Happy New Year! 2023 has been a riveting year as things have finally started to settle after the pandemic and life has picked up its pace. I’m going to introduce myself in this post, talk about the new year, and how I ended up at Surrey.
My name is Nour, I’m a third year Media & Communication student here at Surrey. I’m also an international student from Egypt! I found the University of Surrey through an agency that came to my school one day to promote studying abroad for students. I had been set on wanting to study abroad for a few years beforehand, but meeting an agency that offered to help me through the whole application process was even more encouraging. I see it as a strike of fate, I was very lucky! So here I am telling you all things about life at Surrey, especially as an international student.
The new year is an exciting time; new chances at visiting more places, trying new foods, crossing out titles from your ‘to be read’ list, getting closer to achieving your goals, or -let’s be honest- starting them. It’s a time when the world gives you a chance at a fresh start, and it is up to you to make the most out of it, which means the possibilities are endless! I know that phrase is a cliché, but if people can fly across the world and study in an entirely new country, live in new places all on their own, and make new friendships then maybe the possibilities really are endless.
Offer letters come at different times, for me it came in January. If you’re reading this while waiting for yours, I really hope you get it! When you do, come back and explore all the things about life at the University of Surrey from this blog to do a bit of preparation if you like!
I remember getting my offer letter to study at the University of Surrey in January of 2020 (I know… hard to imagine that time now). As much as I was excited and relieved, I was also nervous and worried. Moving to a new country was nerve-wracking, especially at a transition period like one from school to university; it’s an entirely new stage of life! While the pandemic had also brought things to a halt, I still managed to keep on track. When I got here and after settling at Surrey for a couple of years, I can safely say this was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The university has a high-spirited campus, it’s always full of activities, places to study, to eat, and to hang out. Guildford, the town where the university is located, is also full of beautiful scenery and is entirely walkable. Plus, my course, Media & Communication, turned out to be exactly what I wanted to learn!
So even though studying abroad seemed daunting, and the pandemic pushed back a lot of plans, I’d say it still turned out great. Studying abroad at Surrey can become a special experience for you as well, it’s really what you make it, and the environment here certainly lends a hand with its vibrancy!
With the new year comes a lot of expectations and opportunities. These can sometimes be daunting, but they can also be thrilling! As long as you stay focused on your main goals, and not let the world distract you with worry, things will always look up. If you’re waiting on an offer from Surrey, good luck! And if you’ve already got it, welcome! Do look forward to all new horizons at Surrey in 2024, and we’ll try our best to keep you updated on all the new events and happenings as the year progresses.
