Sarah Anderson BSc Audiology

Current student

I was impressed by the clear passion and hard work of the staff I was introduced to, and I could also see how unique the department is in that it is a working clinic and home to the Auditory Implant Service.

What made you choose to come and study at Southampton?

I chose to study at Southampton after visiting the Audiology department and being given a campus tour. I was impressed by the clear passion and hard work of the staff I was introduced to, and I could also see how unique the department is in that it is a working clinic and home to the Auditory Implant Service. I thought the campus was really pretty and open, and I liked how it feels really peaceful being so close to Southampton Common, but also how we can easily hop on a Unilink bus in to the city centre and be there within 15 minutes.

What is it like studying here?

We are really well-supported by staff and Student Services. This ensures that we have easy access to any resources we need, making studying at Southampton great. For example, last year, the Hartley library switched to being open 24/7 during term time after a university-wide vote. We also each have an individual personal tutor who we meet when we first start at the University, and we can talk to them whenever we have any questions or problems (or just for a catch up!). We have the same personal tutor throughout our whole university career which is comforting as they get to know you and your work.

How do you rate study facilities at the University, such as the Library? Have you found the Library, its content and the study spaces available within it useful?

The Hartley Library has been integral to my learning! It has the majority of the books we need for the course (the rest are at the Health Services Library at Southampton General Hospital, which we can easily have sent to Hartley to pick up via the library website). What’s great about Hartley is that it has a space for everyone. I personally prefer to stay in the quietest areas but there are areas for people who prefer a bit of background noise. There are also areas where you can eat and drink whilst doing your work.

Because we are doing a lot of group work this year, my course mates and I always book private study rooms within the library and that has helped us a lot with joint presentations and assignments.

What other activities have you taken advantage of while at University?

I have become much more active since starting at Southampton due to there being so many sport and wellbeing facilities here. I have started bouldering at the climbing wall at the Student Union, go to the gym regularly, and take part in classes that are included with a sports membership such as spinning, circuits and Zumba. There is also a dry ski slope near Highfield Campus which is a lot of fun, and I am about to go on a ski trip to France with the ski and snowboarding society.

Have you had any exposure to employer involvement or research-led learning during your course? How did this help you grow academically or personally?

We are given the opportunity to participate in research going on in the department which gives us a peek into what it is like to carry out experiments. The Audiology department at Southampton carries out a lot of research commissioned by the military which is exciting. I recently took part in a study on sound localisation testing hearing devices which protect the hearing of soldiers in the field.

What are you enjoying most about your course?

I really like how well-balanced the course is. It draws on a range of subjects such as psychology, physics, biology and maths which has made me feel much better-rounded as a student. I have also been able to develop skills from everything from statistical methods to patient-centred interviewing.

What networking, employment and work experience opportunities have you undertaken and how have they enhanced your undergraduate experience?

I have already had six weeks’ worth of placement in three audiology centres which has shown me what we learn in action and enabled to meet lots of people in the field. I have also become involved with the charity Action on Hearing Loss who have links with the University which means I get to regularly go out in to the real world and meet people with hearing loss and tinnitus.

Do you have any idea of what you would like to do in the future? Have the opportunities you have taken up while at the University helped you have a clearer idea of what you might like to do?

I want to take the MSci Audiology course at Southampton after the BSc and then start working as a clinical audiologist. We are trained to become working audiologists and are shown what it would be like to work in both the NHS and in private audiology services. There is also the option to go in to research and draw on the skills we are taught about undertaking scientific research.

Did you stay in University accommodation? What were your halls of residence like in terms of facilities?

I stayed in Mayflower halls in first year and had a really good time. I got on with my flatmates really well and I am staying in private rented accommodation with them this year too. The facilities at Mayflower are fantastic as they include a gym, study centre, shop, and a bike store.

Do you like living in Southampton? What are the benefits of Southampton as a city?

I like Southampton because it has a bit of everything. It has an endless amount of restaurants and shops but also green spaces to relax in, and there is a real student feel to it. The accommodation prices are also reasonable.