Laura Bird – BA (Hons) Accounting and Business

'I did maths and business studies at A Level and I was really good with numbers, so accounting was the obvious choice at university.

I really enjoyed the course and met people from everywhere. In year three I did a year's placement at IBM, which was good fun and gave me something to base my dissertation on. My dissertation looked at the Sarbanes Oxley Act, which was the American government's response to the big accounting frauds like Enron and Worldcom. It has been really hard work, but I learnt a lot.

The three things I will take from my time at Portsmouth are that I have learnt to work hard, I really know how to have fun and lastly, I have met friends I hope to have for life.'

Daniel Banks – BA (Hons) Finance and Business

'I like the diversification of my degree and the different areas of business we look at. It has helped me understand my strengths and weaknesses. I have used the Academic Skills Unit this year to help me reference when writing my dissertation.

My course has taught me the importance of independent study and the ability to motivate myself to achieve something. I sail every Wednesday afternoon with the sailing club. The social life of the club is great and it gives me a break from my studies.'

Udai Patel – BA (Hons) Accounting and Business

'I knew I was coming here as soon as I attended a Preview Day. It's a great location, everything is so close. The best thing so far was Freshers' Week. They have marquees and stalls for all the societies in Ravelin Park and during that week most of the clubs and bars do cheap drinks. It's a great way to meet people.

I really like the management accounting aspect of my course and hope to do CIMA or ACCA and work for one of the major banks.'

Oluwajoba Ajewole – BA (Hons) Accounting

'I did some accounting during my A Level Business Studies and I found it really easy. I suppose most people think accountancy is boring, but not me. The subject is really interesting and offers great career prospects. You can work anywhere and for any company; every organisation needs accountants.

Student life has been great. I would recommend spending the first year in halls - it's a good way of meeting people and not too much of a shock after leaving home. I love the city, I love the beach. It's a real student city.'

Clydea Chong – BA (Hons) Accounting with Finance

'I come from Hong Kong so what I liked was the sea; when you have a load of deadlines and you are really stressed it's nice to go down to the beach, it's always so fresh. It's also really convenient - the Students' Union, the University buildings, my halls of residence, they are all in the city centre.

Doing well is easy, all you need to do is keep focused in the lectures and seminars and if you find it difficult then just ask for help. Being an international student is difficult as it means you are a long way from home and family, but the lecturers and staff are approachable and really helpful.'

Bukky Oluwabukola – BA (Hons) Accounting with Finance

'I love Portsmouth. It can be hard leaving home, but after a couple of months down here I didn't want to go back to London. All the lecturers are very approachable and my personal tutor is always there to help if I need any advice or assistance. When I finish I am going to complete the remaining ACCA exams and work in an accounting practice. The money is good and you can work all over the world.'

Fola Sogbesan – BA (Hons) Accounting with Finance

'I always wanted to work in this field; my dad was a banker and I was good at maths at school. It's a bit more than that though. I have always been interested in finance, I try to watch the business section on the news and flick through the business pages on the internet.

To do well you have to be at it all the time. Do what you have to do when you have to do it and don't put things off, otherwise things catch up with you. Put the effort in. It's an old saying, but you reap what you sow.'