Jess-Aria Nown LLB Law, 2018

I chose Southampton because it was everything I was looking for in a University; outstanding standard of teaching, a super friendly atmosphere between staff and students, as well as a good work/life balance.

One of my highlights since studying here at Southampton would have been going on the trip to Brussels with LawSoc to meet MEP Keith Taylor, and then my trip to Washington DC to study American Politics at the number one University in America. The connections that Southampton have really set them apart from other Universities for me.

The Law School offers many opportunities. I have been the course representative for my year group for two years in a row now, as well as a Pathways to Law mentor. I am also a Open Day Assistant for the Law School. I am now the brand ambassador for a leading international law firm, and I work with the Law School on plenty of promotional events as I am truly passionate about how helpful they have been to me in developing my career in law. All of these experiences have really helped me grow as a person; nobody ever believes me when I say I arrived at Southampton petrified to even talk to anyone!

In terms of extra-curricular activities, working as a brand ambassador for a leading international law firm and as course representative has really helped me understand the value of communication in order to achieve goals.

I think the staff in the Law School are some of the most helpful people I have ever met. They really do go above and beyond in helping students in any way they can – through providing glowing references for applications to help on a tutorial you don’t understand! Their open door policy is what makes the Law School such a welcoming place, and makes the subject a joy to study.

Southampton offers students plenty of networking opportunities with leading international law firms as well as local firms which provides a real variety of options when networking. I’ve networked at length now with numerous Magic Circle law firms and Silver Circle firms. Being employed by the Law School has really helped me understand how much time they put into creating these incredible opportunities for students.

Southampton is such a welcoming and friendly place to study. It may sound cheesy, but it really is a ‘family’ in the Law School. No one is ever too busy to sit down and listen or help you out.

The best advice I can give to prospective students is to make the most of every opportunity you’re offered. It might make it a bit of a longer day to go to the networking event after your lectures, but it will be totally worth it in the end. That being said, have fun! Law isn’t all work – we do have a good time too.