Christy Quirke

Why did you choose to come to Surrey? What appealed to you? 

During my UCAS experience in Year 13, Surrey stood out not only due their ranking in politics, but also because of how highly they were ranked in all student associated zones, i.e. student wellbeing, student happiness. This made me see Surrey as a university where community thrives.

Why did you choose to do a Foundation Year?

Due to personal matters, my A-Levels were not as great as I had been predicted. Whilst exploring my options – such as clearing or apprenticeships – Surrey contacted me and explained the Foundation Year; it offered the whole university package without the stress of re-sitting exams or continuing with Clearing.

What do you like about your course and why?

Lecturers are most definitely one of Surrey’s strongest attributes. Doing a Foundation year, you experience multiple lecturers as well as guest speakers; the wide range of specialists willing to offer assistance puts us students at an overwhelming advantage.

Do you feel that you’re supported whilst at Surrey?

Certainly. No matter the issue or your willingness to share, Surrey has a wide range of staff and peers who will offer all varieties of support. Whether it’s your lecturer giving help with an essay, or one of the many Chaplains when needing help with a personal matter, all you have to do is reach out.

Are you part of any clubs or societies? 

I have taken part in many events with the Politics Society, particularly the bar crawls. Apart from that, I am also a course representative for the Foundation Year Social Sciences programme; this role allows me and my peers to have a voice and to contribute to real change on the course. It also widely contributes to your resumé should you wish to move up in the variety of elected roles in the Students' Union.

What are the best things about life at Surrey? 

The social life is definitely one of the best things about Surrey, the location of the University another and the resources available also another. So far, there have been no negatives: the student accommodation is near shops, the town centre is 15 minutes from the University, and the people you meet will have an impact on you the minute you step foot in your lectures.

How has your Foundation Year at Surrey had an impact on you?

There is a large stigma that Foundation Years are something to be opposed to, but when you actually start your course, you realise that’s not true. You have the same experience as everyone else, you progress like everyone else, and you are treated like everyone else.