Hay-Ching Tang LLB (Hons) International Legal Studies

One of the main attractions for me about studying law at Southampton, besides the strong academic reputation, was the wealth of opportunities provided by the university to study abroad. My course in particular integrated a full year of studying law in a different jurisdiction. I chose to spend my year abroad studying at the University of Hong Kong, since I wanted a taste of non-Western culture, to meet people from different backgrounds, and a chance to practise my language skills. Hong Kong law is also interesting to study as it is based on British colonial law but has since evolved into an Anglo-Sino hybrid. I feel the opportunity to study abroad really helped greater depth of understanding of law in a more international context as well as helping me become a more well-rounded and confident person after this fantastic opportunity to assimilate into a different culture.

Studying at Southampton, I could not have hoped for a better student experience. The law school also provides first class support, whether academic or pastoral, which really helps every student make the most out of studying what is admittedly a difficult but stimulating subject.

I found that the inclusion of mooting (debating a legal point in a mock courtroom) in the first year curriculum was a highlight and went on to participate in a national moot competition. Mooting allows students to build upon a preliminary understanding of a problem question by undertaking research around that point of law and then advocating for a certain point of view. The transferable skills, such as public speaking, communication and attention to detail, in addition to the legal analytical skills and problem solving required, have doubtless proven useful during the course of my law degree and hopefully will continue to be so in the future.

Alongside my studies, I was able to juggle various commitments and interests; in Southampton, there are plenty to choose from! I was involved in several University sports and societies and was twice a committee member including on the Law Society Committee. Outside of University, I put my legal knowledge to use and volunteered with Citizens Advice. Whenever you want to relax, there is never a quiet moment in Southampton; the numerous events put on by university societies, the student union and in the city itself mean there is always something to do.