Campus Cutie: Stephen Hodkinson

Name: Stephen Hodkinson

Subject: French, German and Spanish

Year: 5th!

Hometown: Chester

The Campus Cutie caught for Her Campus St Andrews this week is the very lovely Stephen Hodkinson. Stephen is a unique find, in that he is nearly mid-way through his fifth and final year in St Andrews.  His fifth year was created after spending an incredible twelve months abroad in Tenerife. Although some might look upon the Canary Islands as an interesting choice for a year abroad, Stephen explains how it was such an amazing experience. Teaching English in adult education only twelve hours a week allowed Stephen to spend the rest of his time at the beach and, of course, enjoying the infamous Tenerife nightlife. Stephen admits that Tenerife was not his first choice, but rather imagined travelling to the south of Spain to ‘the heart of Spanish culture’  but thought he would keep the Canary Islands as an option, and he is clearly glad he did as he ended up having ‘the best year’. After graduating this summer Stephen explained that he would like to recreate his year abroad experience by carrying on with teaching English for some time, perhaps in Vienna and then Paris. After this break from studying he is thinking of potentially going into law, and embarking on a law conversion course.     

As with many a campus cutie I asked the ultimate question of why he chose to come and study at St Andrews (especially for five years!) Stephen explained that at first, it was based purely on league tables with St Andrews ranking high for modern languages. It was then on an open day visit accompanied by his mother that Stephen really fell in love with this small Scottish coastal town and knew it was the place for him. Stephen likens the atmosphere and look of St Andrews with his roman hometown of Chester. When asked to pinpoint his favourite moment Stephen was quick to answer with his second year experience of FS fashion show where he enjoyed the privilege of a table at the exclusive event.  He told me ‘FS was such an incredible night, overwhelmingly professional and just so good, no night has quite lived up to it!’ When not concentrating on his studies Stephen is also captain of the St Andrews Trampolining club, which he tells me is not a crazy club that goes out every Wednesday but has a great social atmosphere.  The team is going from strength to strength having recently competed in the National Trampolining championships held in Ireland, which is a four day contest comprising of tight competition and big nights out. I asked whether he will be sad to finally leave St Andrews and he replied that he has mixed feelings, partially sad to finally leave the place he has called home for four years but excited about the new future that awaits him.

Campus Cutie Rapid Fire:

Favourite Place to Drink: Definitely cocktails at Forties, I always go for the Porn Star Martini. However, although nobody wants to admit it I have had some great nights out at the union!   

Favourite Place to Eat: I love a Thai green curry and coconut rice at Nahm Jim, and also the duck shepherd’s pie at Forgans is delicious.  

Ever wondered what the last words would be from a wise and worldly fifth year?  ‘First and second years need to just have fun, as the time to worry about work and grades will soon come!’

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