Siti Noor

My student life 

The choice to study at Surrey was actually made for me! The Singapore Public Service Commission made my application. They chose Surrey because of the course content, the duration and University's reputation, as they had sent other students before. 

The course was a good balance of theory and practical learning. For clinical placements, we spent a minimum of four full weeks in each specialised area (for some it was six weeks). I could learn and not feel rushed - that was the best thing about the course. 

The academic staff were great, especially those from our department. I was one of two international students and the lecturers were very supportive and very encouraging. They were definitely knowledgeable and experts in their respective fields. As a student, I couldn't help but be inspired by their enthusiasm. 

Making memories 

My favourite thing about my time at Surrey was getting to know the international community of students - I met people from all over the world. Some are still my close friends today. Our classmates were also from various parts of the UK and all of us being away from home, mostly for the first time, made it easy to make friends. Campus life was definitely memorable.  

I lived on campus in my first and final year. There was one payphone for us to use – this was before everyone had cell phones! My housemate used to find it fascinating when he saw how fast I used up the credit on the phone. I had to keep putting in coins. We took turns to cook, and often sat at the dining tables together to eat. We got to know friends of our housemates and even had a big Christmas dinner one year. 

Adventures after graduating 

After graduating, I went back to Singapore to work. It was an eight-year contract I had to fulfil because I received the scholarship to study at Surrey. I was given the opportunity to rotate between specialities until I decided to specialise in diabetes education. I did diabetes education as a nurse clinician for a few years, and then I tried my hand at programme management. Eventually, I returned to ward work because I missed the interaction with patients.  

After 12 years of nursing in Singapore, I moved to Canada for a job offer. I now work as a registered nurse at the University of Alberta Hospital, providing direct patient care.  

Nursing is very versatile. I get to meet so many different people. There is a learning opportunity at every shift, so much so that no two days are the same.  

Looking back, I am most proud that after many years of working in my first place of work, I uprooted myself, travelled alone halfway across the world, and started over.  

If I had to describe my career in three words, it would be 'best decision ever!'.   

Looking to the past to inspire the future

Discover more stories from our nursing graduates through the decades.