Jennifer, Final Year Physics 2009

Jennifer at the University's National Science Week "Explore Science" event guiding a young visitor in the use of her millimetre-wave radar and goggles.

I came to St Andrews knowing that I enjoyed Physics but not really having any real idea about my future. Four years on and I am in pretty much the same position but with so many more skills and experiences that I don't really mind. I actually started in first year on a joint Chemistry and Physics degree but found I was enjoying the latter more so changed my degree to Physics. For those who don't really know what they want to do next, or even what they want to do now – St Andrews is very understanding. We have a uncommon flexibility built into the first two years which allows you easily to change your mind or just learn something new.

I am now in my final year and have loved almost every minute of my time here. The staff are fantastic, very approachable and supportive – and just genuinely nice people. I have been lucky enough to work with the department's millimetre-wave group as part of my final year project. This involved developing a one-of–a-kind millimetre-wave radar built here in St Andrews for demonstration in a public outreach exhibit – a very exciting prospect.

In addition to this I chose to take a module on ‘Communicating and Teaching Science' this year. This took me into a local school where I assisted an Advanced Higher Physics class with their investigations. It's such a buzz to face a class full of high school students and come out feeling like both you and they have achieved something! It really boosts your confidence, not to mention your presentation skills!

However it's not just the excellent teaching standards or the variety of interesting and useful modules that makes St Andrews special. Ask anyone here – it is the atmosphere and community spirit of 7000 students intermingled into a seaside town. Whatever your interests, there is a society to fit and combined with 52 drinking establishments you wont run out of things to do in a hurry. But if you do, it's not a problem – there are also some of the nicest and most interesting people in the world here. Whatever I go on to do, I know I will be taking some great memories with me.

Posted BDS 22.3.09