Robina Amalathas, a student at The University of Law in Southampton, shares her insights into campus life, what makes studying in the city unique, and how she stays motivated and balanced during her legal studies
Robina Amalathas, currently pursuing her LLM Legal Practice (SQE1&2) course at The University of Law (ULaw) Southampton, offers a thoughtful perspective on what it takes to navigate the path to becoming a legal professional. Ahead of the Legal Cheek in-person event, Secrets to Success Southampton — with Foot Anstey, Irwin Mitchell, Shoosmiths, and ULaw, taking place this afternoon, we caught up with Robina to discuss her journey as a student ambassador and her insights into life at ULaw Southampton.
Can you walk me through your educational journey so far, and what attracted you to law?
At A-level, I studied law, psychology, and mathematics. I quickly realised how much I enjoyed law, especially the way it shapes society, resolves conflicts, and ensures justice. I found myself fascinated by case law, the reasoning behind judicial decisions, and how laws impact everyday life. This growing interest naturally led me to pursue an undergraduate degree in law.
During my time at the University of Portsmouth, I had the chance to complete a professional placement year with Opus 2 International, which gave me practical insights into the legal world. It was an eye-opening experience that solidified my passion for the profession. After graduating with first-class honours in 2024, I decided to take the next step by enrolling in the LLM Legal Practice Course (SQE1&2), which has been a fantastic way to deepen my legal knowledge and prepare for the next stage of my career.
You work as a student ambassador for ULaw Southampton. Can you tell me about this role and the biggest lessons you’ve learned from it?
Being a student ambassador for ULaw Southampton has been such a rewarding experience. It has allowed me to represent the university, connect with prospective students, and share my journey to help them make decisions about their own academic paths.
One thing I’ve learned is how important it is to really listen to people. Everyone has different concerns and priorities, so tailoring my advice to their specific needs has been key. I’ve also gained confidence in my communication skills and adaptability, which are skills I know I’ll carry into my future career. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to feel like I’m making a difference in someone else’s journey, while also showcasing the supportive community at ULaw Southampton.
What is the ULaw Southampton campus like? What do you like most about it?
ULaw Southampton has such a welcoming atmosphere. The campus is modern, close to the city centre, and really easy to get to thanks to great transport links. There are plenty of well-equipped study spaces, whether you’re working alone or in a group, which makes it a great place to focus.
What I love most, though, is the campus environment. The mix of green spaces and modern buildings creates a really nice balance — it’s a relaxing place to study and spend time. There’s also a strong sense of community here, which is so important. You really get the chance to form meaningful connections, both academically and socially, which makes a huge difference to your overall experience.
How does ULaw Southampton help prepare its students for the SQE?
ULaw has a great way of teaching called the PEC learning model — Prepare, Engage, Consolidate — which breaks down the process of learning in a really effective way. Before each workshop, we’re given preparatory tasks and reading from the SQE manual. Then, during the workshop, we work together in small groups on tasks with the help of a tutor. After that, we consolidate everything we’ve learned by practicing questions on the ULaw SQE app.
This approach really works because it builds your confidence step by step, making sure you’ve got a solid understanding at every stage. By the time you reach the SQE assessments, you feel much more prepared and capable.
Many students find the SQE challenging. How have you stayed resilient throughout your studies?
Resilience has definitely been key for me. I’ve found that setting realistic goals and breaking my studies into manageable chunks has really helped. When challenges come up, I try to focus on what I can learn from them instead of getting discouraged. Having a strong support network — friends on the course, family, and even the tutors — has also made a big difference.
To avoid burning out, I make sure to take breaks and set aside time to recharge, whether that’s spending time with loved ones or just stepping away from the books for a bit. Balancing hard work with downtime has helped me stay motivated and focused.
What have you learned about yourself through this journey?
One big thing I’ve learned is to trust in my own abilities. It’s easy to doubt yourself when faced with something as challenging as the SQE, but I’ve realised how important it is to approach setbacks as opportunities to grow. Consistency and perseverance have really been the key to pushing through.
I’ve also discovered that studying for the SQE requires a different approach compared to coursework. Recognising that early on helped me adjust my methods and make my preparation more effective.
Do you have any advice for students preparing for the SQE?
Yes, absolutely! First, take time at the beginning of the course to brush up on your academic law knowledge. Make detailed, well-organized notes that you can rely on throughout your studies.
The ULaw SQE app is such a great resource — it’s packed with exam-style questions and performance data that can help you figure out where you need to focus more. Consistent practice with the app really boosted my confidence and sharpened my exam technique.
Above all, stay organised, practice regularly, and believe in yourself. With a steady and strategic approach, you can go into the exams feeling well-prepared and ready to succeed.
Meet ULaw TODAY at ‘Secrets to Success Southampton — with Foot Anstey, Irwin Mitchell, Shoosmiths and ULaw’, in-person, on Monday 18 November. Apply now to attend.
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