Kit, Level 2 Physics, 2009
I'm a second year student at St Andrews,
and having been here for just over a year, I am convinced I made
the right choice when picking where to study at university. When
I was making my descision about where to go to university, I couldn't
choose between St Andrews and a much larger uni. I went with my
family to both, and instantly felt at home here, and knew that I
could live here happily (and my mum would be happy that I would
be safe). Looking back now, I don't know why I even considered anywhere
else!
Walking into the lecture theatre on day one of first year, I was
naturally terrified, but sat next to some equally terrified looking
people. A year on, we are still friends and do everything together,
from working together in labs to going out together and having study
sessions at each others houses before any major test. I have found
that St Andrews encourages this sort of thing, and the lecturers
really make an effort to get to know you and help you with any problem
that comes up, no matter how big or small it is! Their office doors
are always open, and even if you see them in the corridor, or in
the queue for the cafe they will always give you a smile, or some
help. The tutors are also really helpful – if we can't find
our current tutor, we still go to our first year astronomy tutor's
door to ask for help with physics and astronomy this year. This
year I have also had the chance to do training to operate the university
observatory, which is so much fun, and an opportunity you don't
get in many other places.
My favourite part about being here is the atmosphere in the town.
I was worried before I came that it would be too quiet, and I would
quickly get bored of it. However, the lifestyle here is so varied.
One minute you'll be working in the lab, and the next you'll be
running into the sea on the 1st of May.
It's impossible to walk down the street without bumping into somebody that you know, and you meet so many people from all over the world. Societies wise, I do astrosoc and student radio, as well as playing squash with my flatmates. I'm also part of the organising committee for the department's Christmas dance, and helped to found “Waltzing on West sands” – a ball held on the beach and completely organised by first year students last year. I would recommend St Andrews to anyone who wants to get a good degree, but also have the time of their lives whilst doing so!
First
posted 12.11.09