Yangyu Wang Chinese, due to graduate in 2019
PhD in Modern Languages
The first time I visited the University of Southampton when I was studying at the UK as an exchange student, the green campus, friendly and supportive staff, and multicultural atmosphere left a good impression on me. That's also one of the reasons why I chose to come back to continue my postgraduate study at the University of Southampton.
Why did you choose to study at the University of Southampton?
I chose to study at the University of Southampton because of its international reputation. Modern Languages in Humanities is one of the best in the UK. According to QS World University Rankings 2016/17, the University of Southampton ranks at the 87th amongst universities worldwide. As a student who is majoring in linguistics, I hope to study at this world-class university will help me achieve my career goal in the future.
What were your first impressions of the University of Southampton?
Though the University of Southampton enjoys world-famous reputation in both academic and cultural background, it appears as a low-key and quiet campus style. The first time I visited the University of Southampton when I was studying at the UK as an exchange student, the green campus, friendly and supportive staff, and multicultural atmosphere left a good impression on me. That's also one of the reasons why I chose to come back to continue my postgraduate study at the University of Southampton.
What do you enjoy the most about living in Southampton?
Southampton is a city that is very suitable for living. It is neither too busy nor too quiet. It enjoys all the merits that prevail in other major cities like London and Manchester. It is very convenient to travel all over the UK by the public transport or to visit other major European cities by airplane. It is a city full of energy with mix of multicultural atmosphere. There are different variety of foods you can taste and there are a lot of takeaways at Burgess Road where it is just 5 minutes’ walk from the campus. In the meantime, it is neither as busy as London, nor as much population as London. The feeling of good social security and friendly people make me feel at home.
What is your favourite spot on campus?
The swimming pool. There isn’t a better activity than a 30-minute swimming at the beginning of a day.
What has been your proudest accomplishment while you were in Southampton?
My proudest accomplishment was the moment when I was accepted as a PhD student at University of Southampton after I graduated from master degree here. As another new door opened to me, it reminded me that there were a lot of things to be discovered and to be done. PhD study has brought me the sense of self-worth, the most priceless and incomparable accomplishment that I have ever gained in my life.
Would you recommend the University of Southampton to students from your home country?
It is not easy to study abroad, you may face a lot of difficulties, but both challenges and opportunities coexist. It took me a while to adjust as I was quite confused and worried at the beginning of my study, especially PhD study with no clear timetables, assessments or deadlines. However, with the help of my supervisor and other staff members from our faculty, I adapted to the PhD life. I participated in the PGR seminars and activities that were held by the faculty. They were extremely helpful and caring all the time, which raised my sense of belongings at the university. The members of our Centre for Global Englishes (CGE) celebrated the Chinese New Year together. And for the most touching memory was receiving my birthday wishes on my birthday from my supervisor and other CGE members. All of these memories are very impressive and I think it is also very important for most international students who are far away from home.
What will you do with your degree after you have finished your studies?
I determine to become a teacher to help other students to achieve their goals after I graduate. Ancient saying goes "the teacher, proselytizes instructs dispels doubt.” Looking back my each stage of growth, I couldn’t have improved without teachers’ help. It was my passion that pushed me onto the road of learning English and teaching techniques and it was the University of Southampton as a platform that presented me with the present achievement. I believe studying in University of Southampton will help me become an English education expert in the near future, and in the meanwhile my personal unique insight would also be asset to the University of Southampton.
Do you have any stories about your time in Southampton or a happy memory you want to share?
Apart from academic life, the University of Southampton has extracurricular traditions. The Student Union offers a wide range of social communities, no matter what you are interested in, you can easily meet people who share the same interest with you. I participated in the archery club this year and enjoyed it very much. I had never shot before but through the beginner’s class, I learned how to use a bow and some basic knowledge about choosing the right bow and arrows by myself. I used to shoot on the roof at the beginning, but at the end of the semester, I could shoot on the target. I also went to watch some premier league games at St Mary stadium, asked for signatures and took photos of some soccer players. Although I am not a big fan of soccer, it was still an exciting experience.