ShareUMD Exchange: University of Surrey (United Kingdom)
All students accepted to an Exchange program are automatically considered for an award of $1,000! See Cost tab for more information.
Host Institution
The University of Surrey is an international university with a worldwide reputation for excellence in teaching and research. If you are studying at one of our partner institutions, coming to study at Surrey for a full academic year or a semester is a great opportunity. The University is situated in beautiful green surroundings, yet it is just 35 minutes by train from London. It offers students a commitment to the highest academic standards, an outstanding graduate employment rate, world class research, and an excellent quality of life in one of the safest towns in the UK.
The University of Surrey was named University of the Year by the Times and Sunday Times and ranks in the top 10 UK universities for student experience in the Times Good University Guide 2016.
Host City
The University of Surrey is located in Guildford, which has all the charm of a quintessential English town. It's history spans from the 10th century and remnants of the town's history can be seen throughout with such landmarks as Guildford Castle and Holy Trinity Church. Located just 27 miles southwest of London, it provides the best of both worlds with access to a major cosmopolitan city. The city has many markets and shopping opportunities and has been deemed one of the safest cities in England.
Exchange programs are highly competitive and space in each program is limited. You must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to apply to this program:
- 3.0 GPA
- Completion of 2 semesters at UMD
Exchange programs are a good fit for students looking for immersion, personal growth, and the opportunity to strengthen qualities such as independence and adaptability.
Student Visa Information
A student visa is required for participation on this exchange. For more information, please visit our study abroad visa guide to view instructions for the country you will be visiting. Please note that visa information is subject to change and you are responsible for checking the embassy website for updates.
- Click "Apply Now" at the top of this page. You will log in with your UMD directory ID and password.
- Submit all application materials by the deadline listed below. This includes meeting with your EA advisor (listed at the top of this page), and may include requesting a faculty letter of recommendation, and submitting an official transcript. If a letter of recommendation and/or official transcript are required, it will be listed in MyEA once you start an application for this program.
- After the application deadline, we will review all completed applications and nominate students for available spots in each exchange program.
- If you are nominated to participate in this exchange, you will work with your EA advisor (listed above) to apply directly to the host university, who will formally admit you to the exchange program. Nominated students must complete the host university application in accordance with the host university’s stated deadlines and instructions.
- Nominated students will then work with their EA advisor (listed above) and our partner universities to coordinate all aspects of the stay at the host university such as course registration, visas and arrival.
Academic Planning
Visit the Academics & Study Abroad page which outlines key considerations for your academic planning as you navigate different phases of study abroad:
- Pre-Departure Course Selection & Approval
- Finalizing Course Enrollment Abroad
- Transcripts and Credits on your UMD Record
Coursework
Undergraduate sociology students will be taking classes in the Department of Sociology, which has excellent options for sociology and criminology & criminal justice majors. The University of Surrey is named one of the top 5 UK Sociology Departments in the Times Good University Guide, the Guardian University Guide and the Complete University Guide. Although students do not have to take all of their classes, or modules, in Sociology, it may be difficult, due to time conflicts, to take classes in more than one or two departments. Students should expect to take most classes in the Department of Sociology.
Students who are not SOCY or CCJS students may choose from courses in the Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences which includes classes in the Arts, English and Languages, Psychology, Politics, and Sociology.
There may be other course offerings on this program that are not currently listed in the Study Abroad Course Database (SACD). If you are interested in taking a course not listed in the SACD, please submit a transfer credit evaluation request.
Credit
All credit you earn on this program will count as transfer credit towards your UMD degree. Most courses at The University of Surrey will be converted as follows:
| Surrey Credit | UMD Credit |
|---|---|
| 1 UK credit | 0.3 UMD credit |
| 10 UK credits | 3 UMD credits |
The chart above was last approved by the UMD Transfer Credit Committee on June 10, 2014.
Grading
Undergraduates must receive a C- equivalent or better in order to be eligible for the transfer of credit.
| University of Surrey Grade | UMD Grade |
| 40 | C - |
The University has rooms available in its Courts of Residence on and off campus. All University accommodations have shared kitchen facilities and are mostly single rooms. Full year exchange students are more likely to be offered University of Surrey accommodation. Rooms for spring semester students are not guaranteed and fall semester students are typically not offered rooms on campus. The Accommodation Office can assist students to look for housing in the private sector off-campus. For more information, please see the Surrey website.
UMD students participating in an Exchange program have the benefit of paying UMD tuition rates to attend an institution abroad. For specific information about this Exchange program, please reference the Cost of Attendance Chart.
Tuition and fees for exchange programs are charged directly to your UMD account, which means you can apply UMD scholarships, state and federal financial aid, and alternative loans towards the cost of an exchange. Housing costs are paid directly to the host institution or on-site housing agency.
You can use the cost of attendance comparison worksheet to view how study abroad programs compare to each other and the amount you pay on campus at UMD. As always, your EA advisor (listed above) is available to help you complete this worksheet and find affordable programs that fit your study abroad goals.
Exchange Scholarship
All students accepted to an Exchange program are considered for an automatic award of $1,000! To be considered for this scholarship, you must:
- Be a current degree seeking undergraduate UMD student (graduate students are not eligible for this award)
- Not currently receive full tuition scholarship/benefits (i.e. Banneker Key, tuition remission, Frederick Douglass Scholarship, etc.)
Additional Financial Resources
Maximize your time abroad by taking advantage of resources at your host institution!
Student Clubs and Organizations
Many sports clubs are offered at the University of Surrey for students to stay fit and meet new people.
International Welcome/Orientation
University of Surrey offers a Buddy Scheme to put incoming students into contact with current Surrey students. In addition to this program, both Orientation and Welcome Weeks will be hosted to help incoming exchange students adjust to their new surroundings.
Counseling & Health Services
The University has a Student Health Centre, and a Centre for Wellbeing, which provides counseling and emotional support.
| Term | Year | Application Deadline | Admission Notification | Program Start | Program End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 2023 | 09/09/2022 | 09/15/2022 | ||
| Year (Fall-Spring) | 2023 | 03/01/2023 | 03/13/2023 | ||
| Fall | 2023 | 03/01/2023 | 03/13/2023 |