The Ask a Current University of Southampton Student Thread!

Marine Biology

I have received an unconditional from Southampton and have firmed! When is the best time to open a student bank account? I am probably very early, but I am excited!

Congratulations!!

I opened my bank account in April when I confirmed my course, but as soon as your local bank allows!

Then no. Science courses don’t usually have a reading week. That’s more likely on humanities and social science courses.

For marine biology you should also expect to have some of your easter holiday (and possibly summer holiday) taken up with field trips too.

Hi,
I have a few questions for Southampton medicine BM5
1. Do you have a lot of coursework/essays to write?
2.How long are the holidays and how do they differ during the 5 years?
3.How often do you have exams and when do you study for them?
I appreciate any help as I am thinking of firming Southampton

Hello!
It would be great if the above post could be answered because that provides a lot of insight.
I also would like to know how the nightlife is here in Southampton.

Hi there I'm Cheese, I'm a current 3rd year Chemistry student at the University of Southampton. I'm here to answer any questions you have about applications and life as a chemistry student!

Cool links and stuff to definitely check out.
Coronavirus: Impact on Schools and Exams
Chemistry and Chemistry Exams
Applications, Clearing and UCAS
Revision and study tips
Thread for current 2020 Chemistry applicants
Megathread of Chemistry resources!
What Admissions Staff want to see in a Chemistry Personal Statement

Please refrain from asking for help with chemistry assignments or homework. There is a great study group here for A-level students and I've linked some forums and resources for you guys to check out too!

Fire away

x
Firstly, how is the application process? I assume that I must admit my personal statement, are there any tips for writing it? Anything in particular that the uni are looking for? Would be very helpful!!
Finally (sorry for all these questions) on the Uni's webpage it states that for medicine the entry A-Level grades are AAA, if I got AAB for example does this mean I wouldn't get in? Or are they flexible depending on the student?Thanks so much for answering my questions it really helps as I'm unsure of the whole experience!!

Hi you posted in my thread specifically about Chemistry so I've moved your post to the general Ask Southampton Uni students questions.
It sounds like you could benefit from some personal statement advice and general medicine help so I will refer you to Personal Statement Advice and Medicine Community Discussion forums here on

Hi!!
I'm currently doing my A-Levels (I take Chemistry Biology and German) and I am very interested in studying Medicine at Southampton. I have a few questions though!! I am not familiar with university life at all, so its nice that you are willing to answer some questions.

Firstly, how is the application process? I assume that I must admit my personal statement, are there any tips for writing it? Anything in particular that the uni are looking for? Would be very helpful!!

Secondly, I am slightly curious about living in the first year dorms. As I don't live nearby - I am nervous about having to share living space, kitchen ect... with others. Do you know if you can have the option to have a room with your own fridge or something to privately accommodate you, eg a studio flat and if so, how likely is it to get one? After first year, do students move into a shared private flat together with friends, or do you move into the Uni's accomodation eg. other studio flats in Southampton linked to the Uni? Would you recommend this, or be able to tell me a bit more about it.

Finally (sorry for all these questions) on the Uni's webpage it states that for medicine the entry A-Level grades are AAA, if I got AAB for example does this mean I wouldn't get in? Or are they flexible depending on the student?Thanks so much for answering my questions it really helps as I'm unsure of the whole experience!!

Hey, CheeseIsVeg!

If you get any students wanting to ask about studying medicine in Southampton please feel free to tag me

BW,

MM

Hi,

I am a current Southampton Medical Student and have attempted to answer tyour questions. Anything else let me know.

1.Firstly, how is the application process? I assume that I must admit my personal statement, are there any tips for writing it? Anything in particular that the uni are looking for? Would be very helpful!!

What part of the application process are you considering? UCAT- We have a cut off which varies each year. Top UCAT score, you get an interview and we work our ways down. Then your interview, Personal statement wise, try to utilise the non academic criteria and reflect on your experiences. Don't just state them.

Secondly, I am slightly curious about living in the first year dorms. As I don't live nearby - I am nervous about having to share living space, kitchen ect... with others. Do you know if you can have the option to have a room with your own fridge or something to privately accommodate you, eg a studio flat and if so, how likely is it to get one? After first year, do students move into a shared private flat together with friends, or do you move into the Uni's accomodation eg. other studio flats in Southampton linked to the Uni? Would you recommend this, or be able to tell me a bit more about it.

There are studios but they aren't really recommended for new undergraduate students. It's not guaranteed but you can apply if you wish. You can only get a fridge through if you've got a medical reason e.g. for insulin.

Finally (sorry for all these questions) on the Uni's webpage it states that for medicine the entry A-Level grades are AAA, if I got AAB for example does this mean I wouldn't get in? Or are they flexible depending on the student?Thanks so much for answering my questions it really helps as I'm unsure of the whole experience!!


It would depend on the year AAB its likely they would give you a place but not guaranteed. You are able to reapply the following year if you need to with repeated A levels.

Hi all,
Any reviews/ ideas on private accommodation. Its much cheaper on average for me and i think private halls are the way to go for me, I've narrowed it down to 2 options. liberty point ( I think its called Orion's point now?) by liberty living, and Austen house which is by the student housing company. liberty point in 20 min away from High-field campus( which is where i will be based) and Austen house is 30 min away. Any advice would be great, either about the accommodations quality/ social experience, or how far people would recommend travelling at a maximum, I'm very happy to buy the bus pas for the year, i just think university accommodation isn't worth the high prices for lower quality accommodation.
Thanks in advance.

Hello! I think this might be more of a general medical student question but I would like to know how’s the work load in the first few years? As in how many hours do you spend studying? Is there time to slack at the start or do you have to be on the ball from day one?

Thanks in advance!

Liberty point is nice, and has got a lot of other first years in it It's got a common room that's pretty good for parties, plus most students in any accommodation are keen to mingle so there'll be lots of flat parties that you can just turn up to really! Most people travel 15-30 minutes to get to campus, which isn't a big deal at all. If you bring some textbooks and lunch you can just stay on campus in-between classes anyway. I don't know anything about Austen house sadly, but I'm pretty sure it's right in the city centre which is definitely a plus!

Hope that helps