Doğa Girinti LLB Law with Psychology, 2018

Undergraduate student

When I was researching Universities I always came across Southampton, and when I finally decided to look into it deeper, I realised it had everything I was looking for. Southampton offered the perfect course that harmonized both of my passions: Law and Psychology in a way no other school did hence I followed my gut and came here.

Southampton has helped me become the person I always wanted to be: confident and approachable. I grew to find the balance between being an independent person, as well as being a team member. My academic skills, such as research and critical thinking, have improved immensely.

I find the lectures on my course interesting, and my tutors are very helpful when it comes to seeking academic advice and support. I am passionate about both sides of my course, and really enjoy the course content. I’m happy to see I made the right decision in choosing to study both Law and Psychology, because I am studying exactly what I want to do in the future. I particularly enjoy guest seminars and lectures, and events where I can make new connections. I try to use all the facilities at the University as much as possible, and therefore I can confidently say that the Sports Centre, Library and many other places offer high-quality services and materials. Whatever I might need or want to do, there is always somewhere I can go.

Life in Halls is fun and safe – there are so many people to guide you with whatever you might need. The Student Union help you to adapt to University life, by initiating events and encouraging you to interact with student communities. Safety was always something I never had to worry about in Halls, and the resident service was always there when I needed something. Staying in halls was one of the best parts of my university life.

I come from Istanbul, which is a city much like London, so I wanted to live somewhere like Southampton that isn’t too busy or chaotic all the time. Southampton is good for spontaneous nights out, and there are many things to do during the day as well, like going bowling with friends or having a picnic at the Common.

Since English is not my first language, I feared I would struggle in both academic and social aspects, and would not be able to adapt to the new life and culture. I nearly gave it all up just before the day of my first flight here, but I met two amazing people on my first day, who showed me how easy interacting with people could be. With their friendship I gained confidence, and I used everything the University offered as much as I could.  I was the Law Badminton Team Captain in my second year, which was an amazing experience, and I also joined the Zumba society committee.

Southampton has helped me become the person I always wanted to be: confident and approachable. I grew to find the balance between being an independent person, as well as being a team member. My academic skills, such as research and critical thinking, have improved immensely. 

Being at Southampton has undoubtedly helped me grow as a person, and I am so happy of where I am and who I am today.