General
Where is the University of Surrey?
How old is the University of Surrey?
What is the ranking of the University of Surrey?
What is the town of Guildford like?
What is the weather like in Surrey?
What sports facilities does the University have?

Gathering more information and applying
Where can I order a copy of the latest prospectus?
What level of English do I need to study at the university?
Can I learn English at the university?
Can I take the IELTS English test at the university?
If I study at the University, where will I live?
Can I visit the University?
Can I see a virtual tour of the University?
Will representatives from the University be visiting my country? If so, when?
How can I contact students from my country who are studying at Surrey?
How do I apply for a course at the University of Surrey?
Do I need to apply to the university through an agent?
How much will it cost me to study at Surrey?

Preparing to come to Surrey
How do I apply for a student visa?
How do I book my accommodation?
I have a conditional offer but have not met the conditions, what should I do?
I have applied for a student visa but was refused, what should I do?
How do I get to the University when I arrive in the UK?
When I arrive on the University of Surrey campus where should I go?
Can I continue to study English when I am studying my degree?
What facilities does Surrey offer for practicing my religion?

When you are at Surrey
Where is the International Student Office at the University?
Do I need to register with the Police?
I need some information about visas, where do I go?
How do I open a bank account?
I want to travel outside the UK, where do I get a letter?
Can I work part-time when I am studying at the university?

After you Graduate
Can I stay in the UK after I graduate?
Can the university give me advice on trying to find a job?

General

Where is the University of Surrey? (back to top)
The University of Surrey is situated in the market town of Guildford in the county of Surrey which is in the south east of the UK. Guildford is 40 minutes by train to the south west of London. The University is also close to both Heathrow and Gatwick international airports. View the University location map.

How old is the University of Surrey? (back to top)
The University of Surrey dates back to 1894 when it was the Battersea Polytechnic and based in south west London. In 1966 it was moved to its current location in Guildford and became the University of Surrey.

What is the ranking of the University of Surrey? (back to top)
The Guardian League Table 2011
In The Guardian University Guide 2012, Surrey is placed 19th overall and its top subject rankings are as follows:

1st Tourism, Transport and Travel
3rd Electronic Engineering
4th Sociology
15th Nursing and Paramedic Practice
17th Economics

The Times – Good University Guide 2012

In the Times Good University Guide 2012, Surrey holds nine subjects with top ten placings:

Surrey's top subject rankings are as follows:

1st Hospitality and Tourism
2nd Food Science
2nd Electrical and Electronic Engineering
3rd Sociology

4th Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering

5th Mechanical Engineering
9th Chemical Engineering
10th Economics

What is the town of Guildford like? (back to top)
The busy town centre of Guildford is just 10 minutes walk or a short bus ride from the university campus. Guildford has a population of around 250,000 and is one of South-East England's top shopping centres. It has an excellent nightlife, with 3 nightclubs, a nine-screen cinema and many pubs, bars and restaurants to suit every taste and budget. Guildford is on the main line train route from Portsmouth to London and close to Heathrow and Gatwick airports.

Visit the Guildford Borough website for more information about the town.
Visit our slideshow pages to see photographs of Guildford.

What is the weather like in Surrey? (back to top)
The UK has 4 distinct seasons – spring, summer, autumn and winter. The South East of the country's climate is among the warmest in the whole of the UK, with mild winters and moderate summers. Temperatures in the mid summer months of July and August average around 18°C (64°F) but can occasionally soar to 30°C (85°F) or more. In spring and autumn temperatures average 11-15°C (50-58°F) and in winter they hover just below 6°C (42°F). However the UK’s weather can be unpredictable - sometimes with sunny winter days and cloud and rain in summer! Visit the BBC Weather website to check out today’s weather in Guildford.

What sports facilities does the University have? (back to top)
The University of Surrey's very own Surrey Sports Park is pleased to offer full facilities for a wide variety of sports including swimming, climbing, aerobics, badminton, cricket, football, tennis, basketball and a selection of dance and martial arts. There is also a state of the art gym with a broad range of fitness and weight machines. All of these facilities are located just 15 minutes walk away from the main stag hill campus.

The Guildford Spectrum Leisure Complex also offers 4 swimming pools, a gym, ten pin bowling and an ice rink.

Gathering more information and applying

Where can I order a copy of the latest prospectus? (back to top)

Undergraduates
Order your personalised copy of the latest undergraduate prospectus.

Postgraduates
Order your copy of the latest postgraduate prospectus.

International Foundation Year
Order your copy of the International Foundation Year prospectus.

What level of English do I need to study at the university? (back to top)
You do not need to show an English qualification if you are a citizen of a majority English-speaking country (see list below) or if you come from elsewhere but have been taught and assessed for three years or more in the medium of English.

