Houry Sarafian Armenian, Lebanese, graduated in 2016

MSc Digital Marketing

With all the available reputable universities in UK, the University of Southampton was the perfect fit for everything I was searching for. The University of Southampton gave me much more than a Masters degree printed on a piece of paper but rather a well rounded experience of what it takes to become a better version of myself.

Why did you choose to study at the University of Southampton?

With all the available reputable universities in UK, the University of Southampton was the perfect fit for everything I was searching for.

Not only is it among the highest ranked universities in UK and the world, it is also one of the very few to offer to the programme of my interest, MSc Digital Marketing.

If I have to be completely honest, several other minor factors also influenced my choice. The university is located at the heart of one of the warmest regions in UK. It is also very well connected to London and all the other parts of England which gives it a huge advantage for international students eager to explore the country.

What do you enjoy the most about living in Southampton?

In Southampton, everything is close to everything. Wherever you are, with a short walking distance you can find anything you need; Restaurants, pubs, shops, parks...

What I like the most about Southampton is its location. With a short train ride you can find yourself exploring the beautiful scenery the English coast has to offer. I might have only learned to value this after having an exceptionally nice sunny weather throughout the summer season, however, it was totally worth it.

Oh, and if this is of interest to you, YES. There are a lot of PokeStops and often rare pokemon in Southampton (even at the university Library).

What has been your proudest accomplishment while you were in Southampton?

I believe my proudest accomplishment would be the fact that I achieved way more than what I had crossed miles for. The University of Southampton gave me ample amount of opportunities that pushed me forward to become a better version of who I was.

If I had to brief some of my accomplishments that I’ll always remember in pride, the list will go as follows:

• Being chosen as the MSc Digital Marketing course representative and taking part in the business faculty SSLC meetings.
• Joining the DigiChamp team and working closely with the MSc Digital Marketing programme leader
• Volunteering for a cultural exchange event
• Performing group and solo Latin dance shows at the university
• Being chosen to choreograph a salsa dance for the university annual dance show
• Participating in Latin dance competitions and receiving two medals
• Joining the student committee in charge of organizing the postgraduate business school annual ball
• Choreographing and performing a group dance show with my coursemates at the postgraduate business school annual ball
• Last but not least, forming strong friendship ties with students from all around the world

Would you recommend the University of Southampton to students from your home country? If so, why?

Needless to say, my one year academic experience at the University of Southampton was indeed productive and that’s only because I took the initiative in utilizing much of what the university had to offer me. A flashback to the extremely busy year I had at UoS puts me in the position of confirming that I had made the right decision.

I thereby encourage those with high ambitions looking for a memorable university experience to throw themselves out into what the University of Southampton has to offer in terms of endless opportunities to choose from meeting their individuals interests and needs.

UoS has the full package for international students. If you’re looking for a high ranked university in UK and the world, highly skilled instructors, endless opportunities, active student life, all that at a convenient location close to London and the English South coast with the advantage of having the nicest and warmest weather in UK throughout the year, then the University of Southampton is the perfect fit for you.

Is there anything else you would like to say?

When I first arrived to Southampton, my main goal was to make the best out of my 1 year academic experience. This included learning from professional instructors, actively joining societies, exploring England, and mingling with multinationals.

Now that I’m at the edge of completing my year, I look back and find myself achieving beyond what I had planned. As the course representative, not only did I represent my classmates at the SSLC meetings, but also organized several interactive and engaging events which brought MSc Digital Marketing students together.

Not only did I join several societies but also was chosen to be a Latin dance choreographer training with a group of 10 dancers for the University annual dance show.

Not only did I meet people from different countries, but also learned to start a conversation in more than 10 languages (well, at least the “Hi” part).

The University of Southampton gave me much more than a Masters degree printed on a piece of paper but rather a well rounded experience of what it takes to become a better version of myself.