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The University of Southampton
Engineering Undergraduate study

Tim Chatfield MEng Civil Engineering

Graduated 2018

Tim Chatfield's Photo

Lecturers always go above and beyond for those who ask for help.

Why did you come to Southampton

I was initially drawn to Southampton as it was one of the best nationally for Civil Engineering. I came on a general university Open Day where I got a feel for student life and the campus, and then on a Civil Engineering-specific UCAS Open Day. This really cemented Southampton as my top choice as I was able to understand a bit more about the course, meet and talk to lecturers, and find out about the in-house scholarship schemes and practical elements of the course.

What is it like studying here?

Southampton is a campus-based university meaning nearly everything is based on one site. This includes lecture rooms, studios, work spaces, sports and leisure facilities, shops and places to eat. As a result the campus has a great student feel about it and always feels safe and friendly. There are such a wide range of ways to relax in and around the University, and with over 300 societies, you will find something that interests you. I try to keep my work on campus (by making use of the study spaces etc.), meaning when I get home I can relax with friends and keep a good work-life balance.

Southampton has an online educational hub called “Blackboard” which hosts a whole range of course-specific resources regularly updated by the lecturers. Nearly everything you need for your studies is on there and links to external resources are given. Lecturers always go above and beyond for those who ask for help and there have been many times I’ve emailed in with questions or arranged meetings with members of staff to discuss various problems. Every student has a personal tutor for their four years and it’s great to meet regularly with them to discuss both academic and pastoral issues.

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?

Hartley Library is a great resource, especially for referencing and around exam time. During the exam period, the library is open 24 hours a day so it can suit you whatever your study style is. Each floor has a different learning style, from no food, drink or talking on the top floor, through to large open study areas on the ground floor which are ideal for doing group work together over a coffee, meaning it’s suitable for everyone. As well as the building, the library has a large online resource of journals and papers which I’m currently finding helpful whilst writing my dissertation. Engineers get to make use of the Design Studio as well, a modern and open workspace great for group work with large desks, a workshop, computer suite and a kitchen.

What have been your Southampton ‘highlights’ so far?

Definitely making the friends I’ve got, which I will keep for life! In terms of highlights; I really enjoyed going on the “Aussie Kiss” windsurfing trip to Devon in my first year as well as the Civil Engineering residential called Constructionarium. This was a weeklong practical trip to Norfolk where we employed some of the construction techniques we’d learnt in lectures to build a variety of real life projects. Even day-to-day activities, such as cooking with my house mates, is something I really enjoy and is a real part of the university experience.

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

I have got involved with a number of societies whilst at Southampton: windsurfing, swimming and salsa mainly. I had never windsurfed or danced before coming to university so I’m a good example of someone who just ‘gave it a go’ when I got here.

The best thing I have done so far however was securing my summer placement on site at the end of my second year. The Faculty’s SUCCESS scheme was really helpful in getting a placement as the companies all came into university to interview us in a ‘milk round’ type situation. I had a 15 week placement which I really enjoyed and have set one up for the summer after my third year. This scheme is set up with the aim of joining the graduate programme upon graduation.

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

I have mainly encountered research-led learning in my third year as I have been embarking on my individual research project. I am looking at the gender divide in the industrial engineering sector and am getting industry help and input from my sponsorship company. This is really helpful and the self-paced research element has made me a lot more focussed and passionate about study, as it is a field I have specifically chosen to research.

What were you anxious about before coming to Southampton, and once here were these fears overcome? How did Southampton help you settle in and help you belong?

I was anxious mainly about two things; making friends and how tough I’d find the course! I made friends in my university halls right away and close friends on my course within a few weeks. The Students' Union helped massively with Fresher’s events and the Faculty started the term off with group projects and hands on exercises to ease us into work, whilst giving us a chance to get to know the other people on the course! The work is hard but with all the resources and help available it is easy to keep on top of if you’re not afraid to get stuck in and ask for help when and where you need it.

Tim with Sir John Armitt
Tim with Sir John Armitt, Institution of Civil Engineers

What are you enjoying most about your course?

I mainly enjoy the hands-on activities that Southampton has to offer, rather than sticking to desk-based theory. The labs in first and second year have been replaced with software tutorials and additional group work in the third year, meaning I can continue to make full use of the University’s workshops and facilities. The field trips are great too (especially the ones to the beach!).

Do you have the opportunity to study modules outside of your core subject area, and how do you think they are adding to your experience?

Simply put, yes. The first two years follow a core modules programme and you begin choosing your modules in the third year. People on my course are studying a wide range of topics, from specific areas of engineering, to business and language modules. I have chosen a Water and Wastewater Engineering module as one of my optional modules based on the positive experiences I had on a water treatment works on my placement.

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

As mentioned already, I did a 15 week summer placement with a contractor at the end of my second year. This was set up easily through the Faculty’s SUCCESS scholarship and comes with paid summer placements as well as a termly cash bursary during the academic year. The things I learnt in practice on site really helped when I brought my experiences back into the classroom.

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 would like to leave university and go onto site to work as a contractor. This is something I have only decided whilst being at Southampton through the practical Constructionarium and my placement. I have learnt that engineering isn’t all about office work and found out that the side I most enjoy is the practical side out on site.

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

I stayed in Brunei halls in Glen Eyre in my first year. I opted for the cheapest halls with shared bathroom and kitchen but loved every minute! There was a real sense of family in the flat and I made great friends there straight away, friends I have since lived with in second and third year. If you want a bit more from halls there a newer blocks which boast en suite rooms, studio flats at gyms. Cooking together as a flat and doing group trips to the laundry was a lot more fun than it sounds!

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

I’m growing more and more to like it as my degree progresses and I think leaving after fourth year will be quite hard! I came from Birmingham so Southampton did feel small and close compared, but now that’s what I love about it, you can get around everywhere on foot and feel like you learn the city so quickly. The city centre has every shop you could need and a great shopping centre, whilst Portswood high street in the student area is a 60 second walk from most student houses and has all your day-to-day shops. The Common and Centenary Quay on the waterfront are great places to experience a bit of nature and relax. I’ve also enjoyed watching many a football game at St Marys whilst living here, and with cheaper student tickets I’ve been privileged enough to watch some huge clubs like Inter Milan, Italy and all the premier league elite. In terms of feeling safe? Absolutely. If you’ve grown up in Britain, Southampton is no different.

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