Find out more about Vihanya's Experience below: 

I joined the University of Surrey with the expectations and desires to engage in things more than just studies. As an international student studying aerospace engineering, it has been challenging and at the same time, exciting, whereas, as a woman in engineering, I always found myself thinking about the importance of representation, community and belonging.

With the encouragement and support of my family, I decided to get involved in the wider university community beyond my studies. I started my first year of aerospace engineering in September 2025, taking my first step beyond studies by becoming the Course Representative for the first-year aerospace engineering cohort. This was an incredible opportunity and had a huge impact on my life because I learnt the importance of representing a community. I attended Staff-Student Liaison Committee and Board of Studies meetings where I interacted with lecturers, professors and fellow course representatives while sharing feedback from students related to studies and university life to improve the course. Also, I interacted with my cohort in person and online, to discuss issues they had or any other concerns which I shared with the lecturers and provided feedback to the cohort. I received an honourable mention for the Course Rep of the Month of January and I became the FEPS Course Rep of the Month of March.

Additionally, I joined several societies within the university namely, Peryton Space, UAS Team Peryton, Model United Nations, Physics and Maths Societies. As the Recovery Team Lead of my team in Peryton Space, I learnt how to take responsibility as a team lead and work as a team with my fellow teammates as well as to build a model rocket for the National Rocketry Championship. As a member of UAS Team Peryton, I gained experience on how to build a model aircraft and work cooperatively in a male-dominated field. I also joined the Surrey Students’ Union as a Community Zone Part-Time Officer to engage in volunteering and support the university community by introducing new ideas to increase inclusivity and belonging. From gaining experience through campaigning to become a Part-Time Officer, to ending up making good friends, it was more than just an opportunity. Also, I attended Union and Student Voice forums where student ideas and concerns were discussed and actions were taken to improve the university experience.

Furthermore, I got the opportunity to become a member of the Royal Aeronautical Society as well as a STEM Ambassador, which helped me engage in outreach programmes. I also participated in the National Student Space Conference 2026 as well as competed in ActInSpace Hackathon 2026.

As a woman in engineering, I understood how important it is to connect with people who share similar experiences and fields. Every year VP Voice organises a series of events during March for Women’s History Month. This year, I decided to initiate an event for the women in engineering of the University of Surrey, to create a space for them to interact with fellow women in engineering with the motive of building a strong community within the field. When I got this idea, I first took advice from my mother and my brother to build up my confidence, and they were a huge support for me in making this a success. Not to mention, it wouldn’t have been a success without my student success coach, Eleanor, who supported me throughout, from planning the schedule to delivering it on the day of the event. We spent hours on planning and conducting outreach to invite women in the school of engineering. [NB: The event was extremely well attended and received lots of positive feedback!]. The most successful outcome of the event was taking the first step to reestablish the Women in Engineering society with the support of my friend Michaela, which will hopefully be restarted from the next academic year.

Another opportunity that I gained was to share my Surrey experience as a voluntary student presenter of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences (FEPS), at the Inclusive Learning Experience Community of Practice session which is a part of Surrey’s Access and Participation Plan (2025 – 2029). At this session, I shared the experience of a year of my university life as well as new ideas such as organising three events per year on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and increasing awareness among students about passive misogyny.

Finally, my efforts and dedication paid off when I was awarded the Change Maker Award, FEPS Rep of the Year Award and the Gold Course Rep Award at the Course Rep Awards 2026.

All in all, the experiences I gained within the first year itself changed me from being merely an international student to a better version of myself as a model aerospace engineering student, community leader and woman in engineering. I not only enhanced my strengths but also gained confidence in public speaking, leadership and teamwork.

If I could offer one piece of advice to other students, particularly those who are just starting university, it would be to actively engage in opportunities beyond studies. 

In my opinion, extracurricular activities are a crucial part of the university experience and it also has its own perks such as networking, gaining hands-on experience, getting involved in societies, volunteering, community engagement and socialising. They also provide an opportunity to learn the importance of giving back to society and making a positive contribution from an early stage of university life.

A big thank you to Vihanya for sharing her experience. You can find more about Vihanya here. 

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This blog is part of the Student Equality Network's My Lived Experience Project. The My Lived Experience project gives students the opportunity to share their personal stories, perspectives or interests. This could relate to a campaign, event, achievement, or simply something that you are passionate about. You can find out more here.