Welcome to Surrey Students' Union! 👋
Refreshers 2026 Events
Refreshers is a week filled to the brim with events of all kinds - whether you prefer casual, daytime events or energy-filled nights out! Our programme of Refreshers events will give you endless chances to try something new and make new friends, all for free or affordable low ticket costs. With returning favourites at Rubix, and a brand new weekly schedule of events at Manor Park Social, there is so much to enjoy.
Whether you're new to Surrey or just want to start off your semester two with new experiences, we've got you covered. Check out all our Refreshers events below!
Refreshers Fair
Refreshers Fair is your chance to find your way to get stuck into Surrey life. Whether you're joining a new Club or Society as a new student, or returning for semester two looking for something a little different, you'll find what you're looking for.
Hosted in the Marquee on PATS Field on Friday 6 February from 10:00 – 15:00, Refreshers Fair brings together over 150 stalls. You’ll come away with loads of freebies, new connections, and inspiration about what your Surrey experience could look like. Meet volunteers from societies, Sports Clubs, and the wider Surrey community, and find your people!
Refreshers Fair is open to all students, and not one to be missed, so grab your free tickets now!
Meet Your Elected Officers
Union President: Matt Aikin
Matt has six years of experience of giving back to the Surrey community. Having started at Surrey in 2019, his journey took him from Course Rep all the way to VP Community last year, and now into leading the Union as Union President! Matt is focused on improving student wellbeing, accessibility and engagement, and will be working hard to represent you at the highest levels of the University. Matt leads the whole Officer team and works closely with senior University staff to influence the decisions that make a difference to your time at Surrey.
VP Activity: Kade De Gannes
Kade proudly represents Trinidad and Tobago, and is passionate about creating inclusive spaces where all students feel celebrated and connected! As your VP Activity, Kade will be working to offer you even more events and opportunities for personal development, leading the Activity Zone to support over 180 clubs and societies, deliver memorable events like Varsity, and connect you with opportunities to boost your employability.
VP Community: Amber Dobrzanski
Amber brings her creativity to the role of VP Community, and is passionate about making student life affordable, fun, and safe for all. She’s committed to offering you even more free and low-cost events, and to explore ways to get even more students involved in volunteering across campus and the local community! She leads the Community Zone to provide you with nights and events you’ll remember for years across all our venues, including your nightclub, Rubix, and Manor Park Social. The Zone also leads on student volunteering, and showcase events like One World Week and Summer Ball.
VP Support: Samantha Buss
Sam has dedicated much of her time at Surrey to improving student wellbeing – first as a volunteer for peer support services including Nightline, and then as your VP Support last year. She’s continuing into her second year to continue working to promote support services, destigmatise mental health, and creating a supportive campus culture where every student feels valued. The Support Zone offers every student free and independent academic and housing advice, as well as running wellbeing campaigns and events, and our student-led peer support services, Nightline, Welfare Watch, and Talk Together.
VP Voice: Luana Vasconcelos
Luana is from Brazil, and cares deeply about representing and celebrating the diversity of students while empowering your voices. Luana is going into her second year as VP Voice, and this year will be focused on developing Course Reps, supporting international and neurodiverse students, and strengthening connections between student leaders and the University. With the Voice Zone, Luana supports over 450 Course Reps who represent your views on your academic experience, and also runs our Student Equality Networks where students passionate about improving equality at Surrey meet together and run inclusive events and campaigns.
Belonging at Surrey
Clubs and Societies
Clubs and Societies are at the heart of the social experience at Surrey, and with over 180 student groups on offer, there’ssomething for everyone. From African and Caribbean Society to Zoological Society, and American Football to Water Polo, you’ll find a space to explore your interests. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, why not start your own group?
Clubs and Societies are open to all students, and are the best way to make new friends for life, try something new, and develop yourself in the process.
You can find the full list of all our Clubs and Societies here.
Surrey Belonging
Surrey Belonging is your go-to for events that go beyond the ordinary.
From fun social activities to skill-building workshops, Surrey Belonging brings together students from all parts of the university to connect, learn, and enjoy memorable experiences—all right here on campus, across the local area or further afield.
Discover new opportunities, meet great people, and make the most of your time at Surrey. Everyone is welcome!
We have a range of events that run throughout the year, starting as soon as you arrive! See all our Belonging Events here.
Union Creates: Tropical Cocktail Class
Union Creates: Pouches
Union Screens: 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026)
Union Connects: Belonging Breakfast
Union Creates: Keyrings
Union Trip: Bourton-on-the-Water
Union Creates: Mason Jars
Union Screens: Wuthering Heights (2026)
Belonging x DWS Outreach Stall
Union Creates: Sunglasses
Union Active: Paintballing
Union Active: Pilates
Union Screens: The Roses (2025)
Union Creates: Fans
Union Connects: Soundbath
Union Active: Pilates
Working together to improve your education
During your time at Surrey, you might have feedback about your course, and your Union runs the Course Rep scheme to ensure your opinions are heard. We have over 450 Course Reps and 20 Head Reps who dedicate themselves to gathering your feedback and help make the changes you want to see.
Looking to get more involved and develop your leadership skills? You can become a Course Rep yourself! You might have experience on school or college councils, or just a passion for improving the degree that you’ll leave Surrey with. Course Rep elections for new February starter students will take place once semester two begins, and you can find out more about Course Reps here.
We're here for you, whenever you need it
Academic Advice
Get ahead with your Union
Getting involved in student life as a volunteer is the best way to try something new and find your passions. You could volunteer for a Sports Club or Society, for a peer-support service like Nightline, or to represent students’ views as a Course Rep. All these roles will make you more employable, helping you secure your chosen career in the future.
See our Volunteer Opportunities here
If you’re looking to take on paid part-time work during your time at Surrey, look no further than your Union. Every year, we employ around 150 students to help run our venues, administer our activities, and support the student community. Our jobs portal is the destination to find your next opportunity, and we pride ourselves on offering well-paid and flexible jobs that can easily be balanced with your studies. Find out more about working with us here.
Our spaces are your spaces
Rubix
Our venues are where you can feel at home, meet your friends, and make memories that last. Looking for top-tier nightlife? Visit Rubix, your 1,550 capacity student venue, split over 4 floors with 5 bars, outdoor patio and balcony overseeing the dancefloor. Every Wednesday and Friday during term-time, Rubix comes alive for the best student nights around.
Hari's Bar
Since 1997, Hari’s Bar has been the hidden gem of the Union Building, serving great food from our guest kitchen and draught drinks to Rubix goers. Hari’s Bar is the perfect setting to grab a drink and catch up with friends.
Manor Park Social
Manor Park Social is your restaurant and social space on the Manor Park campus. With a casual vibe and relaxed atmosphere, head to Manor Park Social to enjoy pizza, board games, pool and bottomless brunches. This semester brings EVEN more events, deals, and fun to be had at MPS, so check out our plans for our new full weekly schedule!
The Front Room
The Front Room is the cosiest corner on campus with a laid-back hangout space. Located in the Union Building on the bottom floor, you’ll find pool tables, a bar, and the perfect space to relax and socialise.
Lake Bar
Make the most of Surrey’s beautiful Stag Hill campus at the Lake Bar! When the weather’s good, the Lake Bar opens its doors for students to enjoy an outdoor drink and food on campus.