A week in the life of a maths undergraduate
From lectures to computer lab sessions and personal tutorials, discover what a typical week looks like as a first-year BSc or MMath maths student at Surrey.
How will I be taught?
Your teaching will be delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, group work, computer labs and online learning. You’ll receive approximately 20 contact hours each week.
Outside of these, you’ll be expected to carry out independent study, including reading, course projects and coursework. We have a range of study spaces available, including our library, open 24/7, and more relaxed spaces like the new Hillside Coffee café.
What will I be taught?
In Semester 1, lectures will cover the following modules: Algebra; Calculus; Probability and Statistics; and Real Analysis. Different modules will be introduced in Semester 2.
There are also extracurricular seminars on a Friday. At these, academics and graduates studying for doctoral degrees give seminars on mathematics used in research. Alumni also give talks on how the mathematics they learned at university helps them in their careers, and is used in real-world industrial and statistical applications.
Read more about our undergraduate mathematics courses.
It sounds like I’ll be busy! What support will I get?
Assessments, coursework and exercises are spread evenly throughout the semester to allow for balance. You’ll meet with your tutor every week in Semester 1 and every two weeks in Semester 2.
In addition to academic support from our lecturers and personal tutors, the student-run Surrey University Mathematics Society provides second- and third-year maths student mentors to help support you in your first year.
After the extracurricular seminar on a Friday, you can round off the week with a maths social, which is a great way to meet students and staff.
What about other interests? Will I have time for those?
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.
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 retail and catering outlets, 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.