Throughout the year we receive many questions from students asking about programmes, student life and living at Surrey. We’ve compiled some of the frequently asked questions that should answer your worries or requests. So sit down and have a read.
Admission related questions
How can I check if my degree is deemed to be in a relevant subject? (Where the entry requirements specify that the undergraduate degree must be in a ‘relevant subject’).
Acceptable subjects are listed under the entry requirements section on your course page. If you have checked this and you’re still unsure whether your undergraduate degree is in a relevant subject, you can contact our admissions team via admissions@surrey.ac.uk
International students who do not meet the requirements for a postgraduate course have the opportunity to apply for a Pre-Masters Preparation Programme.
When is the deadline for applying for the next coming academic cycle?
Most of our postgraduate courses have a deadline of 22 July for applications. We recommend you apply as early as you can.
If we have not filled all of our places when the deadline is reached, we may keep applications open and this will be reflected on our website. If a postgraduate course has a different deadline, you’ll be able to see this on the relevant course page.
Can I provide evidence of funding from Student Finance England instead of the deposit?
You can provide the postgraduate loan confirmation instead of a deposit, but we will need to receive this before the deposit deadline. The loan confirmation will need to list the University of Surrey as the applicable university and have the correct course listed. If you are still waiting to hear about your funding application as the deadline approaches, please let us know.
Can I provide evidence of funding from Student Finance England after the deposit deadline?
If you have already paid your deposit, you would not receive a refund once you get your loan confirmation. However the deposit is subtracted from your tuition fees so you will pay less across the year.
Can I defer my offer?
Unfortunately, in the majority of cases postgraduate taught applications cannot be deferred. If you are unable to take up your place this year, you would be welcome to apply in the next cycle with an updated CV and supporting statement. We will then consider your application in relation to the entry requirements for that year of entry. Please contact admissions@surrey.ac.uk to find out more.
Living at Surrey
How do I get from the airport to the university?
We run meet and greet services in September for International students travelling to the UK to study with us. You can find out more about this in our pre-departure guide.
Is accommodation guaranteed for International students?
Postgraduate students that are new to the University are guaranteed accommodation as long as the conditions in our allocation policy are met, and your application is in by 1st August. You can find out more here.
When can I move in to my accommodation?
Your exact arrival date will be specified on your licence agreement. You should make arrangements to be at the university on that day. The main accommodation arrival date for all students will be the weekend before welcome week, with the exception of new international students who have booked onto the International Orientation Programme. International Orientation takes places the week before welcome week.
Where can I get advice about budgeting and managing my finances?
You can visit the ‘managing your money’ page on our website to find out what support services are available to help you control your finances. We also offer a breakdown of average living costs here.
You can visit MySurrey Hive once you’re on campus. Student support staff will be on hand to offer you advice and can point you in the right direction depending on your query.
If you have time before you come to Surrey, then looking through your finances and working out a budget is a great start to be on top of your finances when you arrive.
When will my university email address get activated?
Once you have accepted your offer, you will need to complete your pre-registration online. If you are joining us in September, you will be able to complete your pre-registration towards the end of August. If you are joining us after September, you will be able to complete your online pre-registration around 2-4 weeks before your start date. When this is successfully done your IT account will be activated. As well as your Surrey email address being created, you will also have access to online library resources, and on campus PCs, computer labs, the wireless network and printing. If you are living in University accommodation, you may also want to find out more about ResNet, the service which you will use for internet in your room.
What is Guildford like as a place to live? How far is the University from town, and from London?
Guildford is a beautiful historical town with some fantastic shops and restaurants. There are also bars, music venues, theatres and sports facilities. Our university campus is set in the beautiful countryside of Surrey with the convenience of Guildford on your doorstep (10 minute walk) and London just 34 minutes away by train. Find out more here.
Student Life
How can I find out what events are coming up when I start?
There is an internal website just for students that you will be able to access. You will also have access to the welcome week website with lots of information about what’s going on. Check social media for pages like Surrey Student for student support updates. As well as this, there are posters up all around campus with details about upcoming events. Within your school, there may be events going on in welcome week, so check your emails and listen out in any induction talks.
Are there student societies that postgraduates can join?
Postgraduates can join in with all of the societies, sports and clubs offered by the Students Union. There is also a dedicated Postgrad Society. You can see the full list of societies here.
How can I get a part-time job while studying?
Our careers team can give you advice about managing working and studying. You will have access to our online careers portal Surrey Pathfinder where jobs on campus and in Guildford will be posted. Find out more.
We also have Unitemps, who have an office based on campus and are here to help you find temporary jobs, and there are lots of part time jobs available in town. Please note that students studying on a visa will be restricted to the hours they can work.
If I need support, can I go to my programme leader? Is there anywhere else I should go?
You will be allocated a personal tutor at the start of your first week at University and will normally keep this tutor throughout your studies. Your personal tutor is there to support your academic, personal and professional development throughout your time here. They will refer you to appropriate academic, welfare and support services when necessary. You can also speak with your programme leader if you have any course-related queries.
MySurrey is your online portal giving you access to all of our support and advice 24 hours a day. You can also visit MySurrey Hive on campus and someone from the Student Support team will be on hand to help.
For those who are living here in campus accommodation, Student Life Mentors and wardens will be available to help with any queries or concerns you have.
The university has a wealth of support whatever the subject or concern, so reach out for help if needed.
Programme
How can I find the timetable for my course?
In September (usually 4 weeks before your course starts) you will receive a general timetable for your department which details all modules for the different master’s programmes within your department. As soon as you have completed your registration during welcome week and the online module selection, you will then receive your semester timetable. This should be available by the end of welcome week.
How can I meet my course rep and get my reading list?
You will meet your course rep on Welcome Week. You can view your reading list by visiting aspire.surrey.ac.uk.
Do you offer placements on your courses? What opportunities are there to get real working experience?
A number of our courses offer professional placements, ranging from 2 or 4 weeks of work experience to optional 1 year placements. You can find information about this on your programme page on our website.
Where there are placement options available as part of your course, our careers and employability team will work with you to identify, give careers advice and secure the most suitable opportunities.
What can I do while on my course to boost my employability?
You should make the most of the employability and careers service at Surrey. They are on hand to provide careers information, advice and guidance throughout your time as a student and even after you graduate. They can support you with your CV and finding work placements.
A great way to boost your employability would be to complete the Employability Award, which gives students recognition for activities that develop employability skills. The Award will help you to prepare for entering the graduate job market and is a valuable addition to your CV. Find out more.
Are there any societies related to my area of study that I should join?
Most of the courses have societies that you can join. You can see the full list and join one of these societies via this landing page. And if there isn’t one there, you can always create one!
How do I connect with people on my course before joining?
If you currently hold an offer with us and haven’t already, you can join the Facebook Offer Holder Group to speak with other offer holders. If you can’t find anyone on the same course as you, there may be people doing different courses but with shared modules. You can see these module details via your course page on our website. https://www.surrey.ac.uk/postgraduate
You can sign up to your subject society when you do join to meet people on your course.
We hope you find this information useful. If you have any other questions, please get in touch with us by emailing campaigns@surrey.ac.uk.
If you have applied for any of the following subject areas, you might find these articles useful:
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- MSc International Relations and MSc Public Affairs
- Communication and International Marketing
- Translation and Interpreting
Author: Laura Cooper
