Hannah Greatorex – BA (Hons) Finance and Business

'I am in my last year at Portsmouth studying BA (Hons) Finance and Business. I chose this course because I enjoyed doing both my business and maths A Level, but in particular the finance side of it; I also enjoy working with figures.

Therefore this course seemed like an obvious choice for me. I am really enjoying the course and it has opened my eyes up to many different areas of both finance and business which I had not discovered before.

The course has also made me realise that a career in accountancy is what I would like do to when I finish.

After university I am hoping to train and become a qualified chartered accountant. However, this course is so diverse that it leaves many options for future careers as it concentrates on both business as a whole, and finance as a more specialised area. I think Portsmouth Business School is one of the best I visited when looking at universities, which is why I chose to come here.

All the staff are very friendly and always willing to spend time helping the students. The facilities within the Business School are also excellent, with lots of computers always available.'

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.'

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.'

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.'

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.'