I’m Jolene, a final-year BSc Nutrition student. My experiences in Surrey went far beyond just academics. Studying abroad pushed me out of my comfort zone in ways I didn’t expect, and along the way, I’ve made so many heart-warming memories I could never forget.

1. Experiencing British culture first-hand

One of the most meaningful parts of my time here was properly immersing myself in British culture. From learning little things like “pudding” meaning dessert, to saying “cheers” instead of thank you and asking “how are you?” at every greeting. Gratefully over Christmas the past three years, I had the opportunity to be hosted by local families I met through church. Being welcomed into their homes, sharing meals, and learning about their traditions (I do love the crackers and a big roast!) made me feel incredibly warm and cared for, especially being so far away from my own family.

2. Experiencing new things

Coming from a busy city like Kuala Lumpur, I really grew to appreciate the calmness of Guildford, especially with how walkable everything is. It was such a refreshing change from the fast-paced lifestyle I was used to. I loved walking around places like Pewley Downs and The Mount, where I could take in views over the town that felt straight out of a storybook. Coming from a tropical country where it’s summer all year round, experiencing all four seasons was completely new to me, including seeing snow for the first time.

One of the most surreal moments was witnessing the aurora in Guildford during my first year, caused by a rare phenomenon that only happens about once a decade.

3. Getting involved in societies and events

In my time here, I’ve joined plenty of events hosted by different societies. Specifically being part of the Malaysian Society helped me meet new people and find a group to celebrate cultural festivities with. I also joined events organised by Friends International, which gave me the chance to meet people from all kinds of backgrounds. From social events to organised day trips, I learned a lot from these experiences and built meaningful friendships.

4. Travelling

One of the biggest highlights of studying in the UK is how easy it is to travel. Ever since I was young, I’ve always dreamed of travelling, especially around Europe, and being here gave me the opportunity to finally do that. With how accessible and convenient travel is, I’ve been able to slowly tick countries off my bucket list. I’ve also explored different parts of the UK itself – from the south like Brighton, to the Midlands like Manchester, and even up north to Scotland. Even these short trips during term breaks exposed me to new cultures, foods, and ways of life, which really enriched my overall experience.

5. Growing into independence

More than anything, studying abroad has helped me grow as a person. Living away from home meant learning how to manage everything on my own – from cooking and budgeting to balancing academics, social life, and responsibilities. It wasn’t always easy, but those challenging moments taught me resilience and adaptability. Looking back, I can see how much I’ve changed and matured over the past three years. These are lessons that go far beyond anything you can learn from a textbook and can only come from lived experience.

Overall, my time at Surrey has been a journey of growth, discovery, and memorable experiences. While it came with its ups and downs, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. These moments have shaped not just my university life, but also who I am today.