Hello everyone, I’ve noticed on the forums recently that some people are discussing university options for their children or for their own further studies. Besides local Spanish universities, it seems quite a few are considering the UK. Today, I’d like to talk about my alma mater—the University of Surrey in the UK. Although it’s not in Spain, for those of us living here who want a high-quality UK education, it’s definitely an option worth considering.
Many people might not be familiar with the University of Surrey. It isn’t one of the G5 universities that you hear about all the time, but it’s definitely an underrated powerhouse in the UK. It’s located in the town of Guildford in Surrey, South East England, which is a very beautiful, safe, and affluent town. Most importantly, it’s only about a 40-minute train ride to central London. This allows you to enjoy a peaceful and secure campus life while still having easy access to the hustle and bustle of London, along with its many internship and job opportunities. It truly offers the best of both worlds.
Why Recommend the University of Surrey?
The campus environment at the University of Surrey is truly fantastic. It’s a classic campus university with plenty of green space and a signature large lake, where swans and ducks are permanent residents. When you’re tired from studying, a walk by the lake can really lift your spirits. Here’s a picture to give you an idea.
Beyond the environment, academic strength is what truly matters. Many of Surrey’s programs rank among the best in the UK and even worldwide. Its Hospitality and Tourism Management program, in particular, is consistently in the top ten globally and number one in the UK. Its Electronic Engineering and Aerospace Engineering are also outstanding, boasting one of the UK’s leading 5G/6G Innovation Centres. I’ve compiled a list of its top-performing fields for your reference:
| Area of Study | Key Strengths |
|---|
| Hospitality & Tourism Management | Globally top-ranked with deep collaborations with major international hotel groups, offering abundant internship opportunities. |
| Electronic & Electrical Engineering | Home to a world-leading 5G/6G Innovation Centre with strong research capabilities. |
| Food Science | Ranks among the top in the UK; the Nutrition program is also excellent. |
| Business & Management | The business school is triple-accredited, with practical, hands-on courses. |
For international students, the University of Surrey also offers a great experience. The university has a dedicated international student support team to help with everything from visas to accommodation. Furthermore, compared to universities located within London, its tuition and living costs are much more affordable, making it a great value-for-money option. Many people think studying in the UK is very expensive, but by choosing a city near London, you can save a significant amount on living expenses. It’s definitely not an option only for the wealthy.
If you or your family are in Spain and have plans to study in the UK, perhaps even while considering top local institutions like ESADE Business School, you should definitely add the University of Surrey to your shortlist. Are there any Surrey alumni or current applicants on the forum? Feel free to join the discussion below, and I’ll be happy to answer any questions I can!
