Olivia Omololu

When did you decide to come to Surrey? What were you doing and how did it feel?

I decided to come to Surrey after receiving my A-level results during the summer of 2020. Throughout the summer, I was hanging out with friends and mentally preparing myself for university. As the eldest child in my family, I had little idea of what to expect from university since I had no one to speak to get their perspective on what to look out for. I felt quite anxious about going to university as it would be a new experience for me and the longest time, I’ve been away from home.

I felt emotional moving away from my home in South London to Surrey as I didn’t know what to expect. I wasn’t sure if I would get along with my flatmates and if going to Surrey was the right decision for me. Luckily, it was!

Why did you choose to come to Surrey?

"When I was looking at the best universities to go to for studying sociology, the University of Surrey showed up multiple times...."

I decided to go to Surrey as, from the open day, I found that Surrey has a good pastoral care team and amazing facilities which will help me achieve the best grades possible. When I was looking at the best universities to go to for studying sociology, the University of Surrey showed up multiple times; this was important to me as I believe that if I’m paying for my education, I should go to the best university with exciting and innovative modules and high student satisfaction. I believed that Surrey fits those criteria.

I also really like the range of societies Surrey offers which I still enjoy and the campus is also very pretty with lots of greenery and not too far from London.       

What was your first impression of Surrey?

My first impression of Surrey is that it’s very small and quiet, especially since I live in London where it is big and loud with a lot going on. Surrey also seemed like it had a tight-kit community with a huge push for sustainability too. 

Why are you passionate about your subject?

I am passionate about sociology as it gives me a greater insight into how the social world functions. Sociology has opened my eyes to the struggles of other individuals in society, thus developed my desire to help others.

I had studied this subject at A-level, and I really enjoyed the content and wanted to continue this at university.

What do you like about your course and why?

"I really like how my course challenges me to think critically and exposes me to new ideologies that can challenge my own."

I really like how my course challenges me to think critically and exposes me to new ideologies that can challenge my own. I also like hearing others share their opinion on social issues which encourages healthy debates.

What are the academic staff and facilities like on your course?

The academic staff are very supportive and are quick to respond to any questions we have. Furthermore, the library facilities are fantastic as well! There are so many different resources to use to help me in my academic career.  

Are you part of any clubs or societies? How have they contributed to your Surrey experience?

I am a member of WokeSoc, SociologySoc, DodgeballSoc and ChosenSoc. They have made my experience at Surrey a fun adventure and have given me the opportunity to make friends for life!

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

"The best thing about living on campus is that you are not too far from your lessons which makes life easier when you have early morning lessons."

I have lived in accommodation in my first and second year of Surrey. I really enjoyed living on Stag Hill even during the Covid-19 lockdown. I spent my days playing card and drinking games with my flatmates and there are a lot of services provided for me on campus that aren’t too far from me such as the Hive and Wates House.

The best thing about living on campus is that you are not too far from your lessons which makes life easier when you have early morning lessons. You also get to play games with your flatmates which is a great way to bond.

What are the best things about life in general at Surrey?

One of the best things about living in Guildford is that there are so many new areas you can discover on walks. Places such as The Mount and Stoke Park are areas where you can just admire nature.

How do you spend your time on campus?

After a session at WokeSoc, my friends and I like to hang out at Wates House where we can talk and grab a milkshake or cocktail. These are the best moments at Surrey: hanging out with my friends and studying subjects that I’m passionate about.

I also like to hang out at the lake when it is sunny and take in the scenery.

Do you feel supported at University?

I feel supported by my tutors as they give useful information to solve any issues I am having with schoolwork or understanding assessments and settling into the University.

The Hive has helped me out many times when I was struggling financially with quick and efficient timing, and it gives me a nice hang out space where I can chill out with my friends and play board games.

Do you think you’ve changed since you started at Surrey? How?

"I believe that coming to Surrey has made me more independent as I’m learning how to live by myself, budget and manage my time around work and social activities."

I believe that coming to Surrey has made me more independent as I’m learning how to live by myself, budget and manage my time around work and social activities. It has also made me more involved with the community in Guildford as I do volunteer at the Matrix Trust. Matrix is a local charity that helps vulnerable young people by giving them a space to talk about their mental health and meet new friends. This is a really great way to build connection with others and something to put on my CV.

Finally, do you have any other comments you’d like to offer about your time at Surrey?

Just put yourself out there and remember that university is what you make of it! I have used this mindset throughout my time at Surrey and I believe that this has pushed me into a better person.

Discover more about our courses in the Department of Sociology.