Majority English-speaking countries are defined by the UK Border Agency as:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Australia
• The Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Canada
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Ireland
• Jamaica
• New Zealand
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Lucia
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• UK
• USA

English Requirements

If your first language is not English, and you have not been taught in English or studied to A level standard in the UK, you will need to demonstrate an acceptable minimum level* of competence through one of the following:

The University will also accept a good pass in an English language paper of certain overseas matriculation qualifications (e.g. Examen Artrium)

*Please note some courses such as Translation, Law and the MBA request a higher level of English. See course details or contact course administrator for more details.

To join the International Foundation Year you need an English Language level equivalent to IELTS 5.0 or TOEFL 500 (173 computer based test).

If, before the start of PS10, you have achieved an overall IELTS score 0.5 below the required level for your degree programme and each skill is no lower than 0.5 below the individual component score required for your programme, the University will accept successful completion of the 10 week pre-sessional course as a condition of entry, without the need to take another IELTS test.

Can I learn English at the university?(back to top)
You can study Academic or Business English courses to prepare for your degree at the university's School of English and Languages. Full-time, 21 classroom hours per week courses start in October, January, April, July, August and September, and are taught by highly qualified, experienced staff using up-to-date materials. The School of English and Languages offers Pre-sessional (summer) programmes and year round programmes.

Can I take the IELTS English test at the university? (back to top)
The School of English and Languages is an IELTS test centre, so you can take the exam here if you need to. For more information and test dates visit our IELTS pages. Please remember to book well in advance as places fill up quickly. You can also download an IELTS Application Form.

If I study at the University, where will I live? (back to top)
The University has a considerable amount of accommodation on or very near the campus. The majority of the rooms are single study bedrooms arranged around a shared kitchen and either shared or ensuite bathroom facilities. All student rooms have a fast, free, unlimited broadband internet service and direct dial telephones.

All unaccompanied international students are normally guaranteed University accommodation for the normal duration of their course. All EU students are guaranteed accommodation for at least the first year of their course.

Our experienced Accommodation Office staff are able to provide advice and support for students looking for private housing in Guildford.

Visit our Accommodation website for more information and details of how to apply online.

Can I visit the University? (back to top)
Yes, we would be very pleased for you to come to see the University. There are various opportunities for you to visit, as follows:

Open Days
The University arranges open days for prospective students throughout the year. Our Open Days will give you an opportunity to speak to lecturers, visit Departments, view accommodation and obtain full information and advice on the application process, fees and student life. Visit our Open Day  pages for dates and full details.

Other Visits
As we understand it may be difficult for you to schedule your trip to Surrey to coincide with an Open Day, especially if you are coming from overseas, it may be possible to organise a visit to campus at another time. Please contact the International Student Office with the date and time of your proposed visit and we will try to assist you.

Virtual Tour
If you are not able to visit Surrey, why not go on a virtual tour of the University campus and Guildford town.

Can I see a virtual tour of the University? (back to top)
Yes, click here to go on a virtual tour of the University campus and Guildford town.

Will representatives from the University be visiting my country? If so, when? (back to top)
Staff of the International Student Office make regular visits to countries all around the globe to take part in exhibitions, visit institutions and interview students. To find out when the next visit is scheduled for your country, visit our country pages where you will find full details or email the International Student Office.

How can I contact students from my country who are studying at Surrey? (back to top)
There are many international societies which are run through the Students’ Union. To check if your country is presented in this way please visit the USSU website and contact the President of the society directly. If you cannot find a society that represents your country or if you do not receive a reply (perhaps the students are currently off campus on summer vacation), please contact the International Student Office who will be happy to answer your questions.

How do I apply for a course at the University of Surrey? (back to top)
We are very pleased that you would like to apply to Surrey.

Undergraduates
Apply for Undergraduate courses at the University of Surrey.

Postgraduates
Apply for Postgraduate courses at the University of Surrey.

International Foundation Year
Apply for the International Foundation Year at the University of Surrey if you do not meet the entrance requirements for an undergraduate degree.

Do I need to apply to the university through an agent? (back to top)
We are happy to receive both direct applications and those via an agent / representative. It is not necessary to use an agent to apply to the University but if you feel you need extra help with researching universities and courses, completing your application, etc, then you can find details of the Surrey representatives in your country by visiting our country pages.

How much will it cost me to study at Surrey? (back to top)
When considering study abroad, cost is obviously an important factor. The quality of British qualifications and their international recognition mean that study in the UK is excellent value for money.

At Surrey students have the benefit of:

• applied degrees at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, many of which receive professional recognition
• one-year taught Masters degrees
• three years postgraduate study for the award of PhD.

In addition, international students have the benefit of:

• free access to the National Health service if registered on courses of 6 months or more duration
• free school education for registered dependent children.

