Gemma Shaw
"Going on placement is a fantastic way to decide whether the industry you want to go into is right for you, and it can even lead to being offered a job with your company when you graduate."
Course
Psychology BSc (Hons)Entry year
2015"Since starting at Surrey, I have definitely seen a big increase in my confidence. I never used to be involved in any sports or activities but the Students’ Union has so much you can get involved with; I played canoe polo and also fundraised to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for a children’s charity.
The best thing about living in University accommodation is getting to meet other students who are in exactly the same boat as you. My flatmates had come from not only all over the country but from different corners of the world. And they have become my closest friends here at Surrey, despite us all being on very different courses!
Campus has everything I could possibly need but is also in easy walking distance of the town and train station. From the opportunity of joining a torchlight procession to the fireworks on Bonfire Night, to watching ‘Steve the Stag’ run the pancake race down the high street, Guildford has so much to offer. Since joining the University I can honestly say there hasn’t been a single day where I’ve been bored.
I really enjoy spending time at the lake with my friends, especially during the summer months when exams are looming and you need to get away from the library! My favourite coffee shop on campus to meet with friends or grab a coffee between lectures is Lakeside; it’s managed and run by hospitality students and is really affordable. After a test I like to go for a drink with my classmates at Hari’s Bar at the Students’ Union and relax at The Front Room, a really comfortable social space where we can all get together, order in some food and chill.
"Over the year, my confidence grew so much and I matured both personally and professionally – I couldn’t recommend a Professional Training placement enough!"
Another reason I chose to study at Surrey is that the courses offer a Professional Training placement, an option very few other universities seemed to have.
I was really keen to improve my employability so I completed my placement as a research assistant for a market research company in London. Over the year, my confidence grew so much and I matured both personally and professionally – I couldn’t recommend a Professional Training placement enough!
The highlight of my placement was being assigned as project manager for some quantitative research, which allowed me to make use of the skills and knowledge I had gained during my placement. It’s also a fantastic way to decide whether the industry you want to go into is right for you, and it can even lead to being offered a job with your company when you graduate."
Discover more about our courses in psychology, including our BSc (Hons) Psychology with placement year.
