work and liaison with embassies and high commissions overseas. They liaise closely with the Students’ Union in providing a wide range of activities for all international students including an end-of-year lunch and the annual International Week.

International Week

Providing a chance for all students to experience and learn more about other cultures and traditions, International Week includes an international reception and exhibition, a quiz and international disco. The highlight is an international gala where societies present stage performances depicting their regions and cultures. It is always thoroughly enjoyed by students, staff and guests of honour.

Settling in

University life will probably be your first experience of living on your own away from home. When you start you can join a programme of activities designed to introduce you to various aspects of the University and your new student life. You will meet staff and other students, take campus tours, join the Library, the Students’ Union, sports clubs and societies.

On Arrivals Day you will be greeted by ‘Freshers Angels’ (the student helpers) who help you find your way around and provide a friendly and welcoming point of contact. This helps settle you in very quickly, as from your first day you are immersed in our friendly campus environment.

Senior Residents are appointed within the student residences, and can give you the benefit of their experience at the University to ensure you have an enjoyable time.

Read pre-arrival information for new ISC students.

Your personal tutor

When you start your degree course, the University will assign you with a personal tutor who will give you both academic and personal guidance. They will oversee your performance and progress and will be available to meet you for regular discussions.

Student Care Services

Student Care Services provides free, confidential and comprehensive support to all students. It comprises three areas:
Student Advice and Information Service: offers all students information and advice on a range of issues, including financial matters and budgeting.
Health Centre: open throughout the year, the Health Centre has medical and nursing staff for students needing care, and promotes healthy living and well-being.
Counselling Centre: professionally qualified counsellors are on hand to deal with a wide range of personal, cultural and emotional concerns.

Religious and spiritual support

The University of Surrey is a vibrant multi-faith, multicultural community. People of every kind of spirituality, along with those who do not consider themselves 'religious' or 'spiritual', are respected. A network of chaplains, drawn from a range of spiritual traditions and religious communities, can help you access the support you need during your time at the University. Facilities are available on campus for quiet contemplation, worship and prayer for individuals and groups.

Students with disabilities

Support services are provided for students with additional needs. Among these are special examination arrangements, dyslexia screening, one-to-one learning support, and help with applying for the Disabled Students' Allowance. The Assistive Technology Centre houses workstations with specialist software for dyslexic students, a document-reading scanner, a screen magnification and reading program, and a Braille embosser for visually impaired students. For further information, visit Additional Learning Support.