Supporting new students

Parents, carers, social workers, family members and anyone else supporting a new Surrey student can feel confident that the University is here to support every one of our students throughout their entire journey.

Settling in at university can be an exciting and challenging process. Some students feel settled immediately, while others may take longer. Here some information to help a student find their way in those early days and weeks at university.

Top tips

Phone calls at times that suit both you and the student can be very supportive.

If the student is commuting and living at home, you can facilitate their independence by reminding them of the extracurricular activities at the University and the study spaces available on campus. The Students’ Union also has a great commuting student society with events throughout the year.

If they have queries about their course guide them to speak to their personal tutor or programme lead. They can also speak to one of our Hive Assistants at MySurrey Hive Stag Hill or Manor Park for further information.

Welcome events

Welcome events will take place throughout the early weeks of the academic year so that every student can connect with others and explore everything the University has to offer. The Students’ Union, in collaboration with the University, will be hosting welcome events and our Freshers’ Angels will be around to greet new students on moving-in weekend. 

How students can seek advice and support

The University has a whole host of services to support new students.

How students can get help and support

Pastoral support, health and wellbeing

We understand that wellbeing and academic success of students is intertwined and the support we offer reflects this. 

The Centre for Wellbeing serves all students, with counselling and professional wellbeing advice. A duty worker is available daily from 9am to 4pm for urgent concerns and we have a large range of self-help and guidance material on the wellbeing pages. 

Academic advice and guidance

Widening Participation and Student Success

The Widening Participation and Student Success department offer ongoing one-to-one pastoral support and guidance for all students who may be experiencing issues affecting their student experience. The team have a particular focus in supporting students from the following backgrounds: 

  • Care leavers and care experienced students 
  • Estranged students
  • Young adult carers
  • Refugees
  • Mature learners
  • BME students
  • Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showman and Boater students
  • Students from lower-income families
  • Students from military families
  • International students.

Students' Union

The Students’ Union can provide independent advice on academic issues, including appeals and applying for extenuating circumstances, alongside providing information about activities, events and student representation. 

Email: ussu.information@surrey.ac.uk.

Emergency support

If you have immediate and urgent concerns for a student, you can call Campus Safety. The team are available 24/7, including all weekends, bank holidays and during University closures.

Find out about the Campus Safety team.

Getting in touch with the University

How to contact us

If you are supporting one of our students and would like to speak to the University, you can find our contact details on our website.

How we use data

As our students are adults, we will always communicate with them directly about anything relating to themselves or their programme of study.

If you do need to share information regarding a student, we will need written consent to share from the student’s university email address.

The student must also outline specifically what information can be shared and whether this is a temporary or permanent sharing agreement. If a safety concern is raised, we will always follow this up even if the information cannot be shared for data privacy reasons.

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