Andrea Sabia BSc Business Analytics 2018, Italian

The opportunity to discuss ideas, concepts, and assignments with my peers has truly enhanced my experience here at Southampton. Given the technical nature of the Business Analytics course, discussing different techniques and approaches can truly sharpen your critical thinking skills.

I chose to study in the UK to explore a new country, a new culture, and to improve my English. Business Analytics at Southampton is a quantitative-based course, with a great blend of theory and application, and that is exactly what I was looking for!

Studying here has many advantages; the courses are innovative, helping to develop our critical analysis and independent thinking skills. I appreciate that lecturers encourage team working, and I have developed great friendships on my course. My experience here would not be the same without this community feeling.

I am constantly amazed by the copious amounts of extra-curricular activities offered, both in terms of social activities via organised clubs and societies, and in terms of more ‘academic’ opportunities such as guest-speaker lectures.

During my second year, I took part in the Business Innovation Programme, which involved working with a group of students from different courses on a consultancy project for Wessex Cancer Trust. We were challenged with evaluating proposals for new activities, their feasibility, potential impact and further development. My role involved leading the group, organising meetings and managing the schedule to ensure the project was completed to deadline.

The overall experience was incredible. I worked with students from different faculties, different backgrounds and with different skills. I experienced what it is to be a consultant and realized how crucial it is to create a feeling of trust between the consultants and the client. I also realised how demanding it can be to be working for someone else, who has different criteria from myself when judging the work produced. This is something invaluable, and I believe it will be extremely useful in my future career.

The Highfield campus offers great facilities and some incredible ‘hangout’ spots. I have used the library almost daily throughout my studies. I am finding the numerous subscriptions to academic journals particularly useful in my final year. The Business Lounge is also a great place to relax with friends, but it is still quiet enough so you can study there. My favourite place on campus though has to be Valley Gardens. Whenever I have the chance, I go for a walk, or just to sit there, have lunch and observe the amazing scenery.