Work hard, play hard

The expression ‘work hard, play hard’ gets thrown around all too frequently, but it quite nicely summarises the last couple of weeks for me.

Already half way into the first semester, many third year students have begun the long process of writing their dissertation and I am no exception. Fortunately, as a student on a four year programme, my dissertation module was split into two, arguably more manageable, pieces. The first half of the course consisted of a group project, whilst the second is focused on writing an individual scientific report.

The first half of the module finished last week, concluding the month-long process of researching, writing, rewriting and then learning (not to mention worrying about) a twenty minute presentation on our chosen area of physics called space weather. For those who are interested, space weather is a branch of physics focused on a series of phenomena, caused predominantly by the interaction between charged particles from the Sun and the Earth’s magnetic field.

It is weird (and very satisfying) to think that half of my dissertation is already complete, and, as I am writing this, I have already begun to research and write my individual scientific report into my space weather subtopic: the role of the Sun on the Earth’s climate. Third year seems to be progressing so fast!

You know that your dissertation is taking over your life when you start to receive space weather post cards from your family!

Luckily, there have been an equal amount of distractions to break up the Physics!

As you may know, fancy dress (I did warn you!) has become a big part of my life and this week was no different! Fancy Dress Society hosted their second social of the year, this time collaborating with our friends from the University’s Fashion Society for a superhero-themed night out in Bedford Place. After meeting in Varsity and complimenting each other on our efforts, we progressed on to Orange Rooms, before finally heading to Southampton’s most indulgent nightclub: Popworld.

Getting ready to meet our fellow superheroes and save the world!

The social was fantastic, especially because of the high turnout (probably our highest yet), with everyone producing great and imaginative costumes. Although originally intending to dress as the mysterious character from the second season of the TV show Misfits, it proved too difficult, so I opted for an easier (and more recognisable) superhero in Iron Man.

Keeping with the same theme, Halloween wasn’t too long ago and needless to say I needed