What is it actually like studying chemistry at university? Before I started, I imagined numerous experiments and colourful reactions. And while this is true to an extent, the course is actually filled with many more lectures, theories, and workshops.
After receiving my offer from the University of York, I was enthralled. Not only is it a highly ranked university for chemistry, but it is also located in a beautiful and historical city, perfect to explore during the weekend. Needless to say, the University of York became my top choice.
A day in the chemistry lab
Lab days happen once a week and are always my favourite. Sometimes, the experiments I do would make different colours, which always feels magical. The techniques and machines we use are also a step-up from A-levels, making it extremely interesting.
Before starting, I would watch a video that explains what I will be doing that day and the product I will be making. I would also prepare my lab book and write down the steps to make my desired product.
During the actual lab day, I share a fume hood with one other student, which makes it a great opportunity to help each other out and make sure we are both on track. Sometimes, the experiments would require us to work together too. There are also demonstrators around who will guide us through the experiment.
After I finish my experiment, I will ask to get signed off and continue my lab day in the library. I can access any digital results on the university computers and annotate them to show that I have gotten my desired product. I then submit these results online.
Outside the labs
I can’t lie, chemistry is a very demanding course. Besides labs, I have around another 15-16 contact hours a week and some more studying, pre-labs, and post-labs to do in my own time.
Mainly, I have three different types of contact hours each week:
- Lectures: this is where the whole cohort will be in a room together listening to the lecturer and taking notes.
- Workshops: only half the cohort will be in the same room together to practise answering some questions about a lecture course that just ended. Academic staff members will be there to help along the way.
- Tutorials: only your tutorial group will be together, which may consist of three to five people. Work is given to do beforehand and needs to be submitted. It will then be checked and marked, and you’ll get the chance to ask questions during the tutorial.
Opportunities outside classes
The department also has loads of opportunities you can choose from! During the beginning of each year, the department will ask first-years to become course reps. These are the people responsible to share any problems the cohort has to staff members and try to figure out a solution for it. In short, they are the voice of the cohort.
At the beginning of the year, I decided to sign up to be a course rep. This year, there were loads of people who wanted to join, so it came down to votes casted by the cohort. I was so glad to learn that I got chosen as one of the course reps for my year. I now have meetings with staff members and course reps from other years every few months, and I share any concerns my year group has with staff members.
Besides that, the department also occasionally has internship opportunities. This can be during break or even term-time. If you are eligible, you can always apply to them!
Of course, life would be boring if it were just surrounded by studies. That’s why joining societies and doing your hobbies really matter! Outside of chemistry, I do cheerleading with the York Hornets and compete against other university teams, and I love hanging out with my friends, especially after a long day.
Conclusion
Chemistry is a tough course and requires a lot of dedication. From long working hours to hard lectures, it is sometimes very tiring. However, the department has amazing support. There is mental health support if needed, and everyone is also assigned a supervisor who you can book meetings with. From my experience, all the lecturers have also been super kind and helpful and will gladly answer your questions. Although chemistry has challenged me loads, the curiosity it sparks makes every challenge so worthwhile.
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