Salim Ramjean

Nationality:Mauritian
Degree:BEng Electronic Engineering
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I chose Surrey University primarily as it is ranked the second highest for my course in the UK. Also, I lived very close by, so it was convenient to walk every morning and I love the green environment in which the university is located in.

I really love my course! It was very confusing at the beginning due to all the new materials being taught, however after a couple weeks of settling in, everything started falling in place and worked out. I was even elected the Student Academic Representative for my year, and still fulfilling my duties with that role.

In my first year, I joined the Jiu-Jitsu martial arts club. It was indeed very exciting and I got to make plenty of new friends and go to national events outside Guildford to compete against the rest of the UK for championships.

The university has a very large library which provides all the materials required to assist you with making your academic life easier. From books to ebooks (online materials) and private journals – the university gives you special access to all of these for free. In terms of support the university also provides healthcare, personal and financial advice and help when required. During night time, for entertainment there is Rubix which is the university nightclub which holds all kind of events and invites famous artists to come and perform – all organised by the student union.

A big highlight of my time at Surrey University is being elected as Student Rep for 2 years and nominated as Best Student Rep of the Year.  Other highlights have included; making loads of friends from all over the world, learning the Japanese language, building electronic prototypes of a metal detector, electronic doorbell, FM digital radio as well as going for a professional industrial placement year with Motorola Solutions. But above all, enjoying and making most of the student life at the university!

The only real difficulty I had was probably settling into my course at the beginning and not being entirely sure of how to use the equipments in the labs. However, I wasn’t the only one in that situation and it felt comforting to know that everyone was in the same boat as me.

My advice to other international students would be to make sure you join plenty of societies and language clubs- especially in your first year when you have more free time and lectures are easier. This way you will enjoy the university life immediately instead of only focusing academically. I’d also recommend going for a placement year as it’ll give you a whole new perspective of working full time and gaining the experience employees are looking for.