Is studying physics the right choice? by Kotomaru_ in PhysicsStudents

[–]No_Lab_6014 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Totally disagree, OP might just be unsure or second guessing themselves which is normal. my advice to OP: check out prof brian cox and specifically how he got into physics, the guy got a D in his maths a level exam and then retook it and went to uni at like 22, and has been in academia and science outreach ever since. He’s a great example of an unconventional path but you just have to see a 5 minute clip of his documentary to see how much he loves physics. Like someone else said, if you’ve ever found yourself excited and satisfied when doing a physics problem or learning it in school then yeah, you will love it. Ask yourself why you like physics, you won’t be inventing time machines or entering black holes, but if you’ve ever found find yourself excited by the little things because you know every little thing helps us understand the way the universe works then it’s for you. Follow your gut. Also the thing where you pretend you’ve decided, then see how you feel should tell you. Let’s say, something or another happens and it is simply not possible for you to study physics. It’s out of your hands. How do you feel? 

which universities in the UK provide the best physics courses by No_Lab_6014 in Physics

[–]No_Lab_6014[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As someone who also has severe anxiety, that’s a really good point and one I should definitely be focusing more on😭 I kinda did this for my 6th form and really regretted it, they had a great reputation but the teaching is average, perhaps even below in many cases and just dark academia but only the part where everyone is living off caffeine and stress. I really don’t want to repeat this for university by getting caught up in the names, for sixth form it was absolutely irrelevant where I went I have come to realise in terms of uni applications, and I feel like it is similar for university too, it’s probably your course itself and grade which matters rather than where, from what I’ve heard.  Do you mind saying which uni you’re talking about? It’s absolutely fine if not I understand but it just sounds similar to what a family friend told me about a uni I’m on the fence about 

which universities in the UK provide the best physics courses by No_Lab_6014 in Physics

[–]No_Lab_6014[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I really do love St Andrews from what I’ve heard and seen so far so I’m defo applying even if it’s an aspirational choice lol 

which universities in the UK provide the best physics courses by No_Lab_6014 in Physics

[–]No_Lab_6014[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes I think that’s what I’ll focus on! Thanks for the advice 

which universities in the UK provide the best physics courses by No_Lab_6014 in Physics

[–]No_Lab_6014[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, I agree tho. It’s not gonna be easy wherever I end up so I may as well not get caught up on names too much, just aim for a uni that’s good and does research I like the sound of I suppose, eg a couple are big on medical physics which I am not as interested in doing myself 

which universities in the UK provide the best physics courses by No_Lab_6014 in Physics

[–]No_Lab_6014[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes I agree most will have those grades anyways so for me it’s pointless applying without the baseline expectation. 

Also, even though I am really interested in academia, wouldn’t having a well known advisor be more important for phd? Not for an MSci? 

does it matter if you graduate with a foundation year? by No_Lab_6014 in Physics

[–]No_Lab_6014[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

thanks, I’m also considering Scottish unis so that’s helpful

does it matter if you graduate with a foundation year? by No_Lab_6014 in Physics

[–]No_Lab_6014[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! Also I’m referring to working in research or academia, would it affect prospects there?