Raghavan C.

What do you like about your course and why?

What I really value about the Computer Science course at Surrey is how well it balances theory with practical application. From the beginning, the course built a strong foundation in programming and core concepts, but what stood out to me was how quickly we were encouraged to apply what we learned.

What do you enjoy most about Surrey?

What I enjoy most about Surrey is the strong sense of community combined with the wide range of opportunities available to students.

Beyond lectures, the university provides excellent academic and career support. The employability team has helped me refine my CV using CV360 and prepare for interviews through the Mock Interview AI tool, which has made me feel more confident when applying for placements and internships.

Getting involved in university life has been equally rewarding. As a Student Ambassador, I have supported events and summer school programmes, where I developed leadership and communication skills. 

I am also involved in the Computer Science Society as a web developer, which has allowed me to collaborate with talented peers and expand my professional network. 

Being part of societies such as Compsoc (Computer Science Society) has helped me explore my interest in technology outside the classroom, while the Tamil Society has given me a strong sense of belonging through shared culture and community. Campus life offers a great balance between productivity and relaxation. When I lived on campus in first year, I regularly used Surrey Sports Park to play badminton with friends. The lake and cafés provide peaceful spaces to unwind, while the 24 hour library and computer labs make it easy to stay focused. Guildford town centre is just a short walk away, which means I can explore new restaurants, go to the gym, or spend time shopping with friends. With the train station nearby, commuting home is also convenient, making Surrey both vibrant and well connected.

What do you want to do when you graduate?

When I graduate, I hope to begin my career in a role that combines technical depth with problem solving at scale, ideally within cloud computing or software engineering. I am particularly interested in cloud architecture, as I enjoy understanding how systems are designed, deployed, and secured to support real world applications.

Alongside my degree, I have been exploring cloud technologies and certifications independently, and I am keen to apply this knowledge in an industry setting where I can continue learning from experienced professionals. I am especially motivated by the challenge of designing systems that are not only functional, but also resilient, scalable, and cost efficient. At the same time, I remain open to different pathways within technology, whether that leads me further into software engineering, distributed systems, or cybersecurity, as I value building a broad and adaptable technical foundation.

In the longer term, I would like to grow into a role where I can design and lead technical solutions that make systems more efficient, secure, and scalable. I am also considering postgraduate study, depending on the direction I refine during my final year, particularly if it allows me to deepen my understanding of advanced systems or cloud infrastructure. Ultimately, I want to build a career that challenges me technically while allowing me to collaborate with others, communicate complex ideas clearly, and contribute to meaningful technological innovation that has real impact.

Your advice to new students

My main advice would be to stay proactive, but also be patient with yourself. The first year is designed to build your foundation, so focus on understanding the core concepts rather than rushing ahead. University can be a big transition, so it is completely normal not to have everything figured out straight away.

Make the most of your academics by attending lectures, asking questions, and using office hours. Speaking to lecturers and placement students can give you insight that goes beyond the syllabus and help you start thinking about your long term direction early on.

Just as importantly, take time to enjoy university life and build meaningful connections. The friends you make on your course will support, challenge, and motivate you, and those shared experiences often become some of the most valuable parts of your degree. I have learned a great deal from the people around me, and that sense of community has made challenges easier to navigate. Growing alongside others, supporting them when they struggle, and celebrating their successes together is an important part of the journey.

I would also encourage students to get involved beyond lectures. Join societies, attend career events, and speak to people working in areas that genuinely interest you. Stepping outside your comfort zone can open doors you may not expect. Every opportunity, whether academic or extracurricular, helps you grow both professionally and personally, and shapes the direction you choose to take.

Find out more about our Computer Science courses including our Computer Science BSc.