Syed Arez
"My favourite moment at Surrey so far is meeting such amazing people who will be my life-long friends. Having people who are very like-minded and as ambitious as you are about your degree allows you to work harder and do well."
Entry year
2022Why did you choose to come to Surrey? What appealed to you?
For me it was the love Surrey has for sports and their employability, and the Careers team as they send emails about any potential graduate schemes or summer internships. Surrey Sports Park as it always has some type of event happening.
Why are you passionate about your subject?
Economics offers a lens through which to analyse the world around us and to make informed decisions about how we can create a more prosperous future. Economics has enabled me to understand how societies function and my passion is always trying to help people; studying different types of policies and how societies work allows me to build solutions to problems and hopefully help me fulfil my passion.
What do you like about your course and why?
I love my course because of how mathematically challenging it is. It allows me to understand complex problems and build on my problem-solving skills and analytical thinking.
Everyone at the University of Surrey has been very inspiring but, for me personally, my three favourite academics are: Alexandros Mandilaras, Neil Rickman, and Eric Golson. These three professors at Surrey show so much passion for their module and their support is very helpful.
What were the facilities like on your course? How did they help your studying experience?
The facilities are very good especially when we are doing computer programming, such as STATA or RStudio. The labs are very good as they all have the computer programming software required for your course.
What careers support have you received?
I have received a lot of career support – especially from my lecturers as some of them have worked in the field in which I want to specialise. Besides the amazing lecturers, I love how we receive emails from the careers centre about graduate opportunities, insight programmes and much more.
Are you part of any clubs or societies? How have they contributed to your Surrey experience?
"Joining these societies has made my Surrey experience very fun and insightful."
I was part of the Rugby University team and tennis team at the University. Being a commuter coming onto campus, it was tough managing my time at University and training, but everyone was super-flexible. Joining these societies has made my Surrey experience very fun and insightful.
What has been your best moment at Surrey so far?
My favourite moment at Surrey is meeting such amazing people who will be my life-long friends. Having people who are very like-minded and as ambitious as you are about your degree allows you to work harder and do well.
How has your time at Surrey had an impact on you?
Surrey has enabled me to become much more independent about my learning and given me an idea of what I want to pursue as a career. This is through all the help I have received from the University.
Do you know what you want to do when you graduate?
I want to go into consulting as this is an industry where you will be constantly problem solving. The best thing about working in this dynamic industry is it will further develop my analytical thinking which is proven vital when trying to prosper in this industry.
QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS
Is there a song that reminds you of Surrey? Why?
'Dancing in the Moonlight' because the song itself is very upbeat and brings out very positive and chill vibes that are a good representation of Surrey University.
What’s something you couldn’t live without at university?
My sports bag as I am a regular active member at Surrey Sports Park where I attend the play sport sessions.
What’s one food dish or snack you couldn’t live without at University?
Chicken Fajita panini that you will find at Hillside café: a nice little brunch to have before lectures.
Describe your experience at Surrey in three words:
Fascinating
Exciting
Memorable