Undergraduate Study at Surrey for 2012/13

Undergraduate tuition fees range from £11,025 - £14,440 and include Registration, Tuition, Examination, University and Students' Union Fees.

Postgraduate Study at Surrey for 2012/13
Postgraduate study at Surrey is designed to provide high quality, intensive education. Although the cost of study per year may be more in the UK than in some countries, the programmes are usually of much shorter duration and so the real cost of postgraduate study in the UK is much lower.

• For 2012/2013 entry, postgraduate taught fees range from £11,550 - £16,748 depending on what course you would like to study. The MBA programme costs £17,500.
• For 2012/2013 entry, postgraduate research fees range from £6,875 - £15,535.

Accommodation
All unaccompanied full-time students who are classified as overseas for fee purposes are offered University accommodation throughout the normal duration of a course. Fees cover the room, heating and lighting. Self-catering facilities are available as well as restaurants and snack bars on the University site. The fees vary according to the type of accommodation taken, but average £100 per week, including lighting and heating. Charges for non-University accommodation can be more per week. A room is normally allocated for two 15 week semesters plus summer project time, but international students may wish to remain during vacation periods. 

Living Costs for 2011/12 entry

The UKBA states that a student would need to show £600 per month to cover living costs.  In reality living in the South of England it is likely to be up to £800 and we advise students to budget carefully to cover all living costs. 

It is very difficult to estimate how much money you will spend in a year as this depends on individual lifestyles and circumstances, but we recommend an average of £205 per week to cover the cost of accommodation, clothes, books, entertainment, travel and food.

University accommodation is usually cheaper than living off campus, as the rent includes heating, lighting and internet connection.  The weekly rent at Surrey ranges from £63 - £136.50.  The cost of accommodation outside of the University is likely to be more expensive.  The chart below is an example of a breakdown of weekly costs, based on average rent of £100 per week.

An average total cost per academic year of an unaccompanied international student at the University of Surrey would be:

We believe that this net cost compares very favourably with that of other higher education establishments in the UK and certainly those of some other countries where courses are considerably longer.

Preparing to come to Surrey

How do I apply for a student visa? (back to top)

If you are a national of a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you will need a visa to study in the UK. You should first check to see what kind of entry clearance(visa) you need and where you should apply by looking at the UK Border Agency (UKBA) website

You can apply for a Tier 4 visa up to three months before the start of your course, but no earlier. There is a charge for all types of entry clearance and Tier 4 will cost £255, payable in local currency.

More information for international students can be found in the UKCISA information sheet Making a student immigration application in your home country which can be found on the UKCISA website.

If you already studying in the UK you can apply to extend your student visa through the International Student Office. Please see Extending your visa for further information.

How do I book my accommodation? (back to top)

If you are an undergraduate student, you can make an online application for accommodation 48 hours after you have confirmed your place on a course through UCAS and gained ‘conditional firm’ (CF) or ‘unconditional firm’ (UF) status. If you are a postgraduate student, you can make an online application 48 hours after you formally accept your offer of a place on a degree course and send back your Postgraduate Offer Acceptance Form to the University Registry.

Full information on the University accommodation policy and details of the different Courts of Residence can be found on the Accommodation Office website.

I have a conditional offer but have not met the conditions, what should I do? (back to top)
If you do not meet the conditions of your offer letter, please contact the Department you are applying to as soon as possible with full details of your qualifications. It is possible that you may still be accepted into the University, however this can only be decided by the Department on a case by case basis.

The contact details should be in your offer letter pack but if not contact the International Student Office by email: international@surrey.ac.uk or phone +44 (0)1483 689 467.

I have applied for a student visa but have been refused, what should I do? (back to top)
If your visa application is refused by the UK Border Agency please let us know as soon as possible so that we can advise you further.

Please note that your CAS will have been ‘used’ in your first visa application so you will need to apply to the University Registry for a new CAS number if you wish to make a new application.

How do I get to the University when I arrive in the UK? (back to top)

The International Student Office, with the help of some of our current international and UK students, will be available to meet newly arriving international students at Heathrow and Gatwick airports on specific days. Please visit our Meet & Greet and Orientation page for further information.

If you are arriving at another time please go to our What to do at the airport page for details about how to get to the University.

When I arrive on the University of Surrey campus where should I go? (back to top)
Please visit the Welcome area of the website for further information about starting your course at the University of Surrey.

Can I receive help with my English and study skills while I am studying my degree?(back to top)
Yes, you can study for up to 5 hours a week on the English Language Support Programme, which is free of charge to full-time students. Click here for more details. These courses are for students who have met their departments' English requirements and are already in the university. Subjects include Dissertation Writing and Critical Thinking.

