Danai Panagoulia MChem Chemistry with six-month placement & PhD
Postgraduate student
During my last years at school I was pretty set on studying chemistry. As the University of Southampton was in the top 15 Universities for Chemistry in the UK I decided to visit on one of the open days. I liked the campus and department and having had good insight from my sister of what it was like to study here, I decided Southampton would be my first choice!
I have now been at the University of Southampton for five years, having completed my MChem degree in 2013 and begun a PhD
I have now been at the University of Southampton for five years, having completed my MChem degree in 2013 and begun a PhD shortly after, working on Electrochemistry. It is hard to believe how far I’ve come since starting the course. The language barrier along with never having been in a lab before, made me worried about being able to keep up. However, both lecturers and technical staff were excellent in integrating and bringing everyone up to the same level in just one semester.
By the end of 3rd year I had research experience in one of the world-class research groups in the department. But the best part of my degree was the opportunity to carry out a 6 month research project at the UK’s national metrology institute in my 4th year. I would recommend the departments’ placement programmes to every prospective student, as it is a rare opportunity to gain insight into industry while carrying out innovative science.
The University has both the academic standard to launch my career and a vibrant social environment. Throughout my time here I have made such a diverse group of friends, which is amazing. At SUSU, the students’ union, there are societies for any interest. Chemsoc is our departmental society and I am excited to be involved as the Royal Society of Chemistry representative. It’s great experience and I’ve had the chance to meet some amazing and fun people!
I’ve enjoyed living in Southampton and I even find it gets better by the year. It has a fantastic student community as there are two Universities and there is never a dull night out! It is also very easy to travel around by train, with London, Winchester, Oxford, the New Forest, Brighton and Bournemouth (a must with your housemates during summer) all under a 2-hour train journey away.