What do you think about the study facilities at the University?
The Hartley Library would be my most frequented study facility at the university. There's a wide range of books available and many conducive study spaces to do revision (and procrastinate). It was great being able to book study rooms for society meetings and revision sessions with friends! And the best part is that it's open 24/7 during term time!
What have you enjoyed most about your course?
I’ve enjoyed the theoretical and practical aspects of my course but my favourite would be the clinical placements. I had the opportunity to have placements in 3 different trusts (Isle of Wight, Guildford and Sheffield), all of which were good learning experiences and were incredibly enjoyable! My clinical mentors were very understanding and supportive of my learning. I’ve always looked forward to placements as it is very interactive and you learn so much from the experience - being challenged and putting my skills into practice!
Do you participate in any extra-curricular activities (such as clubs, societies)?
My favourite event was the Culture Festival held around April each year; It was a week of events showcasing different cultures where we could try out activities from across the globe! One of the most memorable events was Global Village. I remember having to complete the ‘global passport’ by participating in activities from different international societies (such as trying on traditional costumes with the Lebanese society and karaoke with the Filipino society). It was definitely an enjoyable and meaningful event and it made me more aware of different culture and their traditions, activities and food etc. Aside from Global Village, I also enjoyed the International Culture Night. It was a memorable evening watching performances by various student societies and cheering our friends on!
What other activities did you take advantage of while at University?
There were many opportunities to learn new skills outside of my course such as coding and events management. I also took part in the Business Innovation Programme and worked with a team of 3 other students on a consultancy project for a local voluntary organisation. This was an enriching experience which helped me develop many transferable skills. It was great being able to work with peers from different courses as our diverse perspectives helped in developing innovative solutions!
I took advantage of my time in Southampton to try new sports such as acro-yoga and rock climbing! These have been one of the best experiences of my life!
Trying out indoor and outdoor rock climbing would be one of the best experiences I’ve had in University! There is a bouldering wall in the Student’s Union which made it really convenient to climb. The Mountaineering Club organises trips to nearby climbing gyms on a weekly basis and weekend trips to climb outdoors in amazing places such as Peak District and Gower. This has been something I’ve always wanted to try and I’m glad I did it!
If you stayed in University accommodation, what was it like?
I've enjoyed my stay at Wessex Lane halls and it was a great way to meet new people! Another good thing about living in halls is the friendly residence team who are always willing to help and they also facilitate the collection of parcels. I took advantage of the facilities such as the piano room and gym. And the free Unilink bus pass made it easy and convenient to travel around Southampton!
What is the city of Southampton like to live in?
Southampton is an amazing place to live! Everyone is really friendly and there are loads of shops and eateries. It's also full of green spaces (Southampton Common and Riverside Park) which are ideal for running and picnics on sunny days. I've enjoyed making day trips to nearby cities such as Winchester, Bournemouth and even London!
How did your course at Southampton prepare you for your future career?
Starting from year one, we were immersed into the professional working environment during placements. This gave us the opportunity to put our knowledge into practice and gain exposure to different podiatric specialties. The clinical experience has helped develop my interpersonal and critical thinking skills which I found really helpful! These experiences have definitely prepared me for my future career and challenged me to become a better Podiatrist. I now feel more confident and motivated to take on new challenges and push myself to achieve my goals.
What are you career aspirations for the future?
I will be returning to Singapore to work as a Podiatrist at Tan Tock Seng Hospital. I hope to gain exposure in different podiatric specialties and pursue opportunities in research, sports medicine and product developments. In the long run, I am motivated to push the boundaries of podiatry and be involved in medical missions abroad.
