Vasileios Leivadas Engineering/Physics/Maths/Geophysics Foundation Year, 2016

MEng Electronic Engineering, current student

The Foundation Year helped me a lot in settling in to this new chapter of my life. It also gave me the chance to explore many engineering disciplines, and this was very helpful when I came to choose my degree.

What made you choose to come and study at Southampton?

I chose the University of Southampton for two reasons. The first is that it is an engineering-focused university which invests constantly in its facilities and its technology. The second reason is that Southampton is a small student city and I felt that socialising would be easier here than in a large urban city like London.

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?

Some of the uncertainties I had were mostly about how life was going to be here, for example the different culture and habits in this country. The University played a major role in resolving these matters through its Student Services as well as via the community that was created by living in student halls.

Why did you choose to take a Foundation Year?

I came to the University of Southampton having international qualifications, which, although they are of high academic standard, they didn’t comprise things like projects and coursework, on which UK degrees are more heavily focused.

What did you enjoy most about your Foundation Year?

The Foundation Year helped me a lot in settling in and adapting to this new chapter of my life fairly smoothly. It also gave me the chance to explore many engineering disciplines, thus having more time to decide about my future degree.

How did the Foundation Year help to prepare you for your degree?

The Foundation Year comprised of modules included Mechanics, Mathematics, Electronics, Thermodynamics, Optics, Programming, and many others. The course gives students an insight into aspects of many subjects and provides them with a solid view of what each degree could offer.

What is it like studying here?

Engineering, generally, is a very demanding discipline which most probably needs more studying hours compared to other subjects. The University is very supportive of its students by providing its facilities for most, if not every, hour of the day. But generally, I’d suggest that having a schedule and generally good weekly time management can result in a good work-life balance.

What have been your Southampton ‘highlights’ so far?

I am very interested in going to presentations that are offered by other faculties, like Business especially, and to workshops that are provided by the University or by external companies to enhance students’ employability skills. I am also part of some societies like the Volleyball society, where we have built a team which has ended up being a group of good friends.

What are you enjoying most about your course?

I enjoy mostly the challenges that it has offered throughout the year. I really appreciate the fact that most students help each other for coursework and lab preparations, thus building a good team.

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

Southampton is a very beautiful city that includes facilities for all interests and cultures. It’s also a “green” city, by the water, and is home to a small, peaceful and essentially student-based community.