Amanda Lim Yu Ting Singaporean, graduated in July 2016
BSc Accounting and Finance
For students deciding whether or not to study overseas, I strongly urge you to take that leap of faith. The British learning environment is truly different from ours, it challenges your opinions and makes you think out of the box...because University is about finding the answers yourself.
Why did you choose to study at the University of Southampton?
The University definitely has an international reputation, being ranked 16th in the UK and being a founding member of the prestigious Russel Group. The modern facilities available and the high quality of teaching offered were some of the reasons why I chose to study Accounting and Finance at the University of Southampton.
What do you enjoy the most about living in Southampton?
What I love most about Southampton is the accessibility and diversity. It is very convenient to commute around, especially with university bus services that run late into the night. Apart from that, I do enjoy the diversity in student population and making new friends from other countries. The school also promotes many careers fairs, workshops and competitions for students to improve their employability skills in the future. Overall, the holistic environment at the University of Southampton makes student life very enjoyable.
If you had any difficulties during your studies, how did you overcome them?
Being an international student, studying a long way from home will inadvertently make one feel homesick. Joining a society will definitely help you make new friends. I, myself, made many friends from the Singapore Society and just spending time cooking together does ease feelings of homesickness.
What will you do with your degree after you have finished your studies?
Being an Accounting and Finance undergraduate, I do want to pursue a professional accreditation after I graduate. Under the ICAEW, my Accounting and Finance degree offers up to 8 exemptions for the ACA qualification and that will definitely help ease the accreditation process. The University also offers many career talks and invites big companies like J.P. Morgan, PwC, and Deloitte down for campus recruitments, all of which bring me a step closer to getting my dream job in this field.
If you could give your past-self one piece of advice about coming to study in Southampton, what would it be?
One piece of advice would be - Never be afraid. Whether it is a new society you have always wanted to join or sitting in the front row on your first day of lecture, always give it a try before passing judgment. Take advantage of your tutor’s office hours, especially if there are things you don’t understand because University is about finding the answers yourself.
Would you recommend the University of Southampton to students from your home country?
I highly recommend the University of Southampton to potential students in Singapore. The British learning environment is truly different from ours, it challenges your opinions and makes you think out of the box.
What is your favourite spot on campus?
I do enjoy the Stags, which is a nice bar in campus if you want a pint or two. I am also particularly fond of the Union Films, which is supported by the Student Union and screens major blockbusters at £3 to £4, a fraction of ticket prices at cinemas.
What were your first impressions of the University of Southampton?
Southampton was a lot warmer than I expected, which made the adjustment a lot easier.
What has been your proudest accomplishment while you were in Southampton?
My proudest achievement, academically, would be getting top 10% in the Southampton Business School. Being a direct 2nd entry student, I worked hard but I also took the time to travel and experience new places. I am also happy to be involved in many other societies and competitions such as AIESEC, Singsoc, J.P. Morgan Business Challenge and PwC Finance Challenge, amongst others.
Do you have any stories about your time in Southampton or a happy memory you want to share?
I remember arriving at London Heathrow and was getting ready to board the pickup service to the University of Southampton when I made my first friend in the UK, Felicity, a very chirpy Australian girl who was on an exchange at the University for a semester. It’s safe to say we got along really well and even after she left, back for Australia, she came to visit me in Singapore during my summer holidays. Studying overseas gives you the opportunity to make wonderful international friends that you will keep in touch with even long after you finish studying.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
For students deciding whether or not to study overseas, I strongly urge you to take that leap of faith.