David Tully BA English and French

Hi, I'm David Tully and I studied BA English and French within Humanities at the University of Southampton.

I love my degree programme! The thing I like most about it is the range of different texts which I get to read – no two modules so far have been the same and it’s not always material that I would have read for myself which makes it very interesting.

Where were you born? Where did you grow up?

I was born in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire but grew up in South Lincolnshire.

What made you decide to study a combined honours degree?

I wanted variety and flexibility. I was also massively passionate about both of my subjects at A level and although I toyed with the idea of giving one or the other of them up I knew that that wasn't the right option for me.

Tell us more about the areas that you are now specialising in

I haven't yet specialised in English - I'm still taking advantage of the rich mixture of modules with African literature, US contemporary drama and literature of islands and oceans all on my agenda for the next year. In French I've specialised entirely in literature over the last year and it's been challenging but incredibly interesting.

Are you enjoying your studies? What do you like most about your degree programme?

I love my degree programme! The thing I like most about it is the range of different texts which I get to read - no two modules so far have been the same and it's not always material that I would have read for myself which makes it very interesting.

What are your plans for your year abroad? How do you think this year will help you in the future?

I'm planning to take a position as an English language assistant in a French secondary school through the British Council. As I want to be a teacher this is great experience.

Do you get on well with the academic staff?

All of my tutors have been incredibly helpful - you can always contact them by email or visit them in their office hours and they really can't do enough to help you.

What's the best thing about living and studying in Southampton?

For someone like me who lives in the countryside it's having everything on your doorstep which is a complete change from what I'm used to! I love the campuses and the amount of parks and open spaces in the city as well as the great nightlife. It's just such a brilliant city to live and work in.

What has been your favourite moment so far?

Academically, the first time I got a first on an essay was an absolutely fantastic feeling. Personally it's the fact that I've made friends over the last year that I hope to know for a very long time, probably for the rest of my life.

How were the first few weeks at Uni? Was it easy to settle into your studies, make friends etc?

It's incredibly easy because everyone's in the same position! It sounds cliché but it really is true. In Freshers' Week you can walk up to literally anyone and just introduce yourself, it's bizarre but so much fun! I knew very quickly that my first year at Southampton was going to be one of the best years of my life.

What are you planning to do after graduating? What steps have you taken towards achieving this?

At the moment I think I'd like to stay on and complete my teacher training but one of the things I've realised over the last year is how many options are open to graduates and I think it's important to keep an open mind.

Do you have any advice for people considering studying at Southampton?

Don't consider it, just do it! A year in I can't imagine having gone anywhere else.