My experience at Southampton University exceeded my expectations for a number of reasons. Overall I really enjoyed the course, especially in the final year where I had more control over my module choices.

I wouldn’t necessarily choose to live in the city of Southampton, but the location and layout of the campus meant we lived in a very close-knit student community. Everything you would need as a student was either offered on campus or within walking distance.The highlight of the campus for me was having access to the indoor bouldering wall in the student union building.

The uni has over 200 different societies ranging from various sports clubs to art clubs and even a pizza society formed by some of my friends in my final year. I tried my hand at a few including Chinese Kickboxing, aerial silks, pottery, yoga.
The university also offer plenty of casual work opportunities to earn some extra cash whilst studying. I worked both as a student ambassador and a telephone fundraiser. The working hours were very flexible meaning it didn’t interfere with Uni work.

I think the main thing that made my experience so special was being able to meet so many international students and making life-long friends from all over the world.

In terms of campus life and the quality of my course, I am satisfied with what the university provides. Societies and sports are sufficiently present but the university should evolve and grow this aspect as it does not provide enough facilities and options for the students to develop and progress. The geographic position of the campus is, unfortunately, a bit far from the city center. The Student union should also think about developing a better lifestyle on campus (a campus night club for freshers, other pubs, better sports infrastructures and opportunities, sustainability centers and behaviors). This would amplify the campus life as most of the after-uni gathering happen in the Portswood area.