Fawziah A.

Why did you choose to study your course at Surrey?

I chose to study my course at Surrey because the programme description was clear and offered the breadth I was looking for, especially as someone entering the field without a prior sustainability background. The range of modules immediately stood out to me, and I felt it would give me a well-rounded foundation rather than narrowing my focus too early. My early communication with the university also gave me confidence—every question I asked was answered quickly, clearly, and with a genuinely welcoming attitude, often providing details I didn’t even realise I needed. 

The strong reputation of the Centre for Environment and Sustainability, combined with the diverse academic backgrounds and experiences of the staff, made the programme even more compelling. Sustainability has always aligned with my personal values, and with Saudi Arabia’s growing national focus on this area, I felt even more motivated to take this step.

What are the best things about Surrey and your course?

The best things about my course at Surrey are the teaching style and the overall atmosphere in the classroom. The lecturers are genuinely supportive, approachable, and humble, which creates a collaborative learning environment rather than one that feels distant or overly formal. The academic support has also made a significant difference for me—staff are consistently open to meetings, questions, and discussions, and they manage to blend professionalism with a real sense of closeness to students. Communication within the department is quick and constructive, and the environment is consistently positive. My dissertation supervisor was outstanding; he guided me through every stage with clarity and encouragement, and our weekly meetings kept me focused, confident, and moving forward.

What I appreciate about Surrey is how supportive and enjoyable the wider environment feels. The staff, the services, and the overall atmosphere create a space that genuinely makes studying fulfilling. The campus itself is calm, beautiful, and ideal for concentration, yet still has enough energy and life to keep you inspired without feeling overwhelming. It’s a balanced, welcoming place, and the people here make it feel like the right environment to grow both academically and personally.

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

Life at Surrey as a postgraduate student has been calm, productive, and surprisingly well-structured. I quickly settled into a routine that helped me stay focused and organised, and I genuinely enjoyed it. The workload was demanding—especially since I aimed for high grades from the start and had no prior background in sustainability—but the challenge made the experience more meaningful. It wasn’t always easy, but the process of learning felt rewarding, and I found myself enjoying the journey despite the pressure.

One of the best parts has been the postgraduate community. Students come from a wide range of backgrounds, and everyone is friendly, supportive, and easy to connect with. I’ve built great friendships with people from different countries, and the social atmosphere has been one of my favourite things about being here. The campus environment is also safe, comfortable, and motivating, which makes a big difference when you’re trying to balance coursework with daily life.

Most of my routine naturally centred around the university—between the library, the cafés, and long walks around campus. It’s a beautiful place to study, focus, and even unwind. The town itself is quiet and feels like a convenient, close-knit community, which made it an ideal place to live and study as a postgraduate student.

What are your career plans?

I’m particularly interested in working in sustainability policy and project management, and I’m drawn to roles in the public sector as well as major organisations contributing to national sustainability goals. I hope to apply what I’ve learned at Surrey in a way that drives real impact and translates these ideas into practical, meaningful work. Gaining experience directly in the field will not only allow me to contribute effectively but will also give me the kind of professional growth and on-the-ground insight that opens broader opportunities in the future. For now, my focus is on building strong practical experience, while keeping the option of pursuing a PhD open for the right time.

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

My first piece of advice is not to panic at the beginning. The start can feel challenging, especially if you’re new to sustainability, but you will develop quickly. The department is supportive, and the lecturers are genuinely some of the kindest and most knowledgeable people you’ll work with, so trust the process and give yourself time to grow.

What helped me most was staying consistent reading, taking notes, and attending every lecture. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, occasionally even the ones that feel basic. This is an academic environment, and the staff welcome every question with patience. If you need clarification or want to explore an idea further, send an email or book a meeting; the lecturers are always willing to help.

I absolutely recommend the course to students without a sustainability background. It’s an enjoyable field with value in nearly every aspect of life, and sustainability knowledge opens doors across many sectors, especially as demand grows. It also builds awareness that shapes how you think and act in your daily life, which is incredibly valuable.

My final advice is simple: don’t let the pressure or lack of experience get in your way. I started with zero background and finished the programme with a Distinction. Be consistent, stay curious, and enjoy the journey. It’s a rich, rewarding experience that challenges you in the best ways and leaves you with a clearer sense of impact—both academically and in your everyday choices.

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