A global University

With 142,000 alumni from 184 countries around the world, Surrey is a truly international university.

View of the geodesic dome by the lake on Stag Hill campus

Every year we welcome around 4,500 students from across the globe. Located across two beautiful green campuses in Guildford on the outskirts of London, there are so many reasons for students to choose the University of Surrey as the place to study.

Not only is Surrey consistently named as one of the safest universities in the UK, we are proud to be ranked fourth in the UK* for overall satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2023.

Last academic year, we were home to more than 4,600 international students, attracted by our impressive graduate outcomes, exceptional placement programme and superb facilities.

Seven international students tell us, in their own words, why they chose Surrey, and what makes them proud to be part of our diverse and welcoming community.

^{_{*Measured by % positivity based on Q1-24 for all institutions listed in the Guardian University Guide league tables.}}

Anirudh Joshi is from Parbhani, India. He arrived at Surrey in September 2023 to study MSc Business Analytics.

Precious Ibe is studying Economics and Finance MSc. Originally from Imo State in Nigeria, she arrived at Surrey in September 2023.

Aly Lashin Alsaid is from Cairo, Egypt. He is in his final year studying Civil Engineering BSc.

Reagan Martin is from near Dallas, Texas, USA. She is studying a two-year MFA at the Guildford School of Acting (GSA).

Originally from Guangzhou, China, Frank Zhan is studying for a Masters in Occupational and Organisational Psychology at Surrey Business School.

Luana Vasconcelos from São Paulo in Brazil, is in her final year studying English Literature with Creative Writing.

Daria Svitlyk, from Kyiv, Ukraine is in her second year studying Media and Communications.

Anirudh

The best thing about Surrey is the welcome and the comforting environment that the University provides to each and every student.

Being an international student, when I first arrived I was very nervous and a little bit homesick, but the University organised lots of different events in Welcome Week and gave us opportunities to get to know other students.

Anirudh Joshi, a postgraduate student from India

Anirudh Joshi smiles at the camera outside the Surrey Business School

Anirudh Joshi chats to a fellow student inside Surrey Business School

I never cooked before I arrived but now I have to cook for myself I have built my cooking skills – my mother can’t believe it! I make an excellent palak paneer curry now - my friends love it.

The University library... I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s a real privilege to have access to such an incredible facility. In my free time I mostly hang out in the library.

I am part of the Hindu Society and our culture is Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which is Sanskrit for 'the world is one family'. As Hindu people we see the world through the one perspective which is happiness, joy and prosperity. These are the beliefs my culture taught me and these are the beliefs that I follow and I have found all of those things at Surrey and that is why I am having the best time.

Precious

I studied at the University of Nigeria and then worked in banking for two years before I applied to 17 different universities to study for a master’s degree. I had offers from all 17 schools but I think Surrey is the best place to be and I have no regrets.

The lecturers are so friendly, it is not just about listening to a two-hour lecture, they actually want to know you understand the course, and they have office hours when you can walk in, discuss any issues you may have. Even during the holidays I had an issue and they arranged to come onto campus to help me.

There are so many societies. I joined the Maths Society and the Nigerian Society – it’s fun to connect with fellow Nigerians. When we are not studying we all hang out together.

Welcome Week is such a good opportunity for new students to integrate and make new friends and get to know people from so many different countries and cultures.

During that week I made some really great friends. In our spare time we like to go see a movie, or go and visit tourist spots like Guildford Castle, or Oxford, Bath, and Stonehenge.

Here are some of my favourite places at Surrey...

MySurrey Hive

Coming here as an international student we have so many worries and anxieties but coming to the Hive you can talk to some students or representatives to support you.

University Library

I think I have been to the library every single day since I arrived!

It’s not just a place to study – they provide facilities to help student achieve good grades. When I first came I was struggling with an aspect of maths on my course and I booked a Maths and Statistics advice session.

I love spending time in the library. There is a silent section, a group study section and you can book a room. There are also online resources and an English programme to help with dissertations. There is also a Global Graduate Award in Languages programme – I have been taking German classes.

Guildford Cathedral

I’m a Christian and the University is next to the Cathedral where we can go and worship so that’s my favourite place on a Sunday morning.

MySurrey Hive

Coming here as an international student we have so many worries and anxieties but coming to the Hive you can talk to some students or representatives to support you.

University Library

“I think I have been to the library every single day since I arrived!

Guildford Cathedral

I’m a Christian and the University is next to the Cathedral where we can go and worship so that’s my favourite place on a Sunday morning.

Aly

Before coming to Surrey I lived in Cairo my whole life. But my brother studied here and I heard that there were a lot of international students, including Egyptians.

The best thing about being at Surrey is it is cosy. Everything is close by – I can walk everywhere!

