Lauren Etherington LLB Law

I chose Southampton as my first choice due to the fact on open days it stressed the employability of Southampton students as well as the possibility of a scholarship for achieving over and above the grades.

After attending many open days, there were only two Universities that appealed to me. Southampton felt very welcoming, with a lovely campus and enthusiastic academic staff. It was then the outstanding reputation of the University, and law school, that confirmed my choice.

A highlight of studying in Southampton is when you’re a bit stressed from work, there are so many places you can order amazing food from to cheer you up.

I have taken part in both mooting and advocacy workshops which really helped in first year. I have helped out on Law school open days and I am the 2016/2017 Lead Student Ambassador for Aspiring Solicitors at Southampton. Aspiring Solicitors provide a range of exciting workshops to help improve skills such as interview techniques and application forms as well as events to meet firms.

All the extra-curricular activities I have taken part in have provided me with really useful skills that I will use after leaving University. Even if that skills is only having the confidence to network with unfamiliar people, I think it is still a great skill to have learnt.

The Law school hold an evening where firms come in to network with us, this was really useful as it allowed me to ask questions regarding vac scheme applications. They also hold employability fortnight where you can attend 7 compulsory lectures/events with different firms to improve your employability, this really motivated me with my applications.

Not only this, I have been a student fundraiser at the University throughout my degree. I have really enjoyed this job because alongside a law degree it is a flexible term time only job. The hours are only 6 a week however there is always the opportunity to do more if you can. Also it is a great way to improve networking skills as you speak to a number of alumni, including many law graduates who can provide excellent tips from modules choices to career ideas.

I love Southampton, WestQuay and Gunwharf are close by as well as Winchester, so there is always something to do. My favourite thing is how cheap taxis are home after midnight and they are really safe as well.

My advice to other students is to get involved with as much as you can and find out as much as possible in advanced about firms, vac schemes and training contract applications.