First things first

Before I introduce myself, allow me to give you just one piece of advice; University is fleeting, make the most of it. Grab every opportunity you can, because trust me, there will never be so much on offer again.

This is the general rule I live by whilst at Southampton and it has proven to be immensely successful, I have engaged in such a variety of activities that the past two years have become a whirlwind of excitement and diversity. Every choice I make seems to open a door to a better future, making my time at Southampton far greater than anything I could ever have expected.

Okay, so now to introduce myself, my name is Florence and I am a second (going into third) year English Literature and Philosophy undergraduate. However, to be honest, that little snippet of information really doesn’t tell you much about me. University is so much more than what you study; it is about what societies you join, what causes you fight for, and the friends you make along the way.

My journey started with Floor 3, B Block, Montefiore halls of residence - a place of many wonders, and is without a doubt the only time in my life I’d ever get to share a flat with twenty other people, and I loved every moment of it. I was foolish (and perhaps somewhat insane) for I never actually attended a university open day. I had, literally, no expectations or prerequisites; I knew the city had an Ikea and a John Lewis, but I knew little else. Learning that twenty other students would be sharing my kitchen was somewhat terrifying, but living with that many people was the best I could ever have done. I recommend it so highly for I have never had so much fun; also, statistically you are so much more likely to find someone you get on with when your flat is that much bigger. I was one of those incredibly lucky people whose flat was filled with amazing individuals and I had such a blast.

Christmastime on floor 3 (that's me on the right)

The university intelligently compiled our flats, filling our corridor and the one below mainly with people who had also taken gap years and therefore it was natural for us all to unite in our shared interest of travelling. Where my university life began is so important to me; it is slightly unconventional, and people are shocked when I tell them how many people shared my flat, but it showed me the varied and the differing passions people share. In my second year I lived with people from that flat, and I will be doing the same in my final year – Montefiore seems to have served me well.

Unconventional living seemed to persist for me, as I spent half my second year on the Erasmus European exchange programme in Barcelona. This experience changed my life; I gained a type of happiness in that city I had never experienced before. As a consequence a fierce and unrestrained love for all things European started, a love affair I never wish to end.  

View over Barcelona

My time in Spain wasn’t always easy, and at times I was both daunted and scared and longed to be back home; I arrived in Spain homeless and with no knowledge of the language, and I see it as a testament to myself when I note how well I coped. I fell in love with Barcelona and all the people in it, in fact, I have only just returned from visiting my beautiful city again.

Something which is inevitable whilst on Erasmus is integration with amazing and talented international citizens, and becoming friends with these people really awoke me to the truth behind the saying: ‘The world is your oyster’. This became more than a motto for me; it taught me that there are no boundaries to what you want, as long as you work hard.  Consequently it fuelled a passion for other international events, for instance last year I was a journalist in Strasbourg for the Model European Union, whilst this year I am on the organising committee, arranging international funding for the European Union stimulation. The progression of this, and all my other passions, will feature in subsequent blogs – for example, I am also deeply engaged with the society Student Hubs, which is all about connecting students with causes, and because it is so awesome it might be a little difficult to get me to shut up about it.

I hope this first blog gives a little bit of an insight into the sorts of things you can expect to hear from me, I also hope you can appreciate the wealth of opportunities that is to be had whilst at university; I wish to demonstrate the variety of what can be done.  My experience has been unique and I constantly learn from my peers that surround me; no one is ever more inspiring than those who constantly push for what they want – university can give you everything you want, you just need to grab hold of it, and not waste a moment.

Florence

Landing

If somebody had told me nine short months ago that I was about to experience half the things that’ve followed my move from the North-West, I’d have thought them mad. But the other day, whilst packing away ticket stubs, textbooks, photos and other assorted paraphernalia I’d somehow collected over the year (some of which I should’ve thrown away, but it might be useful... one day... maybe... perhaps!) and preparing to move out of Montefiore Halls, I realised how brilliant a first year of life in Southampton I’d just had; if you’re landing in September, you have a lot to look forward to!

Moving the last of the bags from my ‘home from home’ – somehow seems too soon!

Thanks for checking out the blog! I’m Robin, and I’m studying Software Engineering at the University of Southampton, having just finished a frantic but hugely fun Freshers' year here which I spent getting stuck into my first ever taste of complete independence. I’ve dabbled in the domestic arts, like shopping, cooking and cleaning, tried to take advantage of the amazing social opportunities at university (particularly through the Students’ Union, “SUSU”), and attempted a challenging but rewarding course which already seems to have taught me a huge amount – or at the very least enough to entertain myself late into the evening coding crossword apps and the like!

When I’m not tapping away at the keyboard, I enjoy getting involved with the performing arts societies, namely the SUSU Theatre Group and SUSUtv station, hanging out with friends and flatmates, reading, gaming, procrastinating from doing something worthwhile or important, watching films and appreciating some good sports, mostly footy (which team? Why... erm... the mighty Southampton FC, of course!).

Nothing says ‘dedicated’ (or ‘student discount’!) like Southampton versus Ipswich on a cold Tuesday night!

I’m often asked why, given the distance between home and Southampton, I chose to come here – usually by my parents when they drive down to visit! Being so far away does present some difficulties – for example, I can’t just ‘pop home’ like many of my flatmates whenever I yearn for some home cooking or don’t fancy doing the laundry – but I reasoned that university usually comes at the time in life when, to learn how to take care of yourself, you have to be thrown in at the deep end and just do your best. I knew Southampton offered a brilliant course in what I wanted to study, so I decided to go for it - and I’m certainly glad I did! 

