Annabel Solnik Estonian, due to graduate in July 2018

BSc Environmental Management with Business

I would and have recommended University of Southampton to students from my home country. University of Southampton has a lot of people from all over the world with different stories and backgrounds so it is a good place to make friends and get connections. It is also a very good university and all of the staff members are very helpful and welcoming.

Why did you choose to study at the University of Southampton?

I chose University of Southampton as it ranks high in the UK for both Environmental Science and student satisfaction. In addition it was recommended by the organisation, Dream Foundation, which helped me apply to UK universities. It also has a high percentage of foreign students and that is a good way to meet people from all over the world.

What were your first impressions of the University of Southampton?

The very first impression was how warm it was here. When I stepped out of the Unilink U1A bus I thought I was in a wrong country. England is known for its rainy weather but it was a very warm end of September. The most memorable part was definitely the size of the Highfield campus. There were a lot more people and buildings and the Highfield campus is like a small town. It had its busy academic vibe which was a bit frightening in the beginning but I learned to love the busy student life quite quickly.

What do you enjoy the most about living in Southampton?

Southampton is a very green city, since 50% of Estonia’s territory is covered with forest, green spaces are important to me. The city itself isn’t too big and the centre is in walking distance. Southampton is quite close to London which makes travelling abroad easy.

What is your favourite spot on campus?

During my first weeks when I was exploring campus and trying to find my way around I really liked spending time in Building 85 and in its café. The Life Sciences building is spacious and the interior is lovely. The little café is good for reading emails or planning your day.

As the Hartley Library gets quite crowded during exam period I like to use other study spaces on campus. The study space in the physics building has a lot of light and usually less crowded than other study spaces.

I also like The Café with it’s traditional English breakfast as I have many good memories from having breakfast with my both Estonian and international friends there.

What has been your proudest accomplishment while you were in Southampton?

There have been many moments, both social and academic, when I have been proud of myself since coming to Southampton. Getting on the first team of our quidditch club, whilst playing a sport that I had never played before. Finding so many good friends from my halls of residence, my course, my sports team or just from Fresher’s events. Finishing my first year with 2:1 degree in a language that is not my first. This also showed me that I am capable for more and I can accomplish anything that I can think of.

Would you recommend the University of Southampton to students from your home country?

I would and have recommended University of Southampton to students from my home country. The Highfield Campus is very green and beautiful and there is always something happening there. Southampton is quite close to London which makes travelling easier, on the other side it is affordable place to live in, even when you’re on a tight budget. University of Southampton has a lot of people from all over the world with different stories and backgrounds so it is a good place to make friends and get connections. It is also a very good university and all of the staff members are very helpful and welcoming.

What will you do with your degree after you have finished your studies?

I haven’t exactly decided what I will do when I graduate in 2 years. I definitely want to do a master’s degree but maybe after I have worked in my industry or travelled and seen the world. Hopefully I will have a chance to do my master’s abroad to experience something new.