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Course review
Review by: George M
University: University of Surrey
Course: Economics
Year of study: 3rd
Level of Study: Undergraduate
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The course in general
How many contact hours do you have in the average week?
10
Ideally, what 3/4 subjects would you recommend doing in order to be in the best position for your course?
Maths/Further Maths, Economics, Computing, English
Why did you decide to study your degree programme?
I've always wanted to be a trader; economics is a good way in.
Explain the things you wish you'd known about your degree before you applied:
How challenging it was and how much my A levels and first year results would still matter.
Describing your average day
Explain how your day is made up. For example, do you have labs/seminars/tutorials/lectures?
Lectures, then tutorials, then workshops, and then probably more lectures. If you do it all it's pretty heavy going. Often you don't start till late but once you do start it's hectic!
How much extra work/reading are you required to do out of lectures?
Yes, a lot is required of you outside of lectures to keep up to date. Reading around the subject material is a really good way to stay ahead.
The best and worst parts of the course
What do you like best about your degree programme?
It's a highly valued degree from a reputable university. I also love my subject and its fun to learn about it.
What do you like least about your degree programme?
If you do not understand something or do not work hard enough it's easy to fall behind.
Academics and course content
What do you think of your university's academics and facilities?
Facilities are up and coming. The new sports park is amazing and all of the campus is being re-done. Academic qualities are also getting there. Some departments are top in the country and economics is highly ranked. Industrial year means that employers are more likely to recruit you.
Explain how you expected your course to be and how it compares to how it actually is. Give an outline of the content of the course.
Lots of maths, lots of statistics, lots of computing. Don't fall behind in first year thinking it doesnt't count. It does because you'll be punished for it the following year when you apply for placements. Lecturers are more than happy to meet 1 on 1 and help you out. Lectures are mainly lecture style based, but tutorials are very interactive.
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Other reviews for Economics
Antonia P, 1st Year doing Economics at University of Bristol
Jamie D, 3rd Year doing Economics at University of St Andrews Archie F, 1st Year doing Economics at Loughborough University Chris E, 2nd Year doing Economics at University of Cambridge Jonty P, 2nd Year doing Economics with International Relations at University of Exeter Terry K, 2nd Year doing Economics at University of Surrey Shelley C, 1st Year doing Business Economics at Nottingham Trent University Henny G, 3rd Year doing Economics and Social Studies (Politics) at University of Manchester Harry S, 1st Year doing Economics at The University of Nottingham Ed D, 1st Year doing Economics and Social Studies (Politics) at University College London, University of London Jane P, 1st Year doing Economics at The University of Birmingham
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University review
Review by: George M
University: University of Surrey
Course: Economics
Year of study: 3rd
Level of Study: Undergraduate
Visit the University of Surrey forum and see what people are discussing right now!
Click here to go back
Describing your university
Sum up your university in one paragraph:
Only ended up at Surrey through clearing (I had a much higher ranked university in mind). But I wouldn't change it for the world now that I'm here. Met fantastic people, learnt so much and Surrey has set me in place for a successful career.
What is the academic life like at your university?
Hard work but rewarding.
Describe your Freshers' Week - was it as you expected, better or worse? Why?
It was good. Another person reviewed freshers' week as bad because he didn't know anyone. University is about meeting new people and trying new things, not hanging out with the same school friends. And moving into halls with people of similar interests? I can't think of anything worse. Since I've been at university I've met so many new people and become interested in so many new things.
Are there any other notes you would like to add about life in general at university or anything else which would be relevant to a prospective student?
If you want to get drunk and just do mediocre, go to somewhere like Plymouth or Bath Spa. If you want a valued degree, to learn about life and have a good time on the side, Surrey is the place to be.
What is the best and worst thing about your university?
Best thing - great facilities and perhaps a hidden gem of British Universities! Great people and great social life. Good location to London and fantastic halls of residence.
Sport and extra curricular
What are the sport and other activities on offer like at your university?
With the new sports park its going to be great. Harlequins train the rugby team, 50m pool for the swimmers and waterpolo, and a huge gym to go alongside to attract the fitties. Couldn't ask for much more!
Teams will take a while to develop but with the facilities in place it won't take long.
The social scene
What is the social scene (and/or nightlife) like at your university? Is it particularly alcohol orientated?
Fantastic. Not entirely dependent on alcohol as it is more expensive down south, but people still get drunk. Sports teams are a must for a good social life.
What do you think of the city your university is based in or near (as a city)?
Great shopping, everything you need is there. Nightlife revolves around the students and is mainly done on campus at the union, where it is cheaper and better than town clubs (and keeps the riff raff out)!
Accommodation
Do you live in a halls of residence or a student house (or college)? What would you suggest is best in your opinion?
I lived in ghetto halls first year, but the sheer number of people you were living with made up for it. Going into the luxury stuff now and looking forward to it. Houses are great in second year, make sure you live with people who will pitch in and do the work. Dont be in charge of the accounts or you have to pester you friends for money.
If you are in a hall or college, is it catered or self catered? Which is better for the first year in your opinion and why?
Self-catered. Stop being a mummies boy and grow up
Approximately, what is the average cost of accommodation per week in your first year for catered and non-catered halls/colleges?
All self-catered at Surrey. Basic ghetto stuff is £70 per week, nicer halls are about £100 per week (which is a good rate in the county of Surrey).
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