Okay so here’s the honest truth, I didn’t like uni. In fact, it made me want to kill myself. You are thrown into a sink or swim situation and expected to survive it. I understand that attending uni and independence is ‘part of becoming an adult’ but let’s be honest something needs to change. Whilst university-age students are technically adults many still struggle to adapt and find it hard to reach out. My experience at Southampton was that there was nobody to turn to. I know of a number of students who took their own life during that time and those who didn’t resort to self-medicating in the surprisingly thriving drug scene. With regards to my course, it was oversubscribed and I didn’t find the politics lecturers were balanced in their views. Overall I wish I hadn’t gone.

Laden with as many flower beds as there are bus stops, The University of Southampton makes a clear and conscious effort to produce a green and inviting space around the main Highfield Campus area that offers no shortage of accessible transport all over the city via a unique transport hub in the middle of campus. The university is, by all means, an open and accepting one, with a multitude of societies and sports clubs. I’d challenge you to think of sport without a club there.

Academically, the Modern History and Politics course had a wide-ranging choice of courses for each semester. They are somewhat carefully selected to encompass a broad range of historical periods/topics. Despite this, some topics can seem rather outdated or slightly mundane. Academic support, while present, was somewhat lacklustre throughout COVID-19 lockdowns. Within the Humanities department, there is no shortage of passionate lecturers with years of experience, despite one or two appearing indifferent to jobs.

My favourite thing about The University of Southampton is the open and welcoming campus, with plenty of green space and surrounding areas, along with the ability the pursue academic topics that are dear to you, within your degree.