Qingzhi Li BSc Economics and Finance

Qingzhi Li is a partner student who joined the University of Southampton in 2021 to study BSc Economics and Finance as part of the undergraduate 2+2 programme with Nanjing University of Finance and Economics (NUFE).

This course can give me many choices. I can study the modules regarding both Economics and Finance. I think various choices of modules can help me a lot in future study and work.

• What course did you study, and what did you like most about it?

I study Economics and Finance and I think choosing this course can give me many choices. I can study the modules regarding both Economics and Finance. There are also some optional modules regarding sociology since this course belongs to social science department. I think various choices of modules can help me a lot in future study and work.

• Why did you choose the University of Southampton over other international options?

University of Southampton has the highest ranking in the QS World University Ranking and it has qualified professors and practical professional courses and considerate teaching services.

• Are there any challenges you faced while studying and living in the UK?

Sometimes I had problems regarding the knowledge I learned on the module, I would asked professors both online and on campus. They always helped me patiently. My personal academic tutor also helped me a lot when I had problems, he always replied to my emails in detail quickly.  In terms of the challenges regarding my life, I once lost my parcels which were sent to our post room, and the staff helped me find it for a long time. It's lucky that it were found finally. I lived in the accommodation of our university and I think the staffs in both the post room and the reception are responsible and helped me a lot.

• Was there anything unexpected about living in the UK? Were there any challenges or surprises you faced?

The change of day time in different seasons is unexpected. In my hometown, it will turn dark around 5pm to 6pm in every season. However, it turn dark in 4pm in the winter but in the summer, it won't be dark until  9pm. Therefore, it is easy for me to be upset in winter. However, thanks to the large kitchen in my flat, I found it pleasant to make delicious food and I enhanced my cooking ability.

• Were there any pleasant surprises?

I had 9 flatmates including Chinese, British people, American and I made friends with them. They are all friendly and we also had parties occasionally.

• Do you have any advice for students before they arrive or when they first arrive in the UK? What tips would you give to other international students planning to study at the University of Southampton?

1. Before arriving in the UK, you had better get a bank card which can pay in pound because it will take a long time for you to get a safe British bank card since you need to generate a bank letter and fill in forms including many questions. Though there are also some online banks which don't need bank letter, their bank card may not be safe and if questions occurred, you can't go to a practical place to solve the questions. Moreover, as soon as you arrive in the UK, book the registration of the police station because it's difficult to book a slot.

2. For studying in UoS, it's better to buy an ipad to read the textbooks, notes and slides of the professors.

• How did the University of Southampton and the International Office help in enhancing your study experience in the UK?

University of Southampton and the International Office always hosted activities to adapt us to the life in the UK and make friends. We also had sessions regarding language, life and study support.

• Did you join any communities or social clubs? What do you recommend?

I joined Chinese Students and Scholars Association and hosted a series of activities including singing contest, spring festival gala, nighty city party and so on. This community is aimed to gather all the Chinese in UoS and help them make more friends. I recommend Chinese students to attend this community. I also attended free weekly badminton sessions hosted by playwaze in jubilee sports hall and it's so interesting. There are also free table tennis and zumba sessions there. If you are interested in this, just download playwaze app and find more.

• To make it a true international experience, we encourage students to make friends with fellow students from many different backgrounds and nationalities. Tell us about a time you went out of your comfort zone and made friends with other nationalities?

I had 5 flatmates from other nationalities who are all my friends. I always chatted with them happily and I even don't notice the passage of time. One of my flatmates had the experience of travelling in China and she shared the pictures with me. She chatted with me regarding all the perspectives including her modules, her favourite food and her lifestyle to me. I feel lucky to meet such a friend and it also helped my sharpen my speaking skill. 

• Would you recommend studying at Southampton to other potential international students?

Definitely yes! It's both meaningful and challenging to open a whole new life in UoS. You will regret if you miss this opportunity to come.