You may find that studying at the University of Surrey is different from other studying you have done before. You will be expected to be responsible for managing your time and meeting deadlines, as well as finding, synthesising and communicating information back to others. SPLASH provides workshops, drop-in sessions, appointments and online resources that you can access to help you develop your learning and study skills.

You can also make use of the Skills Unit which offers advice on all areas of studying, including time management and referencing.

What facilities does Surrey offer for practicing my religion?(back to top)
There are facilities for practicing the majority of the world’s major religions at Surrey. The University has a network of Chaplains drawn from a range of spiritual traditions and religious communities. For more details go to the Chaplaincy webpages.

When you are at Surrey

Where is the International Student Office at the University?(back to top)
The International Student Office is situated in the Philip Marchant Building (near Senate House), No 13 on the campus map. If you are not on campus you can always call us (+44 (0)1483 689467), fax (+44 (0)1483 689525) or email: international@surrey.ac.uk.

Do I need to register with the Police?(back to top)
The British Government requires foreign nationals aged 16 years or over from certain non-EEA countries and non-Commonwealth countries to register with the Police upon arrival in the UK. The International Pre-Departure Guide 2011 contains further information about registering with the Police.

I need some information about visas, where do I go?(back to top)
For information about visas and immigration matters, please come to the International Student Office, situated in the Philip Marchant Building (near Senate House), No 13 on the campus map. You will not need to make an appointment but please note the office hours are Monday to Friday 9.30am – 12.30am and 2.00pm – 4.00pm. Outside these hours information can be obtained from UKCISA, or the UKCISA Students' Advice Line +44 (0)20 7107 9922. This telephone line is open Monday to Friday 1300 - 1600 (UK time).

How do I open a bank account? (back to top)
One of the first things you should do when you have settled in is open a bank account. There are branches of all the major UK banks and building societies in Guildford and the NatWest Bank also has a branch on campus. In order to open a bank account with NatWest on campus you will need to bring the following with you:
• Valid passport (or national ID card if you are from the EU - please note that some banks will only accept a passport from EU nationals)
• Accommodation allocation letter

Banks off campus will also require:
• A ‘Confirmation of Registration’ letter available from the University’s Registry after you have completed the registration process at the University (please allow several days for this letter to be produced, particularly at the beginning of the semester and at other busy times of the year)
• Confirmation of both your UK semester time address and your overseas home address. Evidence of this may be available on the Registry letter, from a recent bank statement from your home country or in your original offer letter
• A letter of introduction from your home bank or copies of the last six months’ bank statements (translated into English) are also helpful, although not essential

Full information about bank accounts for international students in the UK can be found on the British Bankers Association website.

I want to travel outside the UK, where do I get a letter? (back to top)
If you wish to visit other countries, perhaps for a holiday or to attend a conference, you may need to apply for a visa. For example, visitors to countries in the European Union require a Schengen visa and full details can be found on the embassy’s website of the country concerned. Students will require a letter to verify their student status and this is available from the International Student Office. Please note that most embassies require you to make an appointment and the waiting time for such appointments can be quite long at busy times such as Christmas and Easter. So ensure that you book well in advance of your visit and give the International Student Office time to prepare the letter before your appointment.

Can I work part-time when I am studying at the university? (back to top)
All international, non EU/EEA full-time students on a degree-level course of more than six months, who have a valid student visa, are allowed to work in a temporary job up to 20 hours per week during semester time and any number of hours during University vacations. 

The University’s recommended maximum of 10-12 hours part-timework per week should not interfere with your study and still allow you time to relax and enjoy the company of your new friends. You should therefore not rely on part-time earnings to fund your studies.

Immigration rules allow you to work only if you meet the conditions of your student visa, ie that you are a full-time student. If your circumstances should change, for example if you leave the course, either temporarily or permanently, you should notify the Home Office immediately of your change of status and check if you are still entitled to work. You should leave the UK immediately unless you plan to pursue another course of study or have another valid reason to remain. The immigration authorities have the right to detain or deport anyone who fails to comply with these rules.

Further information can be found in the Working in the UK during your studies area of the UKCISA website.

For information on part-time jobs available on and around campus you can visit the Careers Service or Blue Arrow on campus.

After you Graduate

Can I stay in the UK after I graduate? (back to top)
You may want to continue your studies by applying for another course of a higher level or in a different area of interest – for example a Masters or PhD degree.

Can the university give me advice on trying to find a job? (back to top)
The Careers Service is situated next to the International Student Office and offers many resources to help students research career options, understand the UK labour market, present their qualifications clearly and plan for applications and interviews to secure the job they want. As well as online and reference information, there is plenty that can be taken away for free and the Careers staff are there to help answer any question. The Careers Service also runs many events, some of which are specifically aimed at international students.