Year 3...in a nutshell

So I have finally completed my third year at Cardiff, but I still have one year to go as I am enrolled on an integrated masters (MPhys). I would definitely say that this year has been the hardest yet - especially when it came to balancing project work, modules and extra curricular activities like netball and being on committees.

Instead of boring anyone who reads this with tons of text, I am going to summarise this past year with pictures and teen bits of text (for when I don't have pictures).

The academic year kicked off around September, and as I was voted onto the Chaos committee, it was time to recruit some new members.

By October, it was time to visit the Peak District for the Peak Star Party 2014! This year, it was decided that I would give a short talk about "my journey" as it would give an insight to how I ended up studying Astrophysics. I think it was okay.

November arrived and by this point my third year project had really started to take off. I spent days aligning a spatial/spectral interferometer and it was starting to pay off. Without spending too much time worrying about Physics, a spatial /spectral interferometer allows me to indirectly image objects whilst gaining an understanding of their spectral composition i.e for a star, I could work out what elements it contained.

December and January were a write off due to Christmas and exams, and I don't really remember anything interesting happening until the Easter holidays in April - that is when I visited Amsterdam!

By this point in the year, I had helped organised the most successful Annual Physics Ball ever! It was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in May.

Then exams happened again and removed the joy from life, but it was okay because Oxford University accepted my application for a summer internship...so goodbye Wales!

and hello Oxford!

That special time of year...

With what feels like day 5000/2647483 of revision, I am started to really lose interest in my modules. I just feel like I know most things - I probably know nothing - and they're no longer fun to learn about. By the 27th I'll be settling down into new modules, which sound rather difficult, and probably moaning about how hard the contents is.

Leaving A levels behind, I thought I'd finally got to where I wanted to be. University was the next big step to becoming a Physicist and it was really fun at first. Now I'm at the stage where it just feels like I'm constantly under pressure, learning a little about a lot just to pass an exam. I don't really feel like I know much about Physics, but I'm reasonably good at passing exams.

To say I haven't posted anything on  my blog in a while would be an understatement, but I don't feel like I have had anything remotely interesting to post about. Hopefully my second semester of my degree will be more exciting. 

At least someone enjoys revision.

Some surprising news

It's that time of year again - exam results day. After obtaining an average of about 74% for my first semester, I didn't really expect to be able to improve on that. I was pleasantly surprised:

Electricity, Magnetism and Waves (20 credits) - 82%

Mathematical Methods for Physicists 2 (10 credits) - 80%

Computational Methods for Problem Solving - 89%

Planets and Exoplanets - 86%

Experimental Physics 2 - 76%

I don't really know what to make of them, but they do bring my average up to 78.3%.

When I managed to get into Cardiff University, I really didn't ever see myself getting above a 2:1, and I doubt anyone else did because my A level results were pretty average for a Physics course. I was genuinely worried about not being able to stay on the Masters course (55% average and above). I suppose it just shows what is possible when you set your mind to it.

APOD never fails to amaze me.

Mid-exam update

1 exam down, and 2 more to go. In all fairness, I have had a really easy exam period, as my exams are so spread out. One major disadvantage to this is the fact most people will finish before me, and will even torture me with social invitations, or just keep me awake all night. That is my main concern, as an average night in the ghetto is noisy enough, never mind after the majority of its occupants have finished their exams. I will call security if it gets too noisy, I really couldn't care less if it ruins anyones night - be considerate. 

In other news, it's my parents 17th wedding anniversary today. I believe my poor Mother is being dragged camping, as my Father enjoys fishing. It's just fantastic that they're still together, as divorce appears to be so common these days. My sister has also finished school - which is terrifying. She's still got at least 12 exams left, but she no longer has any lessons. She is going to pursue A levels in Chemistry, Biology, Maths and IT from September. 

One weird update is that I decided to e-mail my primary school head teacher. It's well known that she is retiring from August, therefore I wanted to just say hello before she did. I genuinely received such a lovely response, and it's nice to know that she remembers me. Which isn't too hard, considering my name is on the big trophy that is in the school somewhere. I can't actually remember what I received the trophy for, but I remember that it was the big award every year, and that it was something I had wished for since year 1. 

