Our residents come to university with big ambitions – and we meet them there.
From the moment you step inside Vita Student, you’re supported by a team of people whose goal is to give you the best possible experience.
Ambition lives in everything we do, and it all starts with people like Bethanie.
Meet Bethanie
This is Bethanie. Otherwise known as Southampton’s best problem-solver.
If you’re a Richmond House resident, past or present, you’ve likely already met her.
She’s a shower siliconer. An event hoster. Everyone’s favourite community gatherer.
So, of course, we wanted to hear all about how her journey over the last eight years at Vita has changed her, and touched the lives of our residents.
Bethanie’s story
Bethanie’s introduction to Vita Student came as an unexpected surprise.
“I was working at McDonald’s when I saw an assistant manager job advertised. I applied for it, not knowing that the role was at Vita Student Richmond House.”
She was only 23 at the time.
“I got a phone call from the hiring manager who explained the job to me, and I was immediately obsessed.”
An uncanny coincidence was headed her way.
“My friend actually lived at Richmond House. I couldn’t believe it. What are the odds? I told her about it, and she told me to stop by for a visit.”
Maybe the invisible string theory is true. Because within just minutes of being inside Vita Student, Bethanie realised how much she wanted to be part of it.
“I fell in love with the vibe of the place, and I knew the role was meant for me. It really was meant to be.”
Making a daily difference
Bethanie hit the ground running, starting her Vita career as an Assistant Residence Manager at Richmond House. Her day-to-day largely involved interacting with residents, resolving queries, and providing the best possible experience for them.
From welcoming residents at reception to carrying luggage, Bethanie threw herself into things right away.
Conversations with residents quickly became a daily highlight.
“From my very first day, I absolutely loved meeting our residents. Hosting the events was my favourite part. It was so much fun chatting with students from all over the world and hearing their stories.”
Bethanie became someone that residents really felt like they could relate to. She celebrated their birthdays, offered personal advice, and gave them a safe space to speak openly about how they were feeling.
“Many residents would open up to me about their study worries and even their relationship struggles. This is the part I loved most. I want to be there for every resident in any way I can. It was my priority to make them comfortable.”
Some residents have tried out their teaching skills on Bethanie.
“I remember we had a resident from India who was studying Nanotechnology. One day, he tried to teach me the basics. I wish I could say I understood what he was trying to show me.”
Bethanie is still an integral part of the Vita Student Southampton experience.
Part of a love story
Bethanie has made incredible connections with residents throughout her Vita career.
But there’s one story that she’ll truly never forget.
“Two residents from Richmond House, Stephen and Minnie, met at one of our fitness classes, and ended up getting married. Me and Piotr, another member of the Southampton team, even went to their wedding in Marrakech. That was such an incredible experience. It really summed up what Vita Student is all about, and how nothing really is off limits.”
At Vita Student, everyone is part of the same community. It’s why Bethanie, and so many other people in our team, have made such a long-lasting impression on the people who once called us home.
“Stephen and Minnie actually came all the way back to see us recently. They’re pregnant! I’m so honoured to have seen their whole journey and to have been part of it.”
Reconnecting with friends
The heart-warming stories don’t stop there. Bethanie has been at the centre of so many.
“About a year ago on a random Saturday, I received a call from Richmond House telling me that there was someone there to see me. I was so surprised. I went down to see who it was, and it was a resident who lived with us during my first two years at Vita.”
It gets even sweeter.
“He was in the UK visiting London, but he’d come all the way down to Southampton just to see me. I was so touched. He even brought his wife with him who seemed so excited to meet me.”
These types of lifelong connections are nothing out of the ordinary at Vita Student.
“It’s such an amazing feeling to know that I’ve played a role in shaping someone’s life. It makes me want to be the best version of myself.”
As someone who truly puts their all into everything they do, Bethanie’s career at Vita has been nothing short of an upward trajectory.
““I couldn’t even change a lightbulb before I started at Vita. Suddenly, I was siliconing showers and building relationships with people from the other side of the world. Vita has taught me so much. I’m always pushed to keep learning, and I really love that.”
Bethanie even has a Vita Student amp tattoo.
“Vita has meant a lot to me, so it only felt right to make it part of me forever.”
And she’s not the only one. Another resident caught sight of her tattoo, and decided to get a matching one with her.
“We’re forever connected!” Bethanie laughed.
wHAT RESIDENTS MAY NOT KNOW
On the face of it, Bethanie’s role is entirely resident-centred. However, there’s so much more happening behind the scenes.
“Running events and arranging breakfast is obviously a big part of it, but we’re dealing with a lot of plant equipment and health and safety work.”
“I often joke about how I never thought I’d be talking about blown gaskets on a calorifier, yet here I am!”
Bethanie’s advice
Looking back on her journey at Vita, Bethanie has some amazing advice for students looking to kick-start their career.
“Don’t give up, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. When you really feel like you’re struggling, that’s where you’re actually developing. You can’t grow in a comfort zone, so don’t stop pushing.”
Because at Vita Student, you’re given the space to grow and the support to succeed. Our team truly goes above and beyond to make your university accommodation feel like home.
Thank you Bethanie, and to the rest of our amazing team for being the reason why Vita Student is what it is today.
