— Avani Desai, a student pursuing higher education at the University of Southampton
My interest in studying abroad began gradually, sparked by curiosity and the desire for a more globally oriented education. I wanted to challenge myself — both personally and academically — and gain exposure to different cultures, ways of thinking, and practical learning environments that I knew could shape my future in ways a local experience might not. That seed of interest grew stronger during my final years of school, and it eventually led me to explore universities in the UK.
I come from a close-knit town in India, Pune, where I was reliant on my family for almost everything. But I was also eager to step outside that comfort zone. So, when the representative from the University of Southampton visited India, something just clicked. What truly stood out to me was the university’s support for its students, both during their studies and after graduation.
Why I chose BSc Business Management programme
I chose the BSc Business Management programme at the University of Southampton because of its strong practical focus. One of the key reasons was the opportunity to learn about taxes through hands-on simulations, which allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. The programme covers essential aspects of management, with specialised modules in accounting and finance, analytics, marketing, and business management.
During the programme, we had some amazing opportunities to learn from real-world experts. We were assigned books by well-known authors, and it was awesome when the same author came in and talked about their work and experiences. We also had sessions with industry leaders, including CSR heads, who gave us a deep dive into the real challenges they face. On top of that, the university organised some trips, like one to Oxford, which helped us bond as a class while learning outside the classroom. These experiences really helped us develop key skills like teamwork, leadership, and communication — things that are crucial for success after graduation.
‘University of Southampton opened my mind’
Studying at the University of Southampton really changed me. It taught me how to be independent and adapt to different ways of working and studying. I got to work with professors and students from all over the world, which opened my mind and made me see things from new perspectives. I became more flexible, resilient, and open-minded, and those traits have shaped how I approach both my personal life and career.
Having a degree from a Russell Group university like Southampton carries a strong reputation. Although recruiters might claim they don’t always look at university names initially, during interviews, mentioning Southampton set high expectations about my performance and potential. It definitely gave me an edge in my career progression.
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Currently, I am working in a finance role at MSD, a pharmaceutical manufacturing at the UK. Even though my placement year was in Operations, the finance modules I studied at Southampton helped me transition into finance. They directly contributed to exemptions in my Chartered Accountant qualification exams (ACA), helping me advance faster in my career.
Networking was crucial. I built strong relationships with professors, especially by participating actively in discussions and seeking feedback. Professors like my dissertation supervisor are still in touch and are supporting my applications for further studies. Being curious, showing interest and attending lectures really helped me build meaningful connections.
‘How having an international degree helped me’
Having an international degree really made a difference. Employers value it because they know the skills and knowledge are up-to-date and relevant to the global job market. I picked up research techniques, analytical skills, and even programming languages, all of which made sure my education matched what is needed in today’s industries. Undoubtedly, an international degree set me apart and gave me an advantage when applying to multinational companies.
The University of Southampton prepared me in two major ways: First, by giving me strong transferable skills like research, analysis, and technical knowledge; and second, by building my attitude towards challenges. Facing academic and social challenges in the university helped me develop resilience and adaptability, which are critical in the real world.
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Things I will cherish
The lifelong friendships and the alumni network I built are what I cherish the most. The bonds formed during university are invaluable, and they open up both personal and professional opportunities for the future.
Back home, I was always reliant on my family for almost everything, but living alone in the UK taught me to be much more independent. I had to manage everything on my own, from sorting out my daily routine to handling finances and dealing with new challenges. Being exposed to different cultures and ways of thinking broadened my perspective in a way that would’ve been hard to achieve by staying in India. It truly gave me a deeper understanding of the world and a new sense of confidence.
(This letter is part of a series by The Indian Express where we bring to you the experiences of students at different foreign universities. From scholarships and loans to food and cultural experiences — students tell us how life is different in those countries and things they are learning other than academics)
