Hey y’all! Today’s the start of our winter break, we can finally bust out our advert calendars! Time really does fly, we’re already half way through our first year, although I’m not too excited for the exams that comes after the holidays…Tis’ the season of giving and spending time with family and friends. The uni put up Christmas trees all around campus and added a festive twist to the one outside the library; they’ve asked students to ‘wish upon a star’ where students simply write down any improvements they hope the university to take into account for. Last year, Surrey was able to make more individual spaces for self study, better heating in the library, etc…how lucky are we to be put in a university that listens to the students and are eager to make changes(not promoting here but…)! It’s amazing to be part of the change and watch the university grow as one, I haven’t been here for long, but watching students work together and try to give everyone their best times at uni is truly a heartfelt moment!
As the season approaches, my friends and I were talking about doing placement years and getting a part time job around Guildford. In comparison to Hong Kong, I reckon the UK has better pay haha, on average, students like us only gain £5 per hour but here, you get around £8 and with holiday pay too! There’s an agency on campus named Uni temps, it’s an efficient way to allocate jobs around campus and town.
Apart from that, for those who are interested in starting your own business or hope to promote your business idea, you’re in luck! The business school has a Student Enterprise Program that offers support to students who are looking to put their business plans into action! In the past, they’ve held workshops and programs such as Skills Ladder, Inspiring Enterprise and Enactus(in which Hillary has already spoken about, just check out her blog!) to help you get a feel of what its like in the business world. Other than that, they’ve also funded students on their start-up business ideas! The business enterprise student support scheme(BESSS) has opened up to £5000 funding to aid students’ on their research, prototypes, analysis, etc. To further promote the business opportunities within the university, Student Enterprises has also partnered up with Santander to organise a friendly competition among fellow students. The scheme has an overall funding pot of £9000 but the maximum amount each business can bid for is £3000. A chance like this really helps you reflect on how practical your idea is and even if you don’t win a funding, you’ll gain an unforgettable experience with few of the experts!
Other than that, my friends and I have recently come up with an idea to create a business society that stands for advertising, marketing and public relations society constitution. We aim to offer advice and a platform for members to contribute and or prerequisite business related projects as well as providing executive meetings and training sessions in order to prep for formal internships and practical work experience opportunities in the near future! Everything is still a work in progress but we’re all quite eager to get this running because we know how competitive it can get in the business field. I believe we’re called the MAP society, look out for us at the fresher’s fair in February! Will let you know how it goes!!
The first half of uni really triggered me to become more involved and take caution of the opportunities that follows, after all, it only appear to those who are ready and prepared for the challenges ahead! None of this would’ve been possible if it weren’t for my family and friends who’s supported me all the way. 
Before I sign off, I just want to wish everyone a warm and happy Christmas, from my family to yours, stay safe and sound! x
soph.
