Gen Hinde MSci Oceanography with Study Abroad, 2017

Undergraduate student

My main field experience has come from my year abroad at the University of Washington where I took part in a research cruise to Vancouver Island for 10 days, it was tiring and cold but I learnt a lot and loved every minute.

I chose MSci Oceanography with Study Abroad because I thought it was an area of science that had relevance to the future. The element of fieldwork on the boat was appealing. I liked the atmosphere at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS) and knew Southampton was a leading centre in oceanographic research. The school seemed to have good resources, like the vessels R/V Callista and R/V Bill Conway and valued field experience. I like the size of the city, having the convenience of living in an urban area whilst easily being able to travel to the New Forest or to the coast. 

There is also an interesting mix of people and a lot of opportunities with university societies. I have found staff to be friendly and willing to help, the tutor group system works well and it is nice to have a designated tutor throughout your whole degree. The community at NOCS is definitely what makes Southampton so special, over the years you spend here you build such strong friendships.

I enjoyed gaining my sea survival qualification in first year and the workshops we did in the Easter holidays of first year as it gave you the chance to get to know more people on the course. It was great having a fieldtrip in Falmouth as it allowed us to study an area different from the Solent. My favourite memory was working with my group at the Falmouth fieldtrip and savouring the small amount of free time we had by walking over to the beach at the end of the day to see the sun go down.

I think societies at Southampton are great and have allowed me to try a lot of new things. In first year I learnt to row with the University Boat Club and performed as a percussionist in Concert Band in a range of venues in my first and second year. In second year I joined the university canoe polo team which is full of great people and we travelled to tournaments around the UK including one in the Brecon Beacons. I have also been part of the student scout and guide society and helped lead a trip exploring Lake Balaton and Budapest last summer.

Once I graduate, I would love to stay in the field of oceanography though am currently undecided as to whether this will involve a job in industry or further study.