I’m Jolene, a BSc Nutrition student in my final year of studies from Malaysia. As graduation draws closer, I’ve been thinking a lot about my journey here and what lies ahead. 

Surrey had always been my first choice because of its strong ranking, especially for Nutrition. It’s a research-led university, which means we get access to great facilities and lecturers who are actively involved in research and teaching from experience. Financially, it was also a more realistic option compared to other universities, especially as an international student, and the £5,000 bursary given made a big difference. The guaranteed accommodation for first-year students was another huge plus, it took away a lot of the stress of moving abroad and having to secure a place especially when miles away.

The whole process of coming to Surrey was quite smooth too. The university frequently attended education fairs in Malaysia, and speaking to ambassadors face-to-face was super helpful in answering any specific questions I had and hearing about their actual experiences gave me a clearer picture of what to expect. After receiving our offers, there was a pre-departure briefing which prepared us for life in the UK and Guildford, which made the move feel a lot less overwhelming, especially since it covered practical things like transportation, food etc. Similarly, we had a Welcome Week in university, and all the inductions and activities really helped us settle in and get comfortable in a new environment. 

I was also really drawn to the campus. Coming from the city of Kuala Lumpur, being surrounded by so much greenery felt like such a nice change – it was honestly a breath of fresh air. It’s a very walkable campus, and everything feels quite close-knit, which made it easier to adjust at the start. Over time, I found a supportive community here too. I’ve had the chance to travel around Europe during breaks, which is something I probably wouldn’t have experienced otherwise.

But more importantly, I’ve met such lovely people and built friendships that feel like a second family. We celebrate different festivals together, cook meals from home, and support each other through both stressful and fun times. 

Academically, it hasn’t always been easy, especially balancing coursework, deadlines, and my final-year dissertation. There were definitely moments where I felt overwhelmed or stuck, but those challenges also pushed me to become more independent and disciplined. I’ve learned how to manage my time better, think more critically, and take more ownership of my work – all of which I know will be useful after graduation.

If I had one piece of advice, it would be to get involved. Join societies, whether those from your home countries or even just try something completely new. It’s one of the easiest ways to meet people and build a sense of belonging, especially a new home away from home. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether it’s academic or personal. Everyone’s kind of figuring things out together, and people are usually more than willing to support you. 

Now that I’m about to graduate and head back to Malaysia, I can honestly say I’ve really enjoyed my three years here. Studying abroad has helped me grow so much – not just academically, but personally as well. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, made me more adaptable, and gave me experiences I’ll always value. Choosing Surrey is definitely a decision I do not regret.