I have a CUROP update also - I didn't get the placement. I am rather lucky though, as I think that I was the only first year to get an interview this year. I have always had a back up plan, and I think that it's actually going to work out. I will be spending my summer in the academic environment that I wanted to, and I will be making some money. 

I think this summer has the potential to be one of the best ever. 

I was cute a very long time ago. 

Oops!

I'm genuinely rubbish at updating my blog. 

One day it's Monday and I'm attempting to be a pro-coder; then before I know it, I am rushing to finish off two pieces of homework for Thursday. I don't know where my time goes. That's a bit of a lie, as I am genuinely busy doing really odd things. Such as:

• attending the Big Bang Fair and working on the Herschel Stand
• talking to potential applicants about Physics at Cardiff
• applying for a CUROP placement
• trying to not fail my modules
• finding asteroids

Mix in a bit of a social life, and I don't get much free time to myself. Not that this is a problem, because I am currently dreading summer. I have no desire to spend 12 (or however many it is) weeks in Nottingham. This is one of the reasons I applied for CUROP - I really don't want to waste my summer. 

For anyone who hasn't heard of the program, it provides undergraduates an opportunity to get involved with research that is taking place at Cardiff. It's obviously a fantastic opportunity, but there are only 8 places, so it appears to be rather competitive. I'm currently waiting for an e-mail, as it'll hopefully inform me that I have an  interview on Friday - so fingers crossed! 

Apart from all of that crazy nonsense, I haven't really got much to tell. I did manage to complete a rather fun assignment for computing, that involved finding asteroids, but so did the majority of people who attempted to. Between that and talking about Herschel in London, I have recently started to feel like a bit of an Astrophysicist. It's brilliant.

I also visited the bay again. It was not sunny.

Maybe I can do this whole Physics thing after all...

I am ridiculously happy with my exam results. Just for anyone who is interested, here they are:

Mechanics and Matter (20 credits) - 72%
Mathematical Methods for Physicists 1 (10 credits) - 66%
Mathematical Practise for Physical Sciences (10 credits) - 87%
The Universe from Particles to Galaxies (10 credits) - 85%
Experimental Physics (10 credits) - 62%. 

I'm still surprised by my lab mark, as I really did find it a challenge. However I must leave, as it's time to go (back) to the Taf (pub).

I can't wait for Astrofest tomorrow :)

Busybusybusy

I am almost ashamed of how little I have blogged since moving to Cardiff. This is probably one of the most exciting times of my life so far, and I have nothing to look back on. I'm a little disappointed, but I really have been a busy bee. 

The workload for a Physics degree is insane. I have work due in everyday, and most of it takes 2-3 hours to complete - sometimes more! Although it is paying off, as my marks have been improving, and I do feel like I have absorbed most of the nonsense I have had thrown at me. As much as I moan about it on twitter, I do love my degree. I learn new things everyday and I have started to become actively involved in some fascinating projects. 

For example, I have recently become a STEM ambassador! I am yet to actually do anything for the programme, but I have agreed to help out at an Astronomy evening, at a local primary school. It's not until the second half of the Spring term, so I have plenty of time to brush up on the Spring sky. I'm also a student rep! Which has proved to be a lot of fun so far - as I generally just listen to first years moan about 9am lectures -but I have helped to improve homework feedback (a bit) and I did get a lecturer to explain a physics topic better. 

I would love to catch my blog up with current events, but I am extremely tired, so I will try again soon - I promise. 

Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about the Peak Star Party!

Finally getting an education...

Whilst freshers was amazing, I am so happy to actually be learning something. I must admit that it's taking a while to get back in to it, but I am really starting to enjoy Maths and Physics again. Although, I must exclude Tuesday from generally enjoying everything. Having 2 hours of lectures, followed by a 4 hour lab session, and after only 4 hours of sleep was traumatic. Students of House H need to learn how to cook, as I do not appreciate being woken up at 3:40am by the fire alarm. 

