Lauren Fraser BA English

Hi, I'm Lauren Fraser and I studied BA English within Humanities at the University of Southampton.

I recently completed a six week internship at Gulf News in Dubai which I enjoyed thoroughly. I conducted interviews, attended press releases and wrote a load of articles which were published in the paper. This was great experience for me and a fabulous opportunity. Getting my name in print exceeded any expectation I had for the internship, and my University of Southampton place certainly helped secure the internship!

Where were you born? Where did you grow up?

I was born in Edinburgh but I grew up in South East Asia. I call Bangkok, Thailand home.

What made you decide to study English?

It was the subject I excelled at and simultaneously enjoyed the most throughout high school.

Why did you choose to study at Southampton?

I’ll admit, Southampton chose me. I wanted to get as far away from home as possible so being an hour away didn’t quite achieve that, but I’m very grateful I ended up at Southampton. It’s a beautiful university that has treated me very well for the past two years.

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

I’ve recently studied creative writing and realised there’s more to it than applying a bit of imagination. I thoroughly enjoyed my Irish drama course. It was interesting to learn more about my mother’s heritage and the dramatic changes which have affected people in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

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

I have enjoyed my studies. I’ve realised that English is nowhere near as straightforward as it was at A Level, but I like a challenge and I feel I’ve risen to it throughout my degree. I love the broadness of the degree. I’ve realised I love modern English Literature and World Literature, and at the same time I’ve discovered that the Renaissance period is neither my forte nor my favourite!

Do you get on well with the academic staff?

Yes. I didn’t really think I’d develop relationships with any of my tutors, but there are many I have become quite fond of. Southampton offers a good support system, and being a student rep for English I like to think I’m part of it.

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

Southampton is a breath of fresh air – literally. I’ve grown up in metropolises my whole life so it’s nice to be somewhere away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. It’s also full of cool people. I never anticipated I’d make as many genuine friends as I have.

What has been your favourite moment so far?

Probably living in halls and in a house. Living with people your own age is a lot of fun and halls was a great laugh. Oh and Jesters. If you don’t know what that is… come to Southampton and you’ll find out really quickly.

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

I’ll admit I wasn’t the most organised student in first year but luckily I was surrounded by people more capable than myself! It’s so easy to make friends and so much fun. I was intimidated before I started university but once I got there I found it so natural. I’ve also learnt that you don’t just make friends in first year. I’ve met some wonderful people in second year, namely coursemates, who I count as some of my closest friends in Southampton today.

Are you involved in any clubs, societies etc?

I was on the Art Society in second year. As publicity officer, it was my job to spread the word and make posters encouraging people to join. The society was a great success. My friend Tom Bloomfield also independently created a fashion magazine, ‘Fussed’, last year which I contributed towards.

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

I’m planning to travel and eventually end up back in the Far East (fingers crossed!). My dream is to be a BBC newsreader and correspondent. I recently completed a six week internship at Gulf News in Dubai which I enjoyed thoroughly. I conducted interviews, attended press releases and wrote a load of articles which were published in the paper. This was great experience for me and a fabulous opportunity. Getting my name in print exceeded any expectation I had for the internship, and my University of Southampton place certainly helped secure the internship!

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

Don’t consider, come! It’s nowhere near as pretentious as I would have expected an English course to be, there’s a huge range of courses to study and you’ll make friends for life.