Alice Brooks

Is there a song that reminds you of Surrey? 

Whenever I hear anything by Lizzo, I instantly think of first year at Surrey. My flatmates and I were obsessed, and she was played at every party and club night on campus.

What’s something you couldn’t live without at university?

I couldn't live without my slippers! They keep your feet cosy and are a great protection against the communal kitchen floor.

What’s one food dish or snack you couldn’t live without at university?

Sausage, mash, peas and gravy will always be my guilty pleasure at uni.

Describe your experience at Surrey in three words.

Exciting, social, busy

CHOOSING SURREY

After visiting on an Offer Holders Day, I absolutely fell in love with the campus; the lake, the modern campus feel, as well as the close proximity to London, great student facilities and friendly faces.

YOUR COURSE

Before starting University, I visited France with the Erasmus programme, and I loved it! I saw the importance of learning languages to better communicate with locals and understand different cultures. The course at Surrey focuses on improving practical skills like translation and sociolinguistics and includes a placement year abroad as well.

We have access to a huge range of books and materials, computers with specialised software for language learners, and staff on hand during the weekdays to provide support. The classrooms also boast features to support listening practice.

THE SURREY EXPERIENCE

Life at Surrey is so much fun. One of my favourite things to do in Guildford is go on long walks in the countryside with my friends and take a picnic. I also love going into the town centre to try one of the many restaurants, bars and pubs. It's also great fun being so close to London!

I was the President of the Feminist Society during my second year at Surrey. It was a challenge, as at the time, we could only organise virtual events due to the pandemic, but we still had so much fun with our quiz nights, movie nights, and fundraiser events.

My favourite moment at Surrey has to be dressing up as the Barnaby Bee mascot in Freshers’ Week and giving out sweets to all the new students!

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING AND STUDY ABROAD

I worked as an intern at Language Connexion in Paris, undertaking a lot of administerial duties but I also taught in some schools across Paris. I met so many like-minded individuals, made friends for life, and improved my French in a real business setting.  I would 100% recommend a placement year to all students; it's a brilliant way to try a career that you might be interested in pursuing after university.

I also studied abroad in Spain, at the Universitat Jaume I, in Valencia. I loved studying new subjects while practicing Spanish every day. I also had lots of opportunities to travel at the weekends to other cities and towns in Spain which was so much fun!

LOOKING FORWARD 

After studying and working abroad during my degree, I'm really excited to work abroad again. I have my sights set on working for a company in Australia where I can help others to move abroad and begin their journeys living in a new country. 

University isn't just about studying your subject, it's about navigating friendships, becoming independent, dealing with finances, renting houses, and really understanding who you are as an individual.