A few highlights from freshers...

The last photo illustrates how I intend to spend the rest of my year :)

I have also managed to finish off my noticeboard, so my room finally feels like my own.

I need to sleep now, as I have a 9am lecture, but I will update my blog tomorrow. I'm attending my first Cardiff Astronomical Society lecture at 19:30, and I am rather looking forward to it.

Hello Cardiff!

I want to make my first official Cardiff blog post interesting, but I haven't really got a lot to discuss and I am also very sleep deprived. I'm barely keeping up with being so social for freshers, and I am currently getting by on about 4 hours of sleep per night. Even if I do come home at a decent hour, you can guarantee someone will decide to burn toast at 4:30am. Not that I am moaning, I am having a fantastic time and also meeting some lovely people.

My full timetable will commence from Monday, therefore I need to start doing some work. I could barely recognise the double angle rule in the weird lecture-type thing that I attended today, so I am a little worried. I hope I will adjust this new system of learning (lectures, tutorials, etc), but I think it will take a while. Any tips for coping with lectures and lab sessions will be greatly appreciated :)

Meet my new textbook - Principles of Physics by Halliday, Resnick and Walker.

On a quick note, I have just noticed the new Hubble image, which includes the most distant galaxy. It is beautiful, but also slightly scary when you see that there are 5,500 galaxies in the image. Check it out!

08/10/12 UPDATE:

I forgot to upload a lovely (kidding) photo of me on the train.

Modules

As I have nothing to do, other than to pack, I have basically looked through the Cardiff School of Physics and Astronomy website about 50 times. Therefore, I thought I would post my new modules on here.

For anyone who has read this blog before, you will know that I only managed to achieve a B in A-level Maths (which was a huge struggle). This means I will have to do the 'Mathematical Practice for Physical Sciences' module. In all honesty, I am very glad that I get to have some extra maths practice, and I am generally very excited about my modules. 'The Universe from Particles to Galaxies' has obviously caught my eye and I literally cannot wait to start. Hopefully, by this time next week, I will have enrolled at the Physics. 

I should return to packing, but I probably will continue to avoid it. Anyway, I have still got a few episodes of the Big Bang Theory to watch again. Sorted.

Ps, just found this on twitter via Matt Parker (although, he had retweeted someone else) -> Pi in the sky!

It's been crazy.

It's safe to say that the last few days have been insane. After finding out that I had in fact got into university, I got allocated my accommodation. I somehow managed to get the accommodation I wanted - which is fantastic - and have now started searching for flat mates. With social networking sites, it is surprisingly easy to find people studying the same course or living in the same general area. It's nice to know that I should be able to recognise a few faces upon arrival. 

I am so excited! 

Just because this made me laugh uncontrollably! Poor little Martian basalt.

The UCAS post.

15/08/12 

19:24pm For anyone who hasn't really read my previous posts, I shall give you the "low down" on my UCAS situation.

My intentions are to study Astrophysics (MPhys) at Cardiff University, and to do this I will need AAB (including Maths and Physics). My other subject, which should provide me with an A, is Electronics. My insurance offer is for the same course at Leeds University, therefore it has the same entry requirements. This makes it a very bad back up plan, but I shall manage. So, whilst I wait for midnight, I am going to watch the Sky at Night :)

22:49pm Arghsj\hfjakkcjsakjhjsalknzvhdaijL. My friend, Sophie, came over for a bit. This calmed my nerves a lot,  but now she has left I feel lost. I have out some food on as I feel sick (doesn't really make sense) and have started drinking copious amounts of tea. The only good thing is that the clearing vacancies go live in just over an hour. I want to check to see if there are still places on my course, as that will make me feel better. There were places available through clearing last year, so I am hoping it'll be this year.

23:26pm NOT EVEN TIRED. I'm currently wide awake, dancing to Spice Girls and drinking Sunny D. What is life. I might watch Dirty Dancing. 

23:37pm Just went on UCAS. I love this image, it's so precise :) 

23:46pm There are no words (click the image).

