Elaaf

Why did you choose to study your course at Surrey?

I chose to study at Surrey because of its strong reputation for delivering a clinically relevant, forward-thinking medical education that aligns closely with my long-term goal of becoming a well-rounded physician in the UK. As an international student from Canada, I was particularly drawn to Surrey’s supportive and diverse learning environment, which made the transition to studying abroad feel both exciting and almost like home!

What stood out most to me was the emphasis on integrating scientific knowledge with real-world clinical application early on. I’ve always been passionate about areas such as women’s health, fertility, and lifestyle medicine, and I felt that Surrey’s approach would allow me to explore these interests in a meaningful, patient-centred way. The structure of the course encourages critical thinking, communication skills, and professional development, qualities I believe are essential for modern medical practice.

Additionally, Surrey’s commitment to innovation and student support gave me confidence that I would not only succeed academically but also grow personally and professionally throughout my time here. And – so far – this has been incredibly true!

I have also fallen in love with Guildford. It is both lively and calm, and a perfect location to be able to easily access London. I couldn't be happier with my choice to be at Surrey!

What are the best things about Surrey and your course?

One of the best things about Surrey is the strong sense of community. As a postgraduate student, I’ve found the environment to be incredibly welcoming, collaborative, and supportive. The staff are approachable and genuinely invested in our success, which makes a huge difference when navigating a demanding course like medicine.

The course itself is highly engaging and well-structured. I particularly appreciate how it integrates different disciplines (linking basic sciences with clinical scenarios) which helps reinforce understanding and makes learning feel relevant. The teaching style encourages active participation, whether through case-based discussions, group work, or practical sessions, which has really helped me build confidence in applying my knowledge.

Another highlight is the diversity of the student body. Being surrounded by people from different backgrounds and experiences has enriched my perspective, both academically and personally. I’ve also enjoyed the opportunities to explore areas I’m passionate about, such as obstetrics and gynaecology and lifestyle medicine, which have been especially inspiring and have helped shape my future career aspirations.

"While the course is undoubtedly challenging, there’s also a strong emphasis on wellbeing, which has helped me build sustainable routines and improve my time management skills."

What are the best things about life here as a medical student?

Life at Surrey as a medical student has been both fulfilling and dynamic. One of the best aspects is the balance between academic intensity and personal growth. While the course is undoubtedly challenging, there’s also a strong emphasis on wellbeing, which has helped me build sustainable routines and improve my time management skills.

I’ve really valued the independence that comes with postgraduate study. It has allowed me to take ownership of my learning, explore my interests more deeply, and develop skills that go beyond academics, such as leadership, communication, and content creation through my involvement in social media projects. 

Watch Elaaf's day in the life video as a med student 

The location is another major advantage. Being close to London offers incredible opportunities for both professional development and leisure, while still enjoying a quieter, more focused campus environment. I’ve also appreciated how easy it is to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle here, which is important to me both personally and as a future doctor interested in lifestyle medicine.

Overall, my experience here has been incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about earning a degree, but about becoming a more confident, capable, and well-rounded individual.

What are your career plans?

My long-term goal is to become a physician working in the UK, with a strong focus on lifestyle medicine and fertility. I am particularly interested in how modifiable lifestyle factors such as nutrition, physical activity, and stress management can influence reproductive health and overall wellbeing. This has been a key area of interest for me throughout my studies and is something I hope to build on in my future career.

I am passionate about supporting individuals and couples on their fertility journeys, and I find it especially meaningful to be involved in such a significant and personal aspect of patients’ lives. I hope to work in a field that allows me to combine evidence-based medical care with preventative approaches, helping patients optimise their health both before and during pregnancy.

In addition to clinical practice, I am interested in health education and communication. Through my experience in social media and content creation, I have developed a strong interest in making medical information more accessible and engaging. I would like to continue this alongside my career as a doctor, particularly in areas related to lifestyle and reproductive health.

Ultimately, I aim to become a compassionate and well-rounded physician who contributes to improving long-term health outcomes and reducing health disparities, both within the UK and potentially in Canada in the future.

What advice do you have for students thinking of doing this course?

Discover Elaaf's tips for an interview with Surrey's School of Medicine

My biggest piece of advice is to come in with an open mind and a willingness to stay consistent. The course can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding if you engage with it fully and take advantage of all the opportunities available.

Focus on understanding rather than memorising. The way the course is structured really supports deeper learning, especially when you actively participate in discussions and apply concepts to clinical scenarios. Staying organised and building good time management habits early on makes a huge difference.

I would also encourage students to get involved outside of academics. Whether that is joining societies, pursuing personal interests, or even starting creative projects, these experiences help you grow in confidence and maintain balance. For me, being involved in social media content creation has been a great outlet and has complemented my learning.

Finally, do not be afraid to ask for help. The staff and your peers are very supportive, and collaboration is a big part of the experience here. If you stay proactive, curious, and open to learning, you will get the most out of both the course and your time at Surrey.

Find out more about our Medicine (Graduate Entry) BMBS course