Rhiannon Owen BA English and History
Third year
I love the variety in the course. The hardest part is actually choosing what to study. I’ve studied a range of modules from the very modern America’s War on Terror to Medieval Castles.
Why did you choose to come and study at Southampton?
There was a combination of factors for me but by far, the main reason was the choice of modules available on the History course. As I learned more about my combined honours course I saw that I could tailor my learning to study the bits of History I was actually interested in.
What were you anxious about before coming to Southampton?
I was anxious about settling in mostly. Coming from a small town in Wiltshire I was worried about making new friends in a new environment. Of course, learning that everyone else was feeling the same as me helped a lot!
At the Fresher’s Fair I was surrounded by freshers who felt the same way as I did. By joining 3 different societies, I got to meet new circles of friends and found that people were welcoming and supportive.
What is it like studying here?
The best thing about studying here is being surrounded by lecturers who are passionate about their subjects. Each module is clearly something they love, and because of that I’ve enjoyed it so much more than school. It’s also great to have so many events always going on, the petting zoo in exam season is a definite highlight.
How do you rate study facilities at the University?
Hartley Library is an amazing facility because as well as having access to so many books, articles and even films, I get to research and study in quiet areas with comfy sofas, a café nearby and plenty of sockets for my laptop and phone. It’s also a lifesaver to have access to the digitalised material, it means I’ve not had to worry about buying every single book a lecturer has mentioned.
What have been your Southampton ‘highlights’ (best experiences) so far?
One of my best experiences has to be joining the Magician’s society. I couldn’t do any tricks when I started and now can do…at least 3! Every Tuesday evening is just a chance to completely relax with friends who’ve become really close.
My other highlight has to be going to London for a fieldtrip while I was studying the Space Age. I got to go to the Science Museum and actually see rocks from the moon.
How has your time at Southampton helped you to grow as a person?
Since coming here I’ve developed a lot of transferable skills, mainly from an Easter internship at a publishing company the University offered. I’ve grown in confidence from my first year too. Being encouraged to speak up and argue my own opinions on texts in a seminar environment has ensured I’m happy to speak my mind.
What are you enjoying most about your course?
I love the variety in the course. Both subjects have so much to offer, the hardest part is actually choosing what to study.
As I’m joint honours I’ve had the opportunity to study diverse modules that I never had the chance to study before. In English I’ve studied Creative Writing modules as well as modules on classics such as Paradise Lost. In History I’ve studied a range of modules from the very modern America’s War on Terror to Medieval Castles.
Did you stay in University accommodation?
I stayed in Halls of residence in my first year which was where I made some of my closest friends. I always felt safe in my halls, and it was easy to engage with everyone in my flat as the kitchen had enough room for all of our cooking disasters.
What is the city of Southampton like to live in?
A huge benefit of living in Southampton is that it’s a student friendly city. Westquay shopping centre ensures there’s always a Nando’s nearby, with part time opportunities for work too. There’s always something going on in Southampton, with shows at the Mayflower Theatre (I saw Derren Brown there), an active nightlife and even a pub called the Hobbit.