As far as cities in Canada are concerned, everything is huge and vastly spread out. There are tall buildings and massive six lane highways everywhere. So when I made the move from Canada to UK, it was a big change for me. Not only is the weather considerably more bearable here, everything is much smaller than what I am initially used to.
Guildford, for me, is a small town (there’s ONLY four Starbucks here, including the one on campus!). I love it. I love being able to walk almost anywhere without having to wear insane amounts of winter gear. Back home, driving is practically mandatory as the public transport does not cover the entire city and the weather conditions are too harsh to walk/cycle. This experience is completely new and I am wholeheartedly welcoming it. There are times when I do miss the snow, but then I see my friends back home in the -25°C weather and realise how lucky I am to be spending Christmas in Guildford this year.
One of the great things about being at the University of Surrey is its easy commute to London. The city is only 30 or so minutes away by train and it is one of my absolute favourite places to be. I first visited London when I was 10 years old, and ever since then, I have taken every chance I possibly can to return. Now its so close to me, and I love going there to sightsee. I don’t think I’ve seen a city with such beautiful architecture before. The old buildings that still stand, coupled with the modern additions really bring out a different sort of vibe.
My friends back home call London the “New York of England.” Being a giant Harry Potter fan, the first thing I did was rush to King’s Cross (fellow HP crazies will know) and find the 9 and 3/4 trolley and took about ten photos with it. It’s one thing crossed off my bucket list now!
- Sai
I am Holly, an undergraduate Computing student from Bellevue, Washington. I was born in California but have spent most of my life in Washington. If you know anything about Washington, I pretty much fit the stereotype. Rain, hippies, and Starbucks run the state. The Seahawks are the best American football team, and we will win the Super Bowl again one day.
I grew up with English parents; I am a first-generation American. I had a dream to come back to, as I call it, the 'mother land' to experience living in my second culture. Thinking back now, it makes me laugh that I once claimed so passionately and with such determination that I was English and not very American. That is far from the truth: I am definitely an American, but instead of denying it, as I once did, I love it. Moving from America has opened my eyes to how different, but special both countries are.
Part of the reason why I wanted to go to school in England was the possibility of travel. The diversity of the countries nearby is immense, so just traveling an hour or two will bring you somewhere totally new. I've been to Zurich and Lucerne in Switzerland, Oslo and Bergen in Norway, and Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye in Scotland.
- Holly
When considering doing graduate study, I knew there were a few options on the table. I could stay in the United States and pursue a 2-year master's degree or I could move abroad and complete my master's in one year. Plus, I’d have the unforgettable opportunity to move to a different country at least once in my lifetime! The answer was simple for me.
As someone who had always wanted to travel, but had never gotten the opportunity, I knew I wanted to kick off my mid-twenties by doing something bold.
One of the best aspects of the University of Surrey has been the faculty. They really are the best in their individual fields, and I have been so impressed with how readily they involve students in their research and connect them with professional contacts. It is so rare in the United States for esteemed professors to be so approachable and friendly, but truly every person that I have met in England has genuinely taken an interest in their students and has done whatever they could to bolster their success. I have always felt as though the faculty members were available to me for questions about the course, the assignments, and general knowledge about the field and the opportunities available for master's degree students.
All in all, studying at the University of Surrey was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Their high-caliber program and world-class faculty have made all of the difference in my experience with postgraduate study.
- Danielle
This session provides an introduction to the well-regarded University of Surrey. Known for its excellent teaching and for being a leader in innovative learning environments, Surrey prepares its graduates for excellent employment opportunities. Learn why you should consider studying at their charming Guildford campus. Welcome to the University of Surrey!
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