My name is Hannah, and I am an undergraduate sociology student at the University of Surrey. I joined the University through Clearing 2024 after I didn’t get the grades I wanted at A-level.

My Clearing journey

I lost both of my places at my firm and insurance choices. I was rejected by seven different universities before I phoned Surrey, so don’t worry, it’s perfectly normal! When I called Surrey, it was a breath of fresh air; the Clearing agent I spoke to was incredibly reassuring and kind. When I got put through to the department, I was nearly in tears as it was the first time that day I’d had any hope of being able to go to university. The person I spoke to in the department later ended up being one of my first-year lecturers, and she was as wonderful that day as she is in the classroom. They offered me my place, and I haven’t looked back since.

Why Surrey

I chose Surrey partly because I loved the course and it had been in my five choices, but also because it had a reputation as a place that really cares about its students. The University’s motto, ‘proud to be Surrey’, is reflected in everything it does. We have a dedicated welfare team who are able to help at any time, and for me, as a dyslexic student, the disability department here is amazing. I have had all of the support I could possibly ask for and more! I am undoubtedly proud to be a Surrey student.

My subject

I absolutely adore sociology. I have always wanted to help others, and this subject gives me the opportunity to do that in the way I want to.

We are primarily coursework-based, which really suits me, and the workload is definitely manageable as long as you plan your study time. We have a lot of face-to-face time, and lecturers are always about or near our sociology common room if you need help. The department is incredibly supportive, and no task is too great if it can help you.  I have made real-life long friends here, and it wouldn’t be possible without my department’s help.

My future

Surrey has amazing employability help. We have a dedicated career team and weekly CV workshops. Not only this, but in sociology we get a weekly careers and employability bulletin and have regular talks each semester. Both of these are organised by our department’s employability lead, and if you have any questions, they are always around to help. Not only this, but we all have a personal tutor who is there to support you with anything that is concerning.

At Surrey, you are never on your own. People are always around to help, no matter what the problem is.