Jenya Morrice BSc Geology, 2019

The lecturers are very good at explaining modules and I find their research (which they often discuss during the lectures) fascinating. Whenever I have academic questions that arise, I can always email the lecturers and they will always set time aside to answer them.

Why did you choose to come and study at Southampton?

I chose Southampton because it is a great Russell group university and at a great location, not too far from home. I also enjoy how for the Ocean and Earth Sciences, students have their own campus, which makes it easy to meet people with similar subject interests.

What is it like studying here?

The lecturers are very good at explaining modules and I find their research (which they often discuss during the lectures) fascinating. Whenever I have academic questions that arise, I can always email the lecturers and they will always set time aside to answer them. The PhD students are also available for help during the class laboratories, so you can always count on someone to explain the topics that you struggle with.

Southampton University has great public transport links, with university buses running frequently and train stations nearby, making it easy to get to your destination on time and safely. Several students choose to cycle and can do so safely, while others choose to walk because often hall/house accommodation is very close to your department. I purchased the annual bus pass (which comes free with your halls, during your first year of study) and it allows me to travel on UniLink buses U1 and U6, but also on the Bluestar buses, meaning I can easily and quickly get to various destinations such as halls, city centre, airport, hospitals and train stations.

I also enjoy going to the Student Union cinema with my friends, because the tickets are discounted compared to the shopping centre cinemas and the Student Union is located at the main campus (Highfield), where I live nearby in a student house.

How do you rate study facilities at the University?

Southampton University offers many clubs and societies which means there is always something for everyone. I enjoyed martial arts and boxing classes during my time at Southampton University and made friends for life from these societies.

The Hartley Library at the main Highfield Campus is open 24/7 during the exam season, making it easy and comfortable for students to revise and prepare for the coursework deadlines.

What have been your Southampton ‘highlights’ (best experiences) so far?

I enjoyed visiting new places and countries such as Spain and Scotland as part of the learning of my degree, which made it unique and highly satisfactory experience for me.

I enjoy going to the Career Fairs that Southampton University organises, where I can gain contacts and speak directly to the companies that I would like to work for in the future. I am also thankful for the various workshops offered by the university, such as CV, cover letter, LinkedIn workshops, which helped me massively with my job applications.

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

I gained valuable skills from my time at Southampton University, with the skills ranging from general degree knowledge and problem solving, to digital learning through Excel and other various programmes such as ArcGIS and Adobe Illustrator; all skills that employees look out for when considering job applications. I also learned and improved my time management and communication, teamwork and public speaking skills through being a member of academic societies and being a year representative for my degree group.

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

Grateful