Whether you are considering a degree in Mathematics or a combined degree including mathematics, the University of York offers many things to make your experience enjoyable.
MEETING YOUR KIND OF PEOPLE:
My initial thoughts when coming to the University of York to study mathematics were ‘Wow, I have never met so many people that like maths!’ One thing about studying maths at York, or any other subject at degree level, is that you get to meet other students that share your passion and become a part of a community of like-minded people. I think this is one of the greatest things about transitioning from A levels to degree level studies. You are with people who want to learn about the same course you do (of course this passion wavers slightly during exam season but I promise you, that’s normal!).
NOT JUST MATHS SOCIETY:
Now, not to say that people that don’t like maths aren’t worth being friends with (although it is absurd they do not like binomial expansion among other maths things…) but at York, there are countless opportunities to meet people that are not on your course that may share your interests. At the University of York, there are over 200 societies and 65 sports clubs, so finding something you enjoy is easy. Furthermore, you can get involved with employment opportunities on campus like becoming a Student Ambassador or a Content Creator (and write blogs like me!).
YOU’RE NEVER ON YOUR OWN:
I don’t want to toot my own horn, but I am incredibly good at being…anxious. So that meant, for me, coming to university was a massive deal. And I am so happy to say, the University of York has amazing support in place for students who are struggling. Not only during the transitioning process from college/sixth form to university, but also throughout studying your degree.
The university has a collegiate system. Each college has an assigned manager and team that can help you through challenges you may face. Alongside this, the Department of Mathematics assigns each student a supervisor who overlooks your journey through your degree. You have regular meetings with them to check in and raise any concerns you may have, along with the ability to attend drop-in sessions with the transition officer and students to voice issues you may face.
PEOPLE AND PAPERS:
Another thing I have utilised a lot since coming to York is the resources the University has for students. Especially my weekly meetings with the Student Wellbeing Officer. I think at one point I was embarrassed to tell other people I needed weekly check-ins. I found many people around me thrived when they left home. But for me, it was a little trickier and I realise now, that is perfectly normal.
The step up from A levels to degree level courses is huge. But once you learn that university isn’t a matter of sink or swim, you begin to enjoy yourself. Like anything, some days at university are better than others, but there is so much at York to help you through the more challenging times.
Alongside members of staff, the library has a collection of resources for our number crunching brains, along with a Maths Study Skills Centre which offers advice and guidance on maths topics. University allows you to learn to be independent without ever having to go through difficult things on your own. The perfect stepping stone to full adulthood, if you ask me!
DAY TO DAY MATHS:
I often wondered how a degree in maths would be structured and assessed, so here we go…
Module dependent, you’ll attend lectures, seminars, problem classes and computer labs where you complete coursework.
In terms of marking, we receive problem sheets every two weeks that count towards our first year grade, plus end of module exams.
Computer labs are my absolute favourite! Yes, I have found a new love for programming and digital data analysis, but I also feel like a computer whizz from a spy film when I am in class (I honestly turn into Luther from Mission Impossible, except I haven’t saved the world with my code… yet!)
NO REGRETS:
The University of York is beautiful, and not once have I even considered attending a different place. The campus is stunning and scenic (I am lucky enough to see rabbits hopping about from my bedroom window). The city has the most amazing atmosphere, and I have met people that I can confidently say will be in my life forever. So whether you decide to study maths, or any other subject (even though I may be biased saying maths is the best!) I hope you, like me, can be content knowing you picked an amazing place to be.
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