Kanokwan

Why did you choose to continue your postgraduate studies at Surrey, instead of another university?

Surrey was always my first choice in the UK, particularly because of its strong reputation in hospitality and tourism. After completing my undergraduate degree in International Hospitality Management, I wanted to expand my knowledge into the broader field of tourism, and I knew there was no better place to do that than the University of Surrey. 

How did the university support you in your transition to becoming a postgraduate student?

The transition to my postgraduate degree in Surrey was much smoother than I expected, mainly because of the support from the university teams.

Firstly, I spoke with my personal tutor about my options for postgraduate study. She guided me to explore different courses and encouraged me to connect with lecturers across programmes. This was really helpful, as I wanted to ensure my postgraduate degree would expand my knowledge rather than repeat my undergraduate studies.

I also reached out to the Surrey Hive team for support with my personal statement and application. After arranging a meeting, they provided valuable advice and feedback, which made the entire process feel much more manageable and less stressful. Accommodation was another area where I felt supported. Knowing I was guaranteed a place and already familiar with the application process gave me peace of mind during the transition.  

After receiving my offer, I also received support from the International team with my visa application. This was something I was initially worried about, but their guidance, especially in checking my documents and explaining how to apply from within the UK, made it a quick and straightforward process.

With the transition process, what stood out to me was that there was always a team available to guide me. At every stage, I knew exactly where to go for help, which made the process feel much easier than I had expected.

What have been the biggest benefits so far of continuing your studies at Surrey?

One of the biggest benefits of continuing my studies at Surrey is the familiarity with both the environment and the academic system. Having completed my undergraduate degree here, I already understood how the university works and was familiar with the teaching team. This meant I could transition smoothly into postgraduate study and fully focus on my academic study from the very beginning, without needing time to adjust. 
 

What advice would you give to a current Surrey undergraduate student who is thinking of staying for a masters?

If you are currently studying at Surrey and considering staying for a masters, I would strongly encourage you to do so. One of the great things about continuing to study here is how smooth the transition can be. Since you are already familiar with the university system, the campus, and the teaching environment, you can fully focus on your studies from the very beginning. 

What do you plan to do after graduating and how has your masters degree supported that?

After completing my masters degree at Surrey, I had a clear plan to continue my academic journey by pursuing a PhD. Just like my earlier decisions, this felt very natural to me and I was certain that I wanted to stay at Surrey. I’m now doing my PhD in Hospitality, Tourism, Transport and Events at Surrey, and I truly couldn’t be happier with where I am.