Bradley Richardson MNeurosci (Neuroscience), 2020

I chose to study at Southampton for multiple reasons. The city is bright and green, the university is of a high prestige and the facilities/lecturers are world class.

Before moving here I was worried about making friends and finding a group of people to really fit in with. Moving away from the friends you’ve had your entire life back home is a daunting prospect. My fears were very quickly diminished, I realised within my first few days/weeks that everyone was in the same boat and people were extremely friendly. I took the plunge and joined the Men’s lacrosse society and I feel like that really helped me settle in.

The campus is always lively and bright. It seems like there is something on the redbrick every day. The student community is very welcoming and friendly. The lecturers make it easy to get stuck in with your degree and really provide inspiration for what you can do with the rest of your life.

I am enjoying the fact that everything we learn is coming directly from the front line of science. A lot of the content is research from our world class lectures and researchers at the university. This means that we are completely up to date with what is happening within the subject.

How do you rate study facilities at the University?

I rate the universities facilities very highly overall. The library, lecture and research facilities are some of the best I’ve seen. Widelane and the sporting facilities are always improving and the union/Sport and wellbeing are listening to students in order to make improvements

What have been your Southampton ‘highlights’ (best experiences) so far?

My highlights have been heavily influenced by the wide array of societies. I’ve played for the Men’s lacrosse 1st team in BUCS premiership since 1st year. Within the lacrosse team I’ve been the vice president and then the vice-captain. More recently I have founded and became the president of the universities powerlifting team. As well as this I have been a student ambassador for the university, allowing me to meet students from different degrees and travel across the country

How has your time at Southampton helped you to grow as a person?

Since moving to Southampton I have gained a large amount of subject knowledge, understanding concepts that I would have never dreamed about before. I have also grown greatly as a person, I’m far more confident in myself as a person and see myself as more of a leader than previous.

What are you enjoying most about your course?

Now that I’m in the 3rd year of my degree, I am enjoying the fact that everything we learn is coming directly from the front line of science. A lot of the content is research from our world class lectures and researchers at the university. This means that we are completely up to date with what is happening within the subject.

Do you have the opportunity to study modules outside of your core subject area?

Although I haven’t taken the opportunity there has been the chance to take modules from outside the core of my subject area. You often have the chance to take modules in business, natural science, psychology and language etc.

I stayed in Archers road Southampton student accommodation in 1st year. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in halls. The facilities were very well looked after with large kitchens and regular cleaning, There was 24 hours security and support at hand. This ensure everyone felt safe and at ease. Making friends in halls was really easy, everyone was in the same boat and excited to get to know each other

Southampton as a city is one of the main reasons why I decided to study here. The city is constantly growing and has that built up vibe. At the same time it is very green and vibrant which differs it from other large cities. The town has plenty to do and shopping is never an issue. There are quick links to London and other areas and you are surrounded by the New forest and South downs on either side of the city. As well as this the city feels safe and the night life is great. Unlike other universities the students are very much connected to the city and not isolated.

What one word sums up how you feel about your experiences so far at Southampton?

Inspiring