Ben Coffey LLB (3 years)

Southampton is a great place to study for a variety of reasons. The welcome to the University is conducted well through Fresher’s week, which provides events to settle into University and meet new people. There are societies that cover nearly any activity conceivable so that you can easily find and get involved in any activity that suits your current or potential interests. Also, the quality of lectures and tutorials provided by the University is excellent, and you can always ask questions to staff in person or by e-mail if you ever find yourself struggling to understand anything.

The quality of lectures and tutorials provided by the University is excellent, and you can always ask questions to staff in person or by e-mail if you ever find yourself struggling to understand anything.

A university highlight for me would include participating in the compulsory moot in the first year. This experience got me interested in the art of advocacy, and led me onto try many other activities, such as the Barlink Scheme and OUP/BPP mooting competition in Second year. I had little experience with public speaking before, and after participating in these events I have found the confidence to join in other opportunities and I am grateful for this.

I enjoyed the structure of lectures and tutorials/seminars provided by the University. Although they can differ in style and how many hours are expected of you, generally the lectures cover a lot of the wider context of subject matter well. After attending the lectures and covering the reading, the tutorials and seminars usually provide a good opportunity to cover all the key points raised and gather detail through discussion.

I found it reassuring that I can ask any tutor for guidance whenever I am struggling to grasp anything. The lectures usually cover everything well, but if have always been able to approach lectures with a question and get an immediate response, which helps a lot if you are prepared to dig into the reading. Tutorials also offer an opportunity to ask questions about the subject matter, and usually go into a lot more detail due to their nature in any case. If you are shy to ask questions in the Tutorials/Seminars or are struggling to grasp something, it is also possible to book appointments to see your tutorials during their open hours.

There were also opportunities to learn more about postgraduate studies and other career paths. My favourite event was hosted by the CEO of Rentokil (Andy Ransom) who gave a presentation about how to make the most out of your career, wherever you may decide to work.

I would recommend that you make the most of Freshers week by spending time to meet new people, and find your way around Southampton, it gives you a great opportunity to see what all the Societies at Southampton have to offer.

In addition to the resources provided by the University, Southampton itself is an enjoyable place to live. The shopping, dining and recreational facilities are all accessible by the Uni-link buses. Every student can also enjoy access to a free year of transport in their first year, which enables students to familiarise themselves with the area easily.