Howat Duncan

Graduated 2009, Physics

I had always been very interested in physics at school, and it seemed natural for me to continue to study physics at University. One of my teachers suggested that I apply to Oxbridge, and the challenge really appealed to me. Having compared the courses at Oxford and Cambridge, I chose Oxford as it was possible to do straight physics from first year, whereas at Cambridge there is a more general introduction with the “Tripos” system. Oxford also appealed to me as a livelier and more vibrant city. Coming from a state school in Scotland, from which no one had applied to Oxford for several years, I didn’t really know what to expect from interviews, or even which college to apply for. I was allocated Univ as a second choice, and even during the brief time spent there at interviews I got a real sense of how friendly and welcoming Univ is.

This is especially true in physics – as a group we get on really well, although we are not above a little (friendly!) competition. The college mentoring system (in which you are allocated college parents, usually at least one of which does your subject) means that there is close interaction between the different year groups in physics. It is fortunate that we form a close group, as the timetable in physics requires that we spend a lot of time together. In first year this involves lectures every morning, one day of labs every week, and also two tutorials a week. We also often meet in “JCR tea” (a daily event in the common room in which we have cups of tea for 3p, and cakes for 5p) to chat and occasionally discuss problems we are having with the work. There are also subject events in college, such as the Boyle Society Dinner for engineers and physicists. The college runs a pre-term maths course for the science students, which is a great way to not only get on top of the work before term starts (I found it especially useful for bridging any gaps between the Scottish and English syllabuses), but also ensured that we felt completely settled in and at home even before fresher’s week started.

I found the change in workload quite challenging, and especially developing the discipline to organise my work effectively. Having said this, it is easy to find time for extra curricular activities, and Univ is a great place to do this. There is literally something for everyone, with an emphasis on participation rather than ability. In my first term I decided to give rowing a try. There is a regatta at the end of the first term, in which novice crews from different colleges compete. I enjoyed the whole experience so much that I carried on, and still row. I find that the structured exercise helps me better organise my day and cope with the workload. The college also has a great music scene, and I joined the chamber orchestra. In my second year however, I found I had to cut down on my activities, due to a slightly bigger workload, and also taking rowing more seriously, so unfortunately had to give up music.

I mentioned that the atmosphere in college is very friendly, and this is due in part to the system in which we live in close proximity to each other for the first two years. First and second years are given rooms on the main site in the high street, and this means that we get to know each other very quickly. It is a very sociable college, and between the onsite college bar and the JCR (junior common room), there is always somewhere to go to see people. Mealtimes in college are also very sociable, and the optional formal dining is a great way to relax with friends.

Everyone I speak to feels a certain loyalty to their particular college, so I admit that it is hard for me to claim that Univ is the best without a little bit of bias! However, I can say that Univ is an amazing place in which to experience university and to study physics, with approachable tutors, a welcoming atmosphere, and above all provides a stimulating and challenging environment.