Elizabeth Richards – on placement in 20011/2012

When applying to University I opted for those campuses that offered the chance to do a placement year. I liked the idea of a campus as I wanted to be close to everything that was going on. The placement year appealed to me as I wanted to gain some real life work experience to help me choose what career to pursue in the future and also improve my employability when I graduate.

One of the things that I think is special about Surrey is the teaching. The first year is a common year for all of the programmes the department offers and it gets everyone up to the same speed. This gives you a great base for the rest of your degree so it doesn’t matter if you haven’t done Economics or Maths before, by the end of the first year you will all be at the same level, and progressing into level 2 on equal ground. The lecturers are very easy to talk to, and there are various ways of contacting them through office hours or email.

Surrey has been a brilliant experience for me and has given me a lot more confidence in my own ability. I think living in halls was the biggest change for me; I lived with 13 other people in one flat and at first it was a bit daunting, but within a few days we became like a family. There are so many opportunities at Surrey and you are made to feel welcome everywhere, so it is all about trying new things that appeal to you.

Jake Jordan – graduated June 2011

I studied at Surrey University as a mature student, having worked in the financial sector for 7 years prior to my application.  Initially I was quite daunted by the prospect of moving back into education.  After visiting a number of university open days, Surrey stood out, head and shoulders above the rest.  The beautiful campus and inclusive attitude of the students and staff was immediately obvious, something I hadn’t experienced elsewhere.

Studying Economics at Surrey, the supportive and professional faculty made the transition from working life easy.  The course was well structured, varied and interesting, with a good selection of module choices in the final year. The campus, students, faculty and strong performance of the University as a whole make Surrey an excellent place to study.  Given the choice again, I would still choose Surrey.

Panos Mylonas – currently final year BSc Economics

I could not have imagined of a better place to pursue my studies in economics. The University of Surrey has a growing reputation internationally, and that is not without a reason. Professionalism, support and a modern teaching approach are three characteristics the University of Surrey can be proud of. I am grateful that I have received much guidance from the Department's staff and yet still much space to develop critical thinking in topics of my subject. It has provided me with fundamental supplies and rendered me capable to evaluate what is going on in the real world, reinforcing at the same time my skills for my future career. 

Moreover, its amazingly pleasant and inspiring campus, ideally situated within a few minutes walk from Guildford's town centre, provides all necessary facilities, and even more for all types of students. Therefore, I am more than happy to be part of a well established academic family that supports learning and diversity in today's much demanding world.

Marek Ligeza – graduated in June 2011

I decided to study at the University of Surrey for a few reasons. One of them is the high employment rate amongst its graduates and an opportunity of doing a placement year and gaining professional experience within the industry. At the end of the day we want to find a job after uni and having working experience increases your chances. Close proximity to London was also a plus, and I really loved the university campus, it is a nice place to be. During my Economics course I enjoyed various modules, which gave me solid grounding and significantly improved my analytical, problem solving and writing skills. 

I did my placement at The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets in a position of an Analyst. I have undertaken research and analysis of key issues, learnt about industry, and most importantly applied my knowledge into practice. In my final year of BSc (Hons) degree I could choose modules which appear the most interesting to me. I have had a great time studying at University of Surrey.

Sarah Assous – graduated in June 2011

I chose to study Economic at the University of Surrey as it included a placement year in my third year and it enabled me to choose from a wide range of modules. Having the opportunity to go and do an internship for about a year was a great experience, which I found to be very useful for my final year at university and that I believe will enhance my career prospects. During my placement year, the staff were always there in case I needed anything, which I found very useful.

The university is in a very convenient location as it is right by the station and the town centre. My friends and I used both the station to go to London and the town centre to go out or just to meet up. The sport facilities are also nearby and made it easy for me to go and exercise or just relax after a stressful day. I would recommend the University of Surrey to anyone who is looking to have a good time as well as an interesting course with helpful and understanding staff available.