If you are searching for a university that’s going to make it feel worth the nine grand tuition fee, then consider Surrey, or even if you have not a clue where you would like to go, I’ll be the one to tell you why this university is good choice – regardless of your course.
Why Surrey is a great choice
Post graduation, many people always wonder, ‘is getting a degree truly worth it if I can’t get hired with experience?’ and the greatest solution I have seen in a university is having genuine work experiences and opportunities that put you at an advantage against other freshly graduated competitors. Almost all STEM courses and beyond have inbuilt Placement Training Years or chances for active involvement in field research in projects abroad, which is a criminally underrated aspect of Surrey.
The university’s staff and resources are also top tier in helping you finding a job on campus or nearby that’s adjusted to work around your timetable and not disrupt the flow of your studies, which I as a physics student, am very grateful for.
Top tier library
Alongside your own work, I personally believe that the Library is one of the greatest assets that the university has. From five floors, each with varied workspaces of silent study for exam practice, to private group study rooms fitting 2-6 peers, the library is truly a place for people of all kinds who need a bit of background noise to work or just individual focus. One of the best features is the double monitors at practically all computer desks, easing the burden of opening several hundred tabs for the sake of one assignment. Not to mention, the Co-op, which is directly below the library entrance, allowing you to grab an energy boost anytime during the work grinding.
Food glorious food
On the note of food, despite being entirely self-catered, the campus has a wide diversity on food spots, with even food trucks that come by every week to spice your menu up. For someone who doesn’t live on campus, it’s a perfect way to try something new for lunch or grab a meal before heading home. I mean, who wouldn’t like a cheeky katsu curry enroute to the train station? And most of all, 8/10 spots have both halal, vegan and vegetarian dishes in a majority as much as the rest, a basic you will soon realise quite a lot of universities lack unfortunately.
If any of the reasons above were enough to even sway you slightly to perhaps take Surrey on as a choice or a solid back-up plan, then here are some tips that I think will be good to remember when applying through clearing, just to put you at that step ahead than others.
My Clearing advice
1: Even if you think calling once didn’t go well, call again! I called the clearing line twice on results day and again two days later, as grade requirements are very likely to drop after a few days, as well as spaces becoming vacant. Don’t give up all hope instantly, trust me on that if not anything.
2: Make sure you check accommodation availability asap, and apply even quicker, even if you’re not 100% because it will likely clear out quickly and its not a regret you want to hold later.
3: As soon as you’re sure, accept your offer. Once accepting, you can set up an account within a day or two. This is crucial to give you all the extra information you need early on, answer questions you might have and particularly handy to give you more time to do any summer prep work (if your course applies).
By Physics BSc student Alveena
