Timothy Chukwu

“The alarming rate of premature death attributed to poor air quality especially in the developing nations led to my decision to study a PhD in Environment and Sustainability.

My Surrey experience so far has been fantastic. From the first day I arrived here, the hospitality I received was so splendid that it did not take me long to adapt to my new environment and I have made wonderful friends at the University.

Surrey is a place where one can easily balance their academic studies with their personal life. The campus is well organised, a very conducive environment for learning, Surrey Sports Park is rated one of the best University sports centres in the UK and that is exactly what I have seen. There are many societies here to make you feel at home and Guildford is a beautiful town many would love to live in with its serene wooded environment, shopping malls, restaurants, gardens and close proximity to London.

"From my first meeting with my supervisors, I knew they were wonderful people. They are very helpful in many ways, in fact, due to their advice and guidance they are like father figures to me." 

I have been using many resources at the University, but the Library and teaching facilities are particularly outstanding. The Library is well-equipped with up-to-date materials and there are enormous spaces for individual study and group discussion. The online library and SurreyLearn (the institution’s virtual learning environment) are splendid too.

I always appreciate the saying, ‘All work, and no play makes Jack a dull boy’. For my wellbeing, I have played with the school football team, attended TEDx and Model United Nations meetings and I have also been a student ambassador. The friends I’ve made here are awesome as we do often get together after our academic work.

My main aim is to help reduce the impact of poor air quality especially in the developing world, but it would be nice if I can gain more experience in the field with a postdoctoral fellowship here. I am also not ruling out being an academic, a consultant or staff member in a reputable governmental or non-governmental institution or firm.”

Discover our courses in environment and sustainability, including our Environment and Sustainability PhD.