Zoha
"In first year, I had the opportunity to serve as a Course Representative, which was one of the most rewarding learning experiences I've had at university."
Course
Computer Science BSc (Hons)What do you like about your course and why?
One of the things I've enjoyed most about my course is how consistently up to date the curriculum felt. Being in an ever changing technological landscape, it was fascinating to see how the teaching brought theory to life by connecting it to the real world, making it feel relevant and genuinely interesting. The mix of practical computer lab sessions and lectures reinforced this further, with dedicated lab helpers always willing to help you through a problem and keep you moving forward.
Beyond the content, the resources and support available to students made a real difference to my experience. Having access to well-equipped computer labs at flexible hours meant I could get individual and group work done on my own terms. Equally impressive has been the career support on offer. Being able to book one-to-one appointments with a careers advisor gave me a real sense of direction, and having access to psychometric test examples allowed me to go into the graduate recruitment process feeling prepared. This practical, forward-thinking support at Surrey is what sets the course apart.
In first year, I had the opportunity to serve as a Course Representative, which was one of the most rewarding learning experiences I had at university. Acting as a bridge between students and faculty helped me develop real skills in communication and advocacy, while also giving me an insight into how the course is run and how students and staff actively work together to continuously improve the course.
Overall, this course gave me a strong foundation that I was able to develop further onto my own external projects, taking what I learnt and applying it in a real context.
"I think that is something that speaks to the nature of the course itself; it goes beyond teaching material and equips you with the tools and confidence to grow beyond it."
What do you enjoy most about Surrey?
What I enjoyed most about Surrey was throwing myself into new experiences and pushing myself out of my comfort zone, something that led to a real growth in confidence.
"University has a way of placing you in situations you'd never have encountered otherwise, and simply saying yes to opportunities I might have previously shied away from proved to be one of the most valuable things I did throughout my time here."
A great example of that has been participating in Hackathons ran by university societies, these fast-paced, collaborative events pushed me to think quickly, adapt and work new people.
Alongside that, collaborating with societies to help host events targeted towards students gave me a valuable insight into what it means to organise, coordinate and bring people together around a shared goal.
Of all the societies at Surrey, the Islamic Society is the one that has had the greatest impact on my time here. What stood out to me wasn't just the events, but the environment, it was genuinely inclusive and welcoming, particularly during times such as Ramadan. Having access to a prayer room on campus also made a quiet but meaningful difference to my day-to-day life, helping me along my studies. Some of my most memorable moments at Surrey have actually taken place far from campus as I climbed Mount Snowdon and Pen Y Fan twice, both times raising money for charity through the Islamic Society. Those experiences pushed me well outside of my comfort zone, and taking on a physical challenge for a cause greater than yourself is something that builds confidence and character, which I feel has been one of the most valuable things I have taken away from my time at Surrey.
And of course, none of it would have been the same without the friends and peers I've made along the way. The friendships I've built here are ones I know will last long after graduation and that is perhaps the greatest thing Surrey has given me.
What do you want to do when you graduate?
I have accepted an offer to join Vodafone's Discover Software Graduate Programme starting in September 2026, so that will be the next step! It is an opportunity I am incredibly excited about, and I cannot wait to apply the theory and skills I have built up over my degree in a real industry setting, working alongside experienced professionals and growing in an environment where every day brings new challenges.
Beyond the role itself, I am keen to continue what I would describe as my personal motto of lifelong learning. Whether that means working towards industry acknowledged qualifications or staying curious and open to new opportunities. Growing my network and making the most of everything that comes my way will be just as important, and if my time at Surrey has taught me anything, it is that putting yourself out there is always worth it!
Your advice to new students
My biggest piece of advice would be to always stay curious. Computer Science and the broader world of technology is an incredibly vast and exciting field to study, and there are so many opportunities that come with it, so it is important to embrace that breadth.
Make the most of your time at university by asking questions, engaging with your lecturers, and exploring beyond the syllabus.
"The most rewarding moments often come from going that little bit further, for example, diving deeper into a topic that interests you, or taking on a project outside of your studies."
Surrey offers a wealth of opportunities beyond the classroom, so take advantage of everything on offer (clubs, societies etc.), get involved, and enjoy every moment of it! Your time here will go faster than you think, and the experiences you collect along the way will shape you just as much as the degree itself.
Find out more about our computer science courses.
