Gabija Poskaite MChem Chemistry, third year

Chemistry has completely new teaching laboratories which provides me with hands-on experience using up-to-date technologies and analytical methods. The teaching staff are well prepared, teaching is excellent and we are given proper support on trickier parts of the modules.

Settling in to university was easier than anticipated

As an international student, I was a little anxious about the language barrier before coming to Southampton. My worries were soon overcome as the University provides support with academic writing and other skills that international students might need, such as presentations.

Staying in university halls also helped me to integrate easily. I wasn’t sure what to expect in a foreign country, so securing a place in the halls was a huge relief. It assured a smooth transition between home and independent living. I still remember the first time I saw my room – it had an old-style red brick wall which looked very modern, but at the same time had a lot of personality.

I had a great time in halls in my first year, getting involved with social events such as cinema evenings, board games nights and Halloween. I made friends who are still the people I spend most of my time with!

Studying chemistry at Southampton has taught me so much

Besides improving my academic English, I have improved a lot of my transferable skills: teamwork, organisation, time management and problem solving. I have become more independent and confident.

Every term I have an opportunity to pick one module from outside my core subject area. For two years in a row, I have picked various modules from the School of Mathematics, while my friends were studying Astronomy, French and Environmental Sciences.

My best experience so far was, hands down, my summer internship. It was within Professor Bruno Linclau’s research group, Organic Chemistry: Synthesis, Catalysis and Flow. I was very interested in the topic that Bruno was teaching that semester, so I had a chat with Bruno and he managed to get me an internship position through the Excel Internship scheme. I worked for one month on two projects in Bruno’s laboratories. The aim was to synthesise targeted compounds and purify them. This internship has familiarised me with work in a research lab. I have learned how to work under pressure and stay positive if things do not go as planned!

Choose a university with the same values as your own

My favourite part about the University is its sustainable living. Did you know that we have a generator for energy we use every day? Recycling and composting are also done by the University which is very impressive. It is important to choose a place with the same values as your own.

Secondly, the University has a huge variety of clubs and societies where you can meet likeminded people. When I say huge, I am not over exaggerating. There is even the Tea Society! I am an active member of the Bridge Club and it has definitely improved my experience as a student.