Ahmed Shalaby Egyptian, due to graduate 2018
MSc Genomic Medicine
My first impression was simply “amazed”. The efforts made to make studying here as easy as possible are felt at each and every step. The friendly staff made everything easier. I would definitely recommend the University of Southampton to Egyptian students. The support they will have here is more than enough. They will be welcomed and never feel strangers.
Why did you choose to study at the University of Southampton?
Southampton University is one of the leading universities is delivering Master of Genomic Medicine programme. I started by looking for universities that provide this programme. Southampton University seemed to be the best in term of programme structure and the detailed description of each module. The team leading the programme are well known worldwide for their work and contributions in the field. It is a great honour to be taught by such a team.
What were your first impressions of the University of Southampton?
My first impression was simply “amazed”. The efforts made to make studying here as easy as possible are felt at each and every step. The friendly staff made everything easier. I didn’t feel that awkward feeling when you start studying in a different country, different culture in a different system. Everybody was friendly and welcoming.
What do you enjoy the most about living in Southampton?
Southampton is such a beautiful city with a lot of places to have fun. It’s by the sea which makes it close to beautiful scenes. The city centre has a lot of places to have fun, suitable for all ages and cultures. It’s a great multicultural city, where you meet people from all over the world.
What is your favourite spot on campus?
It’s really hard to choose one favourite spot in the university campus. I like the library, where we have unlimited resources. I like its computer lab which helped me a lot to master using essential academic tools such as endnote and SPSS. I am based at the Southampton General Hospital campus and you can never ignore the main entrance restaurants and cafes. Design your own sandwich at the subway and head to the opposite M&S for a special Mocha.
What has been your proudest accomplishment while you were in Southampton?
My special accomplishment here in Southampton is the feedback I got form the lead professor of my master’s programme. It was my first assignment ever I have submitted as a postgraduate student. I scored the top mark with a comment from the professor advising me to submit my essay as an opinion piece to be published.
Would you recommend the University of Southampton to students from your home country?
I would definitely recommend the University of Southampton to Egyptian students. The support they will have here is more than enough. They will be welcomed and never feel strangers.
The fact that most of the university’s programmes are online on (Blackboard) makes it easier for foreign students to catch up if they missed anything in the lectures. This facility is not found in many universities. You attend the lectures on the day, then you would have access to recorded lectures as well as teaching materials which you can freely download. So basically, you can convert it to ‘teaching for life’ programme.
You would have access to unlimited scientific resources: academic journals, books and software. Not mentioning the students’ discounts in major retailers and service providers.
What will you do with your degree after you have finished your studies?
I believe that my degree will help me to develop my dream academic research in the field I like the most, Retina. Not just the academic field, but also in clinical ophthalmology which is my full time job in the UK. Some subspecialty fellowships, especially those in reputable university hospitals, require a proper academic qualification from a prestigious university.
Do you have any stories about your time in Southampton or a happy memory you want to share?
My happiest moment is when I went out for dinner with my colleagues. It was a great chance to get to know them. People from 4 different continents. So many jokes and laughs. So many friendships have started on that day.