A week in the life of a computer science undergraduate
From lectures to laboratory-based practicals and personal tutorials, discover what a typical week looks like as a first-year BSc computer science student at Surrey.
How will I be taught?
You will be taught through a combination of: group work; laboratory sessions; lectures; online learning; tutorials; and seminars by industry professionals. You will receive approximately 20 contact hours each week.
Outside of these, you’ll be expected to carry out independent study, including reading, coursework and project work. We have a range of study spaces available, including our library, open 24/7, and more relaxed spaces like the new Hillside Coffee café. And best of all, as a computer science undergraduate, you will have access to our purpose-built, 200-seater Computer Science Laboratory, open 24/7.
What will I be taught?
A typical week will cover the following modules: Web and Database Systems; Programming Fundamentals; Foundations of Computing; and Computer Logic.
Read more about our undergraduate computer science courses here.
Will I be in lectures all the time?
You’ll be busy! But don’t worry, it’s not 9am-5pm every day. The timetable varies and allows for self-study.
What about other interests? Will I have time for those during the week?
That’s what Wednesdays are for: you have most of the day to focus on sporting, society or employability events. Students have access to more than 180 student clubs and societies, with interests ranging from mixed martial arts to mah jong, and poker to politics. Computer science students may wish to join ComSoc and HackSurrey, which organise hackathons and social events throughout the year.
Nearby Surrey Sports Park is a £36m facility, offering state-of-the-art training facilities such as a climbing wall and an Olympic-size swimming pool.
What’s life like outside lectures?
We’re a campus university so everything you need is within a five-minute walk, including the Students’ Union building, grocery shopping, wellbeing and support services, the launderette and the medical centre.
Guildford’s picturesque cobbled high street boasts a wide range of shops and restaurants, plus an excellent range of pubs and a busy nightlife. The town is also only a 35-minute train journey to London.
Expect more
Find out why you should expect more at Surrey and when our next undergraduate open days will be.
Disclaimer: The modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication and may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.