Student Success Coaches

Our Student Success Coaches (SSCs) are here to help you thrive academically, personally and professionally – find out how to meet your Coach and how they can help you reach your potential. 

Our team of friendly Coaches are here for you – they come with an understanding of the challenges students typically face and will guide you through the development of new skills, knowledge and aspirations. 

What our coaches offer

  • Personalised coaching: individual learning plans and agreements to maximise your potential.
  • Career pathway discovery: working alongside our Employability and Careers team, we can get you on track towards your dream career.
  • Tailored wellbeing strategies: we collaborate with the Centre for Wellbeing to advise you on lifestyle changes that could aid your studies.
  • Building resilience and personal effectiveness: our workshops and drop-ins will be shaped to give you the skills you need to thrive.
  • Connections to other services and resources: we know who to turn to when you need more specialist support or want to approach self-help in your own time. 

Your Coach may also proactively contact you if we notice that your engagement or attendance levels are dropping, or if one of your academics wants to refer you for a chat. There is no need to worry if this happens – we are here to help you get back on track! 

Who is eligible to access a Coach? 

Our Coaches form part of a pilot scheme being run by the University and therefore are only currently supporting the following students during the 2025/26 academic year: 

  • Level 4 / first year undergraduate students in the School of Engineering
  • Level 4 / first year undergraduate students in Accounting and Finance. 

If you are not in one of these groups but would like to access support, please contact your Personal Tutor. 

Meet and contact our Coaches

Meekam K Mgbenwelu (MBA, MSc, BA Hons) – School of Engineering

Hi, I’m Meekam K. Mgbenwelu (MBA, MSc, BA Hons), a Student Success Coach here at Surrey. My role is to support students especially those in their first year to feel confident, settled, and able to thrive both academically and personally. 

I’m a Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and a Certified Mental Health First Aider, and I’m passionate about helping students build resilience, unlock their potential, and make the most of their time at Surrey. 

With over 20 years of leadership experience across education, public, and non-profit sectors in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa, I’m excited to work alongside you as you shape your own Surrey journey. 
 
How to contact me

Drop ins and bookable appointments are available for students throughout the week.


 
Drop-in sessions Bookable appointments
Monday 12 - 1pm 3 - 5pm
Tuesday 12 - 1pm 1 - 3pm
Wednesday 1 - 2pm N/A
Thursday 1 - 2pm 1 - 3pm
Friday 12 - 1pm 2 - 4pm

Book an appointment online now

Mark van der Enden (PhD, MPhil, BA) – Accounting and Finance

Mark is a highly experienced educator and brings a wealth of experience across various roles in the Higher Education Sector in the UK. 

As a Classical Archaeologist and historian, he has worked and taught in academic roles and maintains an active publication output. 

Mark has particular expertise in Learning Development in Higher Education, Peer Support and Student Staff Partnership, having worked as learning developer and peer support coordinator at top-ranking Universities in the UK delivering academic skills support to students and designing and facilitating training, workshops and educational enhancement projects for both students and staff.

At the University of Surrey he has previously worked as Student Success Coach in the Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences (formerly Arts and Social Sciences) and Student Success and EDI Officer, developing significant expertise in supporting students from underrepresented communities.

How to contact me

Drop ins and bookable appointments are available for students throughout the week.


 
Drop-in sessions Bookable appointments
Tuesday 11am - 12pm 2 - 4pm
Wednesday 11am - 12pm 2 - 4pm
Thursday 11am - 12pm 2 - 4pm
Friday   10 - 11am

Book an appointment online now

Elle Wright - Accounting & Finance and School of Engineering

Hi, I’m Elle, a Student Success Coach at Surrey.

I have an MSc in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology, and experience supporting students as they transition and settle into university life through coaching programmes.

My role is to help you feel confident, supported, and able to make the most of your time at Surrey. You can meet with me to talk through anything that might be impacting your studies or university experience, whether that’s building confidence, managing your time, setting goals, staying motivated, or figuring out your next steps. I’m here to offer a supportive space to reflect, develop your skills, and work towards what matters most to you.

How to contact me

Book time with Elle Wright