Michael, 2009

Level 1 Physics

I chose to go for 1st level entry, for a number of reasons. I found the first few weeks of university very challenging, moving into halls, living away, new friends, new environment and so on. University is fantastic fun, but can be very stressful at the same time. I did not want to find myself swamped under loads of work straightaway.. I’m in no rush to get through university, so I figured I should take the extra year here and enjoy myself.

I feel this was a great decision, because I’m getting a really good grounding for future years, and the work is still at a high level, which keeps it interesting. The school of Physics and Astronomy is great, and the teaching staff work very hard to make sure the teaching programme is as interesting as possible. The school has a really good ethos, making sure we get the most out of our learning here and the lecturers clearly enjoy what they do.

Also, the University has just finished a zillion pound upgrade to the J.F. Allen building, where the School is based, which is awesome. The study facilities are really good, and the lecture theatres are all shiny and new and lovely and comfy.

As for my reasoning behind choosing to come to St. Andrews, I felt it was the right place for me to be.

It’s a small town, it only takes 20 minutes to get around but, due to all the student-based mayhem and fun we have around town, it never actually feels small. I love how I’m always running into someone I know, and how tight knit this community is. Indeed, a common nickname for the town is “the Bubble” because St Andreans tend to live in our own crazy, fun world.

There are not many other places in the world where one third of the population are students, you get adopted by people only a year or two older than you, get covered in foam after a weekend of academic family craziness, wear red gowns on occasions, have to avoid stepping on initials in the street, and throw yourself in the sea in May. This is far from an exhaustive list; there are literally infinite reasons to love St Andrews.

Ok folks, that’s enough rambling from me, but I look forward to meeting all you lovely people when you decide study here (why would you want to go anywhere else?).

 

first posted BDS 1.12.09