Holly Hammond BA English

Hi, I am Holly Hammond studying BA English.

I was initially attracted to Southampton because of its reputation as being a research intensive university in the Russell Group. Visiting at an Open Day only confirmed that Southampton was the right place for me!

What made you choose to come to study at Southampton?

I was initially attracted to Southampton because of its reputation as being a research intensive university in the Russell Group. Being at the forefront of research with leaders in their respective fields was really appealing. Visiting at an Open Day only confirmed that Southampton was the right place for me! The friendly atmosphere, approachable staff, and options available were all major factors in my decision.

What were you anxious about before coming to Southampton?

I was really anxious about finding my way around a new city with so many people because I came from a small sixth form. This wasn’t a problem, I soon came to feel just as comfortable in Southampton as I was at home and I knew it was the right place for me. Everyone was really friendly, I made friends right away and getting involved in the Humanities Peer Mentoring scheme was great, too. Knowing that I had yet more people looking out for me, there to answer any questions I had no matter how silly.

What have been your Southampton highlights so far?

Obviously I’m only in my second year and hope to have many more highlights to come! However, a few memories that stand out would be the opportunity to study film, I’ve never had this opportunity prior to starting at Southampton and now it is one of my favourite things within English. Another good memory is the Humanities Christmas Ball, it really helped end the semester before exams started and it was brilliant fun to see all of my friends relax and de-stress.

What opportunities have you had to improve your personal development?

Societies have been the main things I’ve taken advantage of, pursuing my interests in both pottery and entertainment journalism. These are two opportunities that have really made my time at Southampton memorable. I’m now a contributing writer for The Edge, and I also hold a place as Secretary of PotSoc, the University Pottery Society.

What are you enjoying most about your course?

Studying here is incredible – I can’t imagine myself anywhere else now. My lecturers have been a highlight of my time at Southampton so far, they’re always available to ask questions, give guidance and provide support. Having a dedicated Humanities Campus really makes Southampton stand out as special as you get a kind of camaraderie that might otherwise be lost. The facilities are also amazing with our own dedicated campus putting all of the most essential things for an English student in one place. It doesn’t hurt that it is beautiful and very safe, I’m often around into the evenings and I’ve always felt comfortable even when on my own.

How do you rate study facilities at the University, such as the Library?

Moving into second year, the library is fast becoming one of my favourite places to study. Within the two libraries I visit, the best thing is probably the variety of study spaces. The university recognises that no two people are the same and our study areas reflect this diversity. The materials that are available have also made studying easier as you have so many texts available to you, whether this is online or in person. I can’t rate it highly enough.

Have you had the opportunity to study modules outside of your core subject area?

The variety of module choices is my favourite thing. The sheer scope of options available is staggering and there really is something for everyone. I can tailor my degree to my own interests and I’m loving the opportunity to try new areas of study I hadn’t previously considered or been aware of. This semester I studied Romanticism, Film Adaptation, and Children’s Literature, which really illustrates the breadth of choice available in your second and third years.

I have the opportunity to replace number of credits within my degree with non-English modules and I definitely appreciate that the University accommodates for any alternative interests held by students. I have a new perspective on my subject because of the way the university so clearly prizes interdisciplinary studying.

What networking, employment and work experience opportunities have you been involved with?

I’m currently still undecided on what I would like to pursue after graduation, but studying and working for the University has given me a greater understanding of what exactly I’m capable of. Working as both a Student Ambassador and a Student Fundraiser has made me realise that I love working with people and I thrive on this kind of interaction. It’s because of this that I can begin to narrow down what I want to do in the future.

Do you have any idea of what you would like to do in the future?

Did you stay in University accommodation?

I stayed in Bencraft Hall in my first year and though it was one of the smallest halls of residence, there was a real sense of community that I don’t think you got in other halls. Everything that you could possibly need was all in one place and being able to not worry about that kind of thing really helped me to settle in. I think it also gave my parents some peace of mind to know that there were always people around to look out for me. Making friends in halls also wasn’t an issue, I’ve even ended up living with one of my first year flatmates now!

Do you like living in Southampton?

I love living in Southampton. I definitely didn’t expect to settle in as quickly as I did because I’m originally from a smaller town in Surrey. As a city, Southampton feels safe and welcoming with so many things to do I don’t think you’ll ever be bored. From the O2 Guildhall to The Hobbit to West Quay, it isn’t an exaggeration to say that there really is something for everyone.