George Laidlaw LLB, 2019

Southampton boasts fantastic employability statistics and is part of the prestigious Russell group. It is known for its high standard of teaching and I saw from reviews online that the university as a whole is a fun and friendly place to work with numerous support groups for any unhappy or struggling students.

A highlight of my time here so far was being one of the winners of the speed moot competition for first years and representing Southampton at the speed moot inter-varsity competition. I enjoy tutorials and always look forward to discussing and arguing with my peers, in a friendly environment.

I do a lot of mooting, currently taking part in the internal moot competition having won the first years speed moot competition. I also took part in negotiation society and their annual competition. These academic societies have benefited my general knowledge of law and helped enhance my confidence and public speaking skills. I addition, I enjoy other non-academic societies such as the Southampton Spike ball society which is a sport I had not heard of before coming here. It has improved my team working skills and helped created lasting friendships.

I participate in events and competitions put on by our law society have provided me with skills relevant to the legal profession which I will go on to undoubtedly use in later life in whatever area of work I choose. Be it in law or in something else.

I really enjoy how we are invited to think critically and formulate our own opinions on the topics and we are not told to learn to think in one set way.

The library is very accessible and provides a quiet, distraction free place to study. My halls are also quite quiet, especially during exam time. There is also plenty to explore around the city and it is easy to find things to do to relax and have a break from just study and work.

My advice is to take as many opportunities as you can! You don't know what you enjoy until you try things! If after semester 1 you feel you took on too much by all means just cut down involvement then but get involved with as much as possible before exam preparation really kicks in during semester 2.