Michelle Gajewski Canadian, due to graduate in 2017
LLB Accelerated (J.D. Pathway)
I would definitely recommend the University of Southampton to students from my home country because of how supportive the university is as a whole to ensure student success.
Why did you choose to study at the University of Southampton?
The University of Southampton was the only university within the UK to offer a juris doctor option for law within an accelerated program – an advantage for those planning to go back to North America. It is also well ranked school with a beautiful campus.
What were your first impressions of the University of Southampton?
I felt right at home when I first visited the campus. The site was easy to navigate, the temperature year-round is perfect compared to the extremes I experience back home, and everyone was friendly and eager to help me settle in.
What do you enjoy the most about living in Southampton?
I love all the green spaces and park trails that I can go walk/run through, The Hobbit that has a great atmosphere unlike any pub I’ve been to before, and the historic sites in and around Southampton.
What is your favourite spot on campus?
My favourite spot on campus is the newly renovated undergrad room in the law building. It’s now a clean, open space with plenty of desks, making it a great place to study and get some work done.
What has been your proudest accomplishment while you were in Southampton?
My greatest accomplishment has been getting out of my comfort zone to try new things with a variety of societies. I found out what I liked, didn’t like, and now I don’t have to wonder “what if…” with some activities.
Would you recommend the University of Southampton to students from your home country?
I would definitely recommend the University of Southampton to students from my home country because of how supportive the university is as a whole to ensure student success. There is also loads to do outside of coursework and student engagement is much higher here than at my university back home. It’s been a refreshing change.
What will you do with your degree after you have finished your studies?
After I'm finished my studies, I hope to go into food policy and regulation in order to protect consumers from harmful practices in food production and products that would negatively affect a person's health.
Do you have any stories about your time in Southampton or a happy memory you want to share?
Some of my favourite memories about my time in Southampton are all of the events I've taken part in, from performing at Pure Dance, participating in a netball tournament (a sport I never even heard about before) and the various events on campus and in my halls. I've met so many wonderful people and experienced things I otherwise would not have had the opportunity to. It's been a great adventure.