Despite the occasional hiccups, I reckon I’ve largely found my feet this year; I’ve practised coping with many a deadline rush, I’ve identified the better pubs, and I know which supermarket chain sells the best value-for-money pizzas. But whereas I was originally unsure why module scores this year didn’t count towards my final degree classification (I just had to pass them), now I can recognise it’s all about easing the learning curve, taking everything in and getting everyone to have a similarly strong course foundation.  I’m going to try to review the year in its highs, lows and lessons over the next few weeks, but overall, I’ve gained so much already from being here, and I say to next year: “Bring it on!”

P.S. If you’ve got a question about anything, don’t be a stranger – please just add a comment below, and I’ll do my best to get back to you!

Robin

The obligatory introductory post (a.k.a. every blogger’s nemesis)

Hello everyone - I think it’s probably time I introduced myself. My name is Jo Fisher, and I’ve just finished my BA English degree at the University of Southampton. I got my results last week, and I’ll be graduating properly in July. It’s a big step – I’ve spent the last three years meeting new people, facing new challenges and working hard, and now the life I have become settled with is changing all over again!

Within the next three months, I’ll be making the biggest step in my life since 2009 when I began my career as an undergraduate. I have applied for and been accepted to study a Master’s in English Literary Studies in September here at the University of Southampton, and cannot wait to get started! It means that I’ll be able to continue to study Literature, which has always been one of the great loves of my life, whilst staying in Southampton and living independently. The last few months have been riddled with fear, anxiety and excitement, but I am sure this is the right decision for my future.

I have a feeling that the next twelve months will be incredibly busy for me. Alongside my masters, I will be filling the role of Deputy Editor for the University’s magazine, the Wessex Scene, and of course getting a job to help fund my course since this year I will not be eligible for government funding. It’s going to be a challenge but that’s not necessarily a bad thing, and it’s about time I stopped playing it safe and took some risks.

This is me: just so that you can put a face to a name

This introductory post comes at quite a poignant time for me as I am currently moving out of my student house, which has been my home for the last two years. Since being here at University, things have definitely changed for the better. That sounds very cheesy, but it’s definitely true, and most students I know will say the same. I’ve made some lifelong friends, developed confidence, learned how to care for myself, and really discovered what interests me. I have been very lucky in my time here at Southampton, and could not have asked for a better three years. Words cannot describe how sad I am to see everything changing, and it is certainly going to be difficult to adapt, but things must change in order to move forward.  I suppose I chose to continue into postgraduate study not only to further my studies, but also to continue the lifestyle that I have grown so accustomed to. You could say I’m not quite ready to leave student life behind and enter the real world just yet!

I was going to compile a list of personal aims and objectives for the next year, and then share them with you to look back on at the end. However, I found that far too difficult, and it may have been rather a tacky start to my blogging career for many of the readers! I think the best thing to do is enjoy myself, do what I want to do, and appreciate that things cannot always be planned. I do have aims, but those are to have the year of my life, to juggle everything well and leave as a happy and well-rounded person. I don’t think I could ask for more than that! So here’s to the next year of my life.

I’ve always been a keen reader and I suppose being a budding writer comes with that – but I’ve never really had an outlet for my writing other than my essays and assignments. Although this first post is not too innovative, I hope it’s provided a good insight into my life so far, allowing you to work out what to expect from my writing. I think it’s a good idea to start off with the basics; who I am, what I do, and why I am here in Southampton. You’ll find out more about everything else over time. I cannot wait to share my postgraduate life with you all, and hope that you enjoy reading about what I have to say.

So, Southampton. You’re not getting rid of me that easily. I’ll be back in September to start a new chapter of my life! In the meantime, let’s see what this summer brings…

Joanne

A journey into self

Well, the task of conjuring up words to describe oneself is too daunting a task and I have always struggled, yet I have never given up and have always discovered something new about myself in every attempt.

My journey through life began some three decades ago. Born in a small town in India to very loving and caring parents, I should thank my stars, indeed when I meet people who have been deprived of this love. Like a typical Indian family, I was surrounded by elders, friends and relatives all around and with advice for any possible issue and thus, had a very enriching upbringing with the primary focus on education. My parents always supported me in all my interests, be it writing, literature, arts or drama. But the primary focus always had to be grades and thankfully, I never disappointed my parents.

When I reached my Class 12 (A level equivalent), I had to move to New Delhi. A big city, a new school and new friends… it was all those things. Competition was fierce and there was no scope for a slip up. I distinctly remember my growing inclination towards drama and theatre and how my dad dissuaded me from pursuing it. “Theatre artists do not earn a living” was what he had said. It is indeed very courageous of people to go after their dreams regardless of what lies ahead and I have the highest regards for those who are able to do that… well, I did not have that courage then.

My pursuit for knowledge took me to various places – Goa, Pune, Cochin and Mumbai to name a few and I found myself with an undergrad degree and then another undergrad degree in Mechanical Engineering followed by a postgraduate in Marine Engineering. Soon I realised that I had enough degrees on my table and it was the time to put my learning into practice. I joined the shipping industry and got totally engrossed in work. Time flew as always and I felt something was missing.

The iconic symbol of Mumbai - The Gateway of India

Me - taken in the lovely backwaters of Kerala in India

Sitting on my balcony on a lazy Sunday afternoon overlooking the sea in Mumbai, I found myself surfing the net for masters courses in the UK and Singapore (primarily because they are of one year duration). It seemed difficult in the beginning; a sabbatical in the midst of my career, managing funds and an expecting wife. It was a real dilemma and at times I felt it was overbearing. But whenever I am baffled in life by such a dilemma my grandfather’s last parting words come to my rescue, “Winners never quit, quitters never win”.

View of the sunset in Mumbai from my balcony

Well, things fell into place and through the ardent support of my family and last but never least my wife, I came to University of Southampton for my masters. It is every mechanical engineer’s dream in India to pursue their masters in the UK and I am grateful I was able to live my dream.

Rohit