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The University of Southampton
Languages, Cultures and LinguisticsPart of Humanities

Monika Komar BA Modern Languages

Monika Komar's Photo

Hi, I'm Monika Komar and I studied BA Modern Languages within Humanities at the University of Southampton.

My degree programme has opened plenty of fantastic opportunities I never thought of before. Gaining linguistics abilities, a trip to Mexico, taking up Italian, writing for the students' magazine, meeting amazing people from varied backgrounds... I even tried ballet! It's been a priceless experience.

Monika is from Poland and came to Southampton for an undergraduate degree in Modern Languages.

What made you decide to study modern languages?

I think languages are essential in the modern world and luckily I really enjoy studying them. The course let me develop my command of the languages that I started studying at school but also I got an opportunity to take up new languages and learn them quickly from scratch.

Tell us more about the areas that you are now specialising in

I study English, Spanish and Italian. At the moment I'm about to begin my year abroad in Barcelona, Spain.

What are your plans for your year abroad? How do you think this year will help you in the future?

I'm going as an Erasmus student. It's the part of my degree I was looking forward to – not only will it help me to improve my Spanish but also I'll gain new experiences valuable for the future and also make new friends.

Are you enjoying your studies? What do you like most about your degree programme?

I am very happy with my studies. My degree programme has opened plenty of fantastic opportunities I never thought of before. Gaining linguistics abilities, a trip to Mexico, taking up Italian, writing for the students' magazine, meeting amazing people from varied backgrounds... I even tried ballet! It's been a priceless experience.

Do you get on well with the academic staff?

I do, the academic staff have always been really helpful and competent. I was nicely surprised how informal and friendly the relationship between the academic staff and students is.

What’s the best thing about living and studying in Southampton?

Southampton is a perfect place for students. It's rather small so it's easy to get to places, it's cheaper than big cities, close enough to London to make one-day trips and the nightlife is great. It's full of students and makes you feel at home – I moved to Southampton from Poland and after two years of living here I consider Southampton my home.

What has been your favourite moment so far?

Actually the best moment is now. Having studied for two years I already know all about the Uni and the town, I made fantastic friends and learned a lot. Yet, I'm only halfway through my course with the perspective of the year abroad starting in September and it's very exciting to think what else is waiting for me.

How were the first few weeks at Uni? Was it easy to settle into your studies, make friends etc?

I guess it was a bit more difficult for me as a foreign student but everyone was so helpful and patient I settled in quite quickly. Making friends wasn't a problem since I lived in student halls. The studies surprised me more than anything – I didn't expect this much work on my own and such freedom. It was a bit daunting at first but once I got used to it everything got much easier and I appreciated this way of studying.

What are you planning to do after graduating? What steps have you taken towards achieving this?

I'm still not quite sure about my future after graduation. I definitely want to work using all the skills I learned at the University and languages, I'd love to travel and meet new people. I've been considering interpreting or journalism.

Do you have any advice for people considering studying Modern Languages at Southampton?

Get ready for the best years of your life!

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