16/08/12

00:02am I am currently refreshing UCAS a lot. It's good practise for today really. It's already been a minute and UCAS hasn't updated. This is really annoying and now Spotify is talking about results. I cannot cope.

00:05am FINALLY.

00:07am This is a good start! It surprised me last year how many vacancies were available for Physics.

00:09am There are also lots of vacancies at my ideal university and on the course I want. Life is good. I'm assuming this list means they are available. 

00:56am I'm surprisingly sleepy. I am actually going to try and sleep. This will probably fail miserably and I will more than likely be back on here moaning within an hour. If I do sleep, I will have the "I HAVE FAILED EVERYTHING" nightmare and wake up in tears. That is one traumatic dream. Goodnight (for now) and good luck.

06:19am I don't think I have really slept. It was very on/off as my stomach is in knots. I feel so ill, this is horrific. I don't think I have ever been more nervous for anything before. It's scary that everything I have been working for,  over these past 2 years, comes down to a couple of letters on a web page today. Then these silly letters decide on whether or not I get to live the dream, at Cardiff university in September. I'm so nervous I could cry. I am also ridiculously tired. I would also like to sleep for a very long time, but I know I won't be able to until I know what I am doing. I might wander to the shop for a copy of the telegraph. I need to waste some time. 

07:20am As predicted, I cannot access my results. Bilborough College, I hate you. Let me on pretty please. 

I don't really hate you, I just need my results.

07:40am That was fast. Right. I'll let you see my results first.

So overall, thats A*A*BB in Electronics, EPQ, Physics and Maths (I think). Now...for UCAS track.

I'm off to Cardiff University.

Leeds Photos..or maybe not

Before I sleep, I thought I would add my photos of Leeds. I believe it is important to take photos as it may help you make the big decision in the future!
Excuse my terrible photography.

OH. I can't find them.

You'll just have to enjoy my weird photos from a masterclass then until I can find them. I should discuss my masterclass soon really...another time.

 The view from my coffee spot.

 A weird graveyard in the middle of campus.

 My coffee building!

 A probably very artistic, but weird statue thing.

Pretty trees and people.

I believe I am getting more and more useless and writing blogs.

I mean seriously, the last time I posted was near my mechanics exam. That was about 14 days ago!

My life has been rather dull though lately.

Updates! I am...

• currently looking and may have found some Astrophysics related work experience
• almost at the end of my college year, just one more week to go!
• very tired and in need of the longest break ever
• trying and failing to write my personal statement for UCAS
• not very interesting

Although there have been some very excited developments in my university box. It's getting smaller! I managed to throw out the prospectus' of the universities I am definitely not going to - even St. Andrews. It was weird considering I spent 2 years of my life obsessing about the university. I'm just not smart or perfect enough them to be honest, so I don't see the point in trying. Especially since I fell in love with Leeds.

University updates:

• Leeds - looked at and loved it! It's just such a beautiful place, the accommodation is perfect too. I could genuinely imagine living there and also dreamt about it.
• Nottingham - I went to the open day, it's just not the environment I want to study in. That and I am fed up of Nottingham.
• Leicester - looking at near the end of July, I don't think I will like it though. Me and Leicester didn't get on when I last visited, although the space centre is fantastic.
• Lancaster - apparently it's campus based and amazing. I spoke to a teacher who did his degree there and he said it was definitely worth a look! Not until August though.
• Cardiff - my main obsession with this city started with the fact Torchwood and Doctor Who are filmed there sometimes, I would enjoy life on a daily basis based on this fact.
• Aberystwyth - this university has the option of spending a semester in the Artic Circle, wow. Cannot wait to go see it on my birthday!
• Kent - Ellie Goulding went to Kent apparently, it's hard to imagine this but it does make the university more appealing, although basing my opinion on this would be silly. I will judge more in October.
• Sussex - this university has become my top choice, although it has some serious competition from Leeds. I hope it's beautiful.

I think this update is all I have time for, I have a personal statement to complete! That and I should probably sleep at some point...