I’ve made lots of friends through the Arab Society and we all know each other so we all go out together. Sometimes we go out in Guildford, like going ten pin bowling at the Spectrum, and sometimes we go to London.

I like to spend time on PATS Field where there is an outdoor gym where I can work out for free. I’ve been working out for three years since I came to university and it’s an important part of my life. I also go to Hillside Coffee between lectures to get a coffee.

I really enjoy it here. The people here are really nice, the students and lecturers as well. I’d recommend it to any international student.

^{©Aly Lashin Alsaid}

^{©Aly Lashin Alsaid}

Aly Lashin Alsaid, an undergraduate student in Civil Engineering

Reagan

I looked at a lot of different drama schools but what sold Surrey for me was my recall audition. I felt immediately comfortable with everyone I spoke to. When I looked at pictures of the campus it was a done deal!

I love how Surrey is a beautiful big campus, but I constantly see people that I know and there is still that smaller, college feel to it. It’s a warm, welcoming environment and being an international student being so far away from home I really like that there is a true sense of community.

I’m in class between 30 and 32 hours a week so I feel like it’s really easy to just stay in GSA, and it’s nice to have that security, but the University is so incredible and there is so much on I love to break out of that bubble when I can.

I love the Hideout café, it’s a good inbetween spot from GSA and the library. I go to the library a lot! I’m a big reader but also it has incredible resource and reference guides for the drama school so I’m in there reading plays all the time!

I love the boba (bubble tea) shop. I’m a big boba drinker so it’s nice to have a student-run boba shop on campus.

I don’t think a lot of people understand how incredible it is to challenge your perspectives in a new environment. You get so many once-in-a-lifetime opportunities just due to the proximity to London and the campus environment, challenging your own belief systems.

It’s such an international campus –
my best friends are from Malta, Germany and Singapore!

Since I've been at Surrey I’ve been to the West End to see Tina, Hamilton, and Wicked. I got to watch As You Like It at Shakespeare's Globe which was incredible. As a drama student you have to go and see shows but it’s so nice having such an idyllic setting and the proximity and the ability to go to London without being in the hustle and bustle.

I can’t understate the proximity you have to one of the greatest cities in the world!

Reagan Martin, a postgraduate GSA student from Texas

Frank

I was born and raised in Guangzhou, China, but I worked in Hong Kong for seven years. Initially I applied to Surrey to study International Hospitality Management because Surrey is No.1 in the UK and No.2 in the world. I changed my subject later on but by then I had fallen in love with the campus.

If you went to university in London it would be super expensive but you can enjoy the beautiful countryside and enjoy being 30 minutes' train ride into London.

London is such a colourful, diverse city and there’s something going on every day. You can find everything you could – and couldn’t – imagine!

Frank Zhan, a postgraduate student from China

Frank smiles at a fellow student as he walks on campus with a bag on his shoulder

Frank leans over the railing in Lecture Theatre Block

It’s a very diverse campus with support everywhere; very professional professors, very supportive staff everywhere. You can find everything you need here.

Being in the UK you can get lots of opportunities you couldn’t even imagine before you arrive.

Outside of my studies I have been volunteering with a local charity. I collect food from the supermarket and help distribute it to people in need. I enjoy it because my co-workers are all people from the local community - they are all so lovely and always willing to help and support each other, it’s like a nice and warm-hearted family.

Frank volunteering with a local food charity _{©Frank Zhan}

Frank volunteering with a local food charity _{©Frank Zhan}

Luana

When I finished my A-Levels I applied to many universities. Originally Surrey was not my first choice but when I saw the campus and the course structure I really fell in love and decided I wanted to come here.

The social life is great but I think the best thing about Surrey is the amount of support you get in everything you want to do. There is always someone to help you with whatever query or issue you have.

As well as MySurrey Nest and MySurrey Hive, the Community Hub is one of my favourite spots on campus. I really love the initiative, not only from a sustainability perspective but [I love] the idea of students helping each other and it’s amazing to have affordable items.

Luana in the Students' Union Community Hub, a new space on campus to support students during the cost-of-living crisis. Clothing, homeware items, electronics and food are collected via donations. Items are available from as little as £1.

Luana in the Students' Union Community Hub, a new space on campus to support students during the cost-of-living crisis. Clothing, homeware items, electronics and food are collected via donations. Items are available from as little as £1.

From the moment I arrived in first year I joined the Literature Society, Disney Society and Pet Society for weekly dog walks. I also joined The Stag Society, which is the University magazine which publishes content written by students for students.

I’ve also been involved in the Students’ Union and next year I will be a sabbatical officer. Getting involved in the Students’ Union is an amazing opportunity. You can volunteer, which is great for your CV and you are doing something great for the community and having fun!

Luana and friends with Surrey's stag mascot

Luana and friends with Surrey's stag mascot

Luana Vasconcelos, an undergraduate student from Brazil

Daria

I studied journalism for a year at a Ukrainian university before I had to transfer to Surrey after the war started back home.

We started a Ukrainian Society last year and we’ve got a great community of people. Last year we had about 10 students and now we have around 25. We mostly do social gatherings, we did a cooking social where we all cooked traditional Ukrainian food. We have also had a Ukrainian movie screening in collaboration with the Film Society and we often just come together to chat and have fun.

When I arrived here it was quite difficult because I came alone and I didn’t have anyone to speak my own language with and so it really helps having people that come from the same background as you, to be able to speak your own language, joke around and so that really helps with the homesickness.

I recently joined the Dance Society. My friends brought me along and I’m really enjoying it.

MySurrey Nest - one of Daria's favourite spots on campus

MySurrey Nest - one of Daria's favourite spots on campus

I love MySurrey Nest, especially the little beds. I carry a pair of earplugs in my bag so I come in, lie down and have a bit of quiet time.

I’m studying media and communications but one day I would love to represent my country in the world. I see a lot of underrepresentation of Ukraine. Before the invasion nobody abroad really knew what Ukraine, or who Ukrainians were. I think it’s important to represent your culture and your people.

Daria Svitlyk, an undergraduate Media and Communications student from Ukraine

Why choose Surrey?

We’re committed to the continued improvement of our excellent research, teaching, employability and student experience. The above animation showcases where we rank compared to other higher education institutions, both nationally and globally.

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research.

Our green and vibrant university is set in the beautiful Surrey countryside and our 34-hectare Stag Hill campus was recently awarded Green Flag status. Surrey is consistently named among the safest universities in the country. Conveniently located just half-an-hour’s train ride from London, it really is the best of both worlds.

We are proud to be one of the most culturally diverse universities in the UK, with more than 140 nationalities making up the Surrey community.

We are here to help you throughout the application process, from advising on choosing the right course to applying for a visa and preparing for your first few weeks at Surrey. Find out more about scholarships available to international students.

Find a course

With more than 6,000 rooms on campus, from shared bedrooms to studio flats, there is a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget.

Our Stag Hill campus is home to the Roundhouse – the Centre for Religious Life and Belief – and a team of chaplains from eight faiths and the humanist tradition. As well as a multi-faith lounge area, we have a number of prayer rooms and spaces for worship on campus.

Home to Surrey Sports Park, one of the training bases for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, you will have access to world-class sports and wellbeing facilities including a state-of-the-art 120-station gym, fitness studios and Olympic-sized swimming pool for a discounted membership fee.

Graduation ceremonies traditionally take place in the spectacular Guildford Cathedral, which is next to our campus.

Our Employability and Careers team have created the International Students Careers Hub with resources to help you navigate the UK job market, understand working visas and much more. Plus, our designated team of Careers Consultants are here to provide advice and guidance from your first day, and up to three years after graduating.

^{©Friends International Guildford}

^{©Friends International Guildford}

Friends International is a local Christian charity which aims to help international students (of any faith) find their place at Surrey. They understand that studying abroad is a new challenge and they are here to help you settle in, build friendships and find your way around.

Celebrating Diwali on campus with the Indian Students' Association

Learn new skills, make new friends and pursue your passions. There are so many opportunities to get involved in clubs and societies, including a number of international societies, such as the Chinese Society, Hispanic Society and Hellenic Society. If you can’t find the group you’re looking for, we can help you get one set up.

^{*Measured by % positivity based on Q1-24 for all institutions listed in the Guardian University Guide league tables.}

Start your immersive journey at Surrey by checking out our virtual tour

Start your immersive journey at Surrey by checking out our virtual tour

Start your virtual tour of Surrey

Guildford

The picturesque market town of Guildford is just a short walk from our campus.

Alive with bars, restaurants, cafes, a cinema and theatres and home to stellar shopping, you’ll quickly find something in Guildford to keep you busy.

Beyond the edge of town, we’re surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and countryside.

Get to know Guildford

With 142,000 alumni from 184 countries around the world, Surrey is a truly international university.

Anirudh

The best thing about Surrey is the welcome and the comforting environment that the University provides to each and every student.

Precious

MySurrey Hive

University Library

Guildford Cathedral

MySurrey Hive

University Library

Guildford Cathedral

Aly

Reagan

It’s such an international campus – my best friends are from Malta, Germany and Singapore!

Frank

Luana

Daria

Why choose Surrey?

Guildford

#ProudToBeSurrey #ForeverSurrey

It’s such an international campus –
my best friends are from Malta, Germany and Singapore!