Molly

Why did you choose to come to Surrey? 

GSA was the final drama school I auditioned for, so I had quite a bit riding on this audition. But the second I stepped into GSA I felt immediately calm and settled. I felt completely at home. From the get-go I had such a strong sense of the tutors' support and their genuine wish to see me succeed, and because of this it was actually the audition I performed the best in as well. 

I remember thinking that if I can learn this much in a day, imagine how much I can learn in three years! 

I have since been delighted to see that I was right. The care and dedication the tutors show to each individual student is unparalleled. They really set you up to succeed in the path that you specifically want to take. 

What was your impression of Surrey? 

The campus itself is so leafy and green and bustling with people. I remember it feeling very alive, and yet not so big as to be overwhelming. 

The university’s proximity to London and all it has to offer, especially as a drama school student, is so handy, yet it’s still far enough out of London that it has its own community. I remember thinking it really has the best of both worlds.  

I also distinctly remember walking up the hill from the train station and thinking that it reminded me of the village in The Smurfs. I was delighted.  

Why are you passionate about your subject? 

The tutors often talk about how acting is essentially about exploring the human condition, and that’s precisely what I love. Being able to put myself in the shoes of a different person in a completely different situation, maybe even in a different country or century is so endlessly fascinating. It challenges you to find connection, empathy and understanding where you perhaps thought there was none.  

Actor training is also such an amazing place to play and fail and laugh and try again. You learn so much about yourself and make some very close friends in the process. 

I’m only nearing the end of my first year, and these people have seen me do things I never thought I would do in my life! Sometimes I fail spectacularly and sometimes I succeed spectacularly. I love it.  

Have you lived in University accommodation? If so, what is it like? 

I currently live in student accommodation, and although it has had its ups and downs at times, it’s such a safe start to living on your own for the first time. Both Maintenance and Campus Safety are available 24/7, so if anything happens, they’re only a quick call away. It’s also such a great way to make friends and socialise with people from different courses across the uni. It really is an opportunity to make friends for life.  

Living on campus is also very handy as you have full access to all of the universities facilities, like the library, multiple cafés, a food-hall and our favourite little convenience store Simply Fresh. 

How do you spend your time on campus? 

If I’m not in the GSA building you will probably catch me having a pint at Wates or a coffee in Hideout. Or maybe even having a mosey down by the lake if the weather permits it.  

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

The Jacket Potatoes and Brownies from the GSA café! Oh, and my friends. 

Describe your experience at Surrey in three words 

Freeing. Exhilarating. Safe.