Proud to be Surrey
Meet the students who took part in our 'Proud to be Surrey' photoshoot
Walking through the ground floor of the Library, you may have noticed a few new faces. Some are undergraduates, others postgrads, but they all have one thing in common – they are proud to be part of the Surrey community.
Building on the 2021 launch of the ‘Proud to be Surrey’ campaign, we are delighted to unveil the latest artwork showcasing some of our brilliant student community.
In September, a photographer came onto campus to take pictures of some of our wonderful student community. From our Students' Union sabbatical officers to Student Ambassadors, Peer Supporters and Course Reps, these students all contribute to our vibrant and diverse community.
Nicky Secrett
BSc Adult Nursing Studies
Course Rep
Michael Yeung
Biomedical Science
Peer Supporter
Bhavyasree Sasindra
MSc Data Science
Student Ambassador
Adam Gorry
BMus Creative Music Technology
Course Rep
Nicky Secrett
BSc Adult Nursing Studies
Course Rep
Michael Yeung
Biomedical Science
Peer Supporter
Bhavyasree Sasindra
MSc Data Science
Student Ambassador
Adam Gorry
BMus Creative Music Technology
Course Rep
A core strand of the University’s new strategy, Forward thinking. And doing, 'Proud to be Surrey' aims to build a strong sense of pride and culture within our community, championing togetherness and diversity through inclusive and inspiring opportunities for academic, social and cultural connections.
Adam Gorry is a third year from Leighton Buzzard. His time at Surrey has been disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, but he was determined to make the most of his time at University.
"When the pandemic hit, I realised I wasn’t going to have a chance to meet many people if I was only with a group of six at a time so I decided if I became a course rep then hopefully I would get to know people that way," he says. "I have run a few socials to ensure that we are a cohort and we are not disconnected – I’ve also held a few pub quiz nights and study sessions just to make sure people are still engaging with the course.
"I have been able to grow so much here as a person and try so many different new things and everyone – staff and students – are so supportive.
Not only have I found my calling, I have found my people, my crowd, here. I never want to leave.
"I feel like I’m always going to be connected to the University of Surrey. I fully intend to come back even after I have graduated because there is so much goodness here it would be a waste to leave it behind forever."
Anwar Mudh Hidh is a second-year student studying Business Management. Anwar is the first recipient of our Battersea Scholarship, which supports students estranged from their families.
"I wanted to go to a university that wasn’t in London, but wasn’t far from London," says Anwar. "I found that Surrey was one of the best universities in terms of education, facilities, and staff. I came for the Open Day and I loved the environment, the atmosphere, and that was the reason why I came to Surrey."
With Surrey's research we are making history and it makes me proud to be part of it."
Sukanya Subramaniam and Nidhi Rawat are SurreyConnects Champions.
SurreyConnects is our online platform which brings alumni and students together for networking and mentoring.
The platform harnesses the power of the Forever Surrey alumni network and helps students and recent graduates prepare for success in the job market. Students can reach out to alumni to ask one-off questions about their industry or request short-term career mentoring over a ‘virtual coffee’.
As SurreyConnects Champions, Nidhi and Sukanya take part in promotional events to promote the network to students.
Sukanya is studying for an MSc in Digital Marketing and Channel Management.
She arrived in February 2022, attracted by our beautiful campus and its convenient location to London, but also by excellent feedback she read online from current and former students.
Sukanya points to the incredible support network at the University as one of the biggest reasons why she is proud to be part of the Surrey community.
"I am very proud to be Surrey because I am part of an excellent community that supports its students in so many ways. The amount of support that students get here is amazing and I have reached out to so many different support groups here – peer support, mental health support, career support.
There have been so many times I have reached out and I have got the right kind of help.
Nidhi is a postgraduate researcher in the Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), studying for a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering.
She first visited Surrey when her husband was studying for his PhD and was so impressed by the facilities and the quality that she applied for a PhD here, too.
"I am proud to be part of this community," says Nidhi. "The way the teachers and the professors pay attention to individuals’ development. The learning environment is very impressive."
Sukanya Subramaniam
Sukanya Subramaniam
Nidhi Rawat
Nidhi Rawat
Amel Boukabous
Amel Boukabous
Amel Boukabous is a fourth-year Psychology student and a member of PhotoSoc.
"On my applicant day I got to experience what it would be like to be a Surrey student and I fell in love with the place," says Amel.
"I love the way we have so many opportunities to make it our own experience. There is no one way to be a Surrey student.
Kathleen Dunbar
Kathleen has been at Surrey for six years. She returned to study for a PhD in Physics Soft Matter after completing her undergraduate degree here.
"Even when I graduated and left for two years I still felt I was part of the community," she says. "I met all my best friends here and they have become my family. We don’t go a month without meeting up."
"The ambassador scheme gives you the opportunity to meet people and help organise different events. I have helped run summer schools, workshops for younger school students and also bigger events such as the UK HE Fair which really gave me the opportunity to learn skills which would help me further my job after I graduate."
Bhavyasree Sasindra
Bhavya is from India and is studying for a Masters degree in Data Science.
"I chose to come to Surrey because of the course," says Bhavyasree. "There were a couple of elective modules that I wanted to do, and the lab facilities are amazing. The campus is beautiful and I wanted to be close to London but not in busy London.
"The University really cares for its students. Especially being an international student and away from home there are a lot of support services and I think that really speaks for the University. There is obviously the academic excellence but more important than that it cares about the students’ mental health and that makes me really proud."
Michael Yeung
Michael is a first year from Essex studying Biomedical Science.
He did a foundation year last year and jumped at the opportunity to get involved with ambassador roles at Surrey.
He is a Peer Supporter, Student Ambassador in Widening Participation and Outreach and also a MySurrey Hive ambassador.
Surrey's Peer Support service offers you the opportunity to speak with another Surrey student about any aspect of student life. Peer Supporters support students through non-judgemental listening, empowering and helping to find out about activities and support services.
Joe Amphlett is a third year Electronic Engineering student currently completing his year in industry at In-Space Missions.
Joe, who is originally from Surrey but moved to Devon when he was seven, chose to return to the county of his birth "for the nostalgia", but more importantly for Surrey's reputation as a world-leading Centre of Excellence in Space Engineering.
Joe is also a star caller for Surrey's The Future Says Surrey £60m fundraising campaign.
When asked what makes him 'Proud to be Surrey', he replied: "I absolutely love the people and the community here, it feels like home."
Nicky Secrett is a second-year Adult Nursing Course Rep, Head Rep for FHMS and Student Ambassador.
After a career in law, Nicky decided to follow her heart and pursue a career in nursing. Nicky often helps out at the University open days and can be overheard talking passionately about the Library.
"I’m proud to represent Surrey and I offer to take part in all the open days because I love talking about the University," she says. "I love talking about what it has to offer, about the skills and about the immense support being offered here.
"I practically live in the library - it’s my home from home. It’s over four floors and has everything you could possibly need. They have amazing academic support, to help you get through an assignment, they help you with critical writing."
The University is there to support you and I find it an extremely supportive university and I’m very proud to be part of it.
Kishaan Thurai
Second Year - BSc Accounting and Finance
With SurreyConnects, help is always at hand – they don’t forget about you as soon as you graduate."
Akshay Revankar
Masters in Investment Management
It doesn’t matter how big or small the questions – the academics are always very friendly and very accessible."
USSU President - Diana Dakik
From: Zambia and Lebanon
What are you studying at Surrey?
I did veterinary biosciences as an undergrad and am currently finishing my PhD in vet immunology.
What clubs/societies have you been part of at Surrey?
Equestrian and Polo Club, Postgraduate Soc, Arab Soc
What did you want to be when were younger?
A doctor
Do you have a claim to fame/An interesting fact that people might not know about you?
I have ridden for Zambia, the most special of which was the All Africa Games in Morocco in 2019.
What is the best thing about being USSU President?
I love being involved in all levels of the University and ensuring that student opinion is instrumental in informing the direction the University goes.
Can you sum up your role in less than 10 words? Lead student representative on complex issues impacting students.
What three words would you use to describe Surrey?
Opportunity, collaborative and dynamic.
Cameron Tooke – VP Activity
From: London & Kent
What did you study at Surrey?
Psychology BSc & Social Psychology MSc
What clubs/societies are you/have you been part of at Surrey?
Football, Surf Society & Tennis
What did you want to be when were younger?
Photographer / Filmmaker
Fun fact?
I was Emma Raducanu’s house captain in Sixth Form!
What is the best thing about being VP Activity?
Being able to engage so actively with students on campus and working closely with Team Surrey to promote sport
Sum up your role in 10 words or less...
Getting students involved in extracurricular activity through clubs and societies
What three words would you use to describe Surrey?
Opportunity, Passion, Vibes
Oriana Savvidi – VP Support
From: Cyprus
What did you study at Surrey?
LLB Law
What clubs/societies are you/have you been part of at Surrey?
Law Society, Nightline, FilmSoc, FemSoc, DisneySoc, Politics Society.
What did you want to be when were younger?
Since I can remember, I have always wanted to be a lawyer.
Fun fact?
I live 10 minutes from the beach in Cyprus but don't know how to swim
What is the best thing about being VP Support?
I get to influence the support students receive and have a positive impact on student wellbeing, while taking into consideration race, class, ethnicity, sexuality and all other characteristics that the student body represents.
Sum up your role in 10 words or less...
Leading Union initiatives on Wellbeing and Welfare.
What three words would you use to describe Surrey?
Inclusive, Vibrant, Welcoming
Jo Yau - VP Community
From: Singapore and Hong Kong, but I was born and raised in UK
What are you studying at Surrey?
Maths
What clubs/societies are you/have you been part of at Surrey? ABACUS, SUNS, KISS, FILIsoc, netball, Japsoc, VGS, Samsoc, mahjong.
What did you want to be when were younger? Pâtissier.
Fun fact?
I've performed in the Lord Mayor's Show.
What is the best thing about being VP Community?
I get to make real change to diversify Surrey that impact people that I wish I had whilst being a student.
Sum up your role in 10 words or less...
I oversee all events, volunteering, sustainability, your community and RAG.
What three words would you use to describe Surrey?
Lively, Colourful, Opportunities
Megan Simmons - VP Voice
From: Earth 🌍
What did you study at Surrey?
I graduated from law in 2022
What clubs/societies are you/have you been part of at Surrey?
Law Society, Mountaineering Club, Game Society.
What did you want to be when were younger?
A shopkeeper.
What is the best thing about being VP Voice?
All the events and outreach I get to do with students and staff.
Sum up your role in 10 words or less...
Loud person who makes University change stuff.
What three words would you use to describe Surrey?
Resilient, Supportive, Community
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