Christine Yau BSc (Hons) Podiatry2020

Hi, I’m Christine Yau and I’m studying BSc (Hons) Podiatry at the University of Southampton.

All my lecturers are extremely inspiring, with each of them having a specific area of interest. They all push me to be the best I can be, always ensuring I strive to succeed.

Why did you choose to come and study at Southampton?

The University of Southampton has an excellent reputation in podiatry, with many world-renowned professors and lectures. Upon going to the University and it being campus-based, I knew how much it would suit me as a person. Moreover, Southampton city has a lot to offer.

What were you anxious about before coming to Southampton?

I was worried about making new friends and settling into a new city. Also, being a mature student and having to pay for my living and maintenance fees with no grants, I was extremely apprehensive about my work-life balance.

In terms of the degree, I was initially worried about the workload and complexity of certain topics.

Once at Southampton, how were your fears overcome?

As soon as I joined Southampton, I quickly made many new friends and settled in really well on my course. The first few months were so important to make an effort and get to know everyone, and now I feel enormously supported.

What is it like studying here?

I really enjoy the BSc Podiatry degree. All my lecturers are extremely inspiring, with each of them having a specific area of interest. They push me to be the best I can be, always ensuring I strive to succeed.

Around campus at all times of the day, it is friendly, and help is always there if you need anything. With clubs and societies, as well as support networks in place, you never feel alone.

How do you rate the study facilities at the University?

The library has four floors and specific sections for different learning environments and styles. The Sports Centre is continually growing, with supportive personal trainers available where required. In terms of podiatry, clinical experience included clinical simulations and rotations in NHS Trusts for placements. The University facilities have all been extremely beneficial to me for ensuring a good work-life balance.

What have been your Southampton ‘highlights’ so far?

I have thoroughly enjoyed all my placements. In my spare time, I have taken on the role of ‘Podiatry Society President, helping students settle in and providing mentorship. Within the last few years, I have also received various accolades, receiving a Dean’s List Award for my contribution to Allied Health Professional students. I also had the opportunity to present my research poster on Rheumatoid Arthritis at the College of Podiatry, Hampshire Branch.

How has your time at Southampton helped you to grow as a person?

Podiatry has allowed me to increase my subject knowledge, developing my skills both clinically and inter-personally. My academic writing ability has grown from module to module, with my confidence developing and building.

What are you enjoying most about your course?

I love my course. It is in-depth and relevant to all areas of clinical practice. It has given me the chance to expand my interpersonal skills, as well as developing in-depth knowledge of podiatry and the lower limbs. All staff and fellow students are extremely helpful and friendly.

Do you have the opportunity to study modules outside of your core subject area?

Podiatry is a very specialist subject, and therefore all modules are set. However, there are always further opportunities to conduct research with support of lecturers and mentors.

What is the city of Southampton like to live in?

The city of Southampton feels very safe. It has a big student population with two universities within three miles of each other. The nightlife is busy and there are various places to go depending upon your interest. The city is continually growing and with two good local hospitals, giving clinical students like myself, the opportunity to complete placements locally.

What one word sums up how you feel about your experiences so far at Southampton?

Remarkable

What are your plans for the future?

It is a passion of mine to study at either Oxford or Cambridge University in Evidence based Medicine or Therapeutic Sciences. However, initially I would like to work for the NHS to gain experience and help as many people as possible. As a clinician, I want to develop innovative technologies to provide treatment and improve diagnoses of the lower limbs. 



In the future, I would like to develop my own private podiatry clinic to provide services to people who cannot get access to NHS care.

How has the University helped you to adjust to living and studying in a different country?

There is a lot of support for international students. All of my course lecturers have been extremely helpful, as well as my fellow students and international colleagues.