During the last couple of weekends, I have been volunteering at the visit days at the University of Southampton.
What happens during these days? Well, in these events prospective students who are interested in continuing their education are allowed access to the facilities to see and learn more about what happens there. As you can imagine, this is a great opportunity to come and see the University for themselves and get to know the student life in Southampton from the point of view of people who know it better: the staff and students.
Nonetheless, it is very unlikely that an prospective International student has the same opportunity to personally visit the facilities of the University of interest. To overcome this, I suggest you check out the virtual tour and continue reading this blog, as this week I have given myself the task of (hopefully) addressing some of the questions and concerns which may arise among prospective international students.
I will try to highlight some of the points that, in my experience, are the first to consider when looking for a university. The common questions for many students are related to the advantages offered by both the city and the university.
What can the University of Southampton offer?
First, the advantages of teaching and learning methods. The University of Southampton is one of the UK’s leading institutions in maintaining an excellent teaching and learning experience; maintaining a reputation as one of the most prestigious educational systems in the world. In addition, it has been recognized for promoting students ability to understand, evaluate and analyse in a creative and critical way. In this case, students are encouraged to think outside the box and simply enjoy the sense of wonder and discovery within the best intellectual environment. On the other hand, prodigious professors and researchers address some of the major issues facing the world today.
Furthermore, Southampton has many international students. And by taking courses in different cultural backgrounds, students prepare not only for successful professions but also for lives that include an intellectual exchange with other educated people. For example, some attitudes such as an open personality and a tolerant character can be learned by studying with people from other countries. So, the University offers its students the unique set of transferable skills to pursue a career as well as promoting intercultural understanding and tolerance.
Life in Southampton
Southampton is not only recognized for presenting one of the best climates in the UK, and for offering an inclusive environment where creativity and innovation are expressed, but also for having the most smiley and friendly people. In addition, the city is very well connected. The city is only 75 miles from London! And of course, it is no problem travelling from here to many places of interest as you can find good rail connections, bus stations, and an airport. It makes it easy to move from A to B.
Naturally, many of the doubts that make us hesitate about going abroad are intensified by imagining the idea away from our friends and loved ones. But let me tell you that Southampton and The University is very friendly and in it you will find many students who will be experiencing the same situation. You will soon see how simple it is to create ties with wonderful people.
In conclusion, the city and the university have many facilities such as places to eat, incredible green areas, libraries, gyms, some shops, clubs and societies.
Having said all this, I can only wonder why you are still waiting to join this wonderful city and university!!!