Shakib-Bin Hamid Engineering/Physics/Maths/Geophysics Foundation Year, 2013

MEng Software Engineering, current student

I had to take a Foundation Year because I did not do A levels (I did equivalent studies in Bangladesh). However, the Foundation Year also helped me settle in as an international student and make my decision on what degree I actually wanted to do.

Why did you choose to come to Southampton?

I found Southampton's campus to be beautiful, homely and full of life. It was also ranked as one of the top universities for engineering in undergraduate studies, postgraduate research and employability of students.

Why did you choose to take a Foundation Year?

I had to take a Foundation Year because I did not do A levels (I did equivalent studies in Bangladesh). However, the Foundation Year also helped me settle in as an international student and make my decision on what degree I actually wanted to do. I switched from Civil Engineering to Software Engineering, which I felt was the right subject for me. Foundation Year modules helped me make the decision.

What did you enjoy most about the Foundation Year?

The diversity of my cohort. There were students from many countries, from very different backgrounds to me and I found it fascinating. Some of my closest friends, for example, came from serving in the Army and I learnt from their experiences.

What were your lecturers and tutors like? Did you find them supportive?

The Foundation Year lecturers are extremely supportive. I found their doors always open for any student that struggled with any course topics. There was a lot of support available for us to drop in and ask tutors any questions.

How has the Foundation Year helped to prepare for your degree?

I already had a good network at the University after my Foundation Year, so, I could find opportunities from various departments. It helped me to ease into self-study culture, which comes as a shock to most A level students at first. Also, as an international student, I had settled in properly so I could focus better on my studies in first year.

If you could give prospective Foundation Year students one piece of advice, what would it be?

Make sure you go to every lecture even if you think you know the topic, and find yourself a supportive friend circle so that you can share your knowledge and vice-versa.

What are you enjoying most about your degree?

Employability. The ECS (Electronics and Computer Science) students in general are very sought after by employers. My degree now prepares me to work in any industry that requires IT, which is practically every industry.