PROUD TO BE SURREY
Meet this year's Students' Union sabbatical team
Students Union sabbatical team 20254/6 (L-R): Luana Vasconcelos, Matt Aikin, Sam Buss, Amber Dobrzanski, Kade De Gannes
Students Union sabbatical team 20254/6 (L-R): Luana Vasconcelos, Matt Aikin, Sam Buss, Amber Dobrzanski, Kade De Gannes
Surrey Students' Union is a student-run organisation that represents Surrey students at a local and national level. An elected team of five student sabbatical officers help shape students' experience at Surrey: Matt Aikin is President of the Students' Union and is the lead student representative of the Union managing the Vice-Presidents and the CEO.
Matt Aikin
President of the Students' Union
What did you study at Surrey?
BSc Politics, MSc Sustainable Development.
Favourite place to study on campus?
If I can I like to study by the lake. It's lovely to get outside in the nice weather.
Favourite place to grab a drink?
The Hideout. It's nice and cosy and it feels a bit more relaxed that the rest of campus.
One thing not to miss this year?
Weekly quiz nights at Manor Park Social. They're free to enter and a lot of fun!
What makes you "Proud to be Surrey"?
"Because of our great student experience, the people, the campus and the community. Everything has such a positive atmosphere, from the green spaces to the sports clubs and societies. It's such a lovely environment to live and learn in and what's more, students are at the forefront of everything."
Luana Vasconcelos, VP Voice
What did you study at Surrey?
English Literature with Creative Writing BA.
Favourite place to study on campus?
MySurrey Hive Manor Park. It's right by Manor Park Social and it's lovely and quiet there.
Favourite place to grab a drink?
Manor Park Social. They have a lovely cranberry juice!
One thing not to miss this year?
Our international meet and greets and other events by the Student Equality Network.
What makes you "Proud to be Surrey"?
This is a university that creates a supportive, collaborative and exciting environment where students can thrive. I appreciate having so many opportunities to meet new people, develop my employability skills, enjoy myself at events or Rubix and receive support with any queries or issues. At Surrey, you are never alone, and there is a strong sense of community.
Amber Dobrzanski, VP Community
What did you study at Surrey?
Criminology
Favourite place to study on campus?
The Front Room.
Favourite place to grab a drink?
I love the salted caramel white hot chocolate from Lakeside. You have to have it with whipped cream and marshmallows!
One thing not to miss this year?
Bingo Lingo in Rubix.
What makes you "Proud to be Surrey"?
No matter who you are, where you are from or what you enjoy, there is always a group of likeminded people or events that you can be involved in, which really makes you feel like you are at home here. But at the same time there's so many new opportunities and experiences to help push you out of your comfort zone.
Kade De Gannes, VP Activity
What did you study at Surrey?
Aerospace Engineering.
Favourite place to study on campus?
The Design Centre in James Joule (BB) building.
Favourite place to grab a drink?
Lakeside. I love the hot chocolate!
One thing not to miss this year?
Two things you cannot miss. Varsity and Grad Sport!
What makes you "Proud to be Surrey"?
The diversity. There is so much culture, creativity and talent on campus and I love how students are empowered to express who they are and celebrate where they come from. Being part of such an inclusive and vibrant community is something I’m genuinely proud of.
Sam Buss, VP Support
What did you study at Surrey?
BA Modern Languages (French and Spanish) and MSc Psychology (Conversion).
Favourite place to study on campus?
The Nest has the comfiest seats!
Favourite place to grab a drink?
Americano at Stageside!
One thing not to miss this year?
Pet Therapy. Keep an eye on my Instagram for more details!
What makes you "Proud to be Surrey"?
I'm proud that the University genuinely cares about its students and staff. I've heard stories about students feeling lost at university and not knowing where to turn for support, but I think from the moment you arrive at Surrey you feel part of a family.
Our ‘Proud to be Surrey’ campaign shines the spotlight on some of our brilliant staff and students who make Surrey such a diverse and welcoming place to work and study.
There are undergraduates, postgrads, alumni, academics and professional services staff but they all have one thing in common – they are all Proud to be Surrey.
Built with Shorthand