Moving out of your parent’s house to go to college is hard enough. Moving to another continent on top of it adds a whole other level of anxiety and challenges. Luckily, the university has many ways of combating any of the issues that might arise when you make the big move to Surrey.

International Student Support team: The International Student Support team is located in the Student Services Centre and is open weekdays from 8:30-17:30. They can pretty much help you with anything you need, whether it’s advice on visas, immigration, student life, fees and tuition, or even general inquiries about travel and the local area.

International Orientation: When you receive your offer to attend the university, you will have the opportunity to sign up for the international orientation programme, which takes place the week before freshers’ week. During this time, you will get to meet your fellow international students, go on day trips, get to know your area, attend talks and seminars, and enjoy social events to help you get as comfortable in your new home as possible.

Student Life Mentoring: If you’re living in university accommodation your first year, you will have a Student Life mentor assigned to your flat who will stop by to chat with you every few weeks. Mentors are current Surrey students who are there to answer any questions you might have and just to check to make sure your transition to university life is going smoothly. Think of them as a slightly older friend who you can turn to for pretty much anything.

Centre for wellbeing: The Centre for Wellbeing is focused on providing University of Surrey students with resources to live healthier lives, physically, emotionally, and psychologically. It’s free to all Surrey students, and its councilors hold group seminars, presentations, and individual counseling on topics regarding health and wellbeing year round.

Surrey Students’ Union: As a University of Surrey student, you will be a member of the Students’ Union, which, in addition to running the union nightclub Rubix and over sixty student societies, is the best advocate for students and always available to help with any concerns, whether they be regarding accommodation, finance, or academics. The union is run by students, for students, and operates as an independent institution from the university. It’s an excellent resource for any issues you might have in moving to a new country.

Moving across the world has it’s challenges, no matter how prepared you are, but the university is ready to help with any issues you encounter, allowing you to have the best university experience possible.