A week in the life of a physics undergraduate
From lectures to laboratory-based practicals and personal tutorials, discover what a typical week looks like as a first-year BSc or MPhys physics student at Surrey.
How will I be taught?
You’ll learn through a combination of seminars, tutorials, lectures, computer programming classes, group work, laboratory-based practicals and online learning. You’ll receive approximately 22 contact hours each week.
You’ll also be expected to carry out independent study, including coursework, essays and reading. We have a range of study spaces available, including our library, open 24/7, and more relaxed spaces like the new Hillside Coffee café.
What will I be taught?
A typical week will cover the following modules: Small Group Problem-Solving; Essential Mathematics; Oscillations and Waves; Fundamentals of Physics; and Scientific Investigation Skills.
Read more about our undergraduate physics courses here.
It sounds like I'll be busy! What support will I get?
Twice per semester you’ll meet with your personal tutor for an hour, which is a good way to see how you’re getting on and monitor progress.
On Wednesdays, there is a drop-in session with the Head of Department and there are also optional mathematics drop-in sessions.
What about other interests? Will I have time for those during the week?
That’s what Wednesdays are for: you have most of the day to focus on sporting, society or employability events. Students have access to more than , with interests ranging from mixed martial arts to mah jong, and poker to politics. There is a physics society, , which organises a range of events throughout the year.
Nearby is a £36m facility, offering state-of-the-art training facilities such as a climbing wall and an Olympic-size swimming pool.
What’s life like outside lectures?
We’re a campus university so everything you need is within a five-minute walk, including the Students’ Union building, grocery shopping, wellbeing and support services, the launderette and the medical centre.
Guildford’s picturesque cobbled high street boasts a wide range of shops and restaurants, plus an excellent range of pubs and a busy nightlife. The town is also only a 35-minute train journey to London.
Expect more
Find out why you should expect more at Surrey and when our next undergraduate open days will be.
Disclaimer: The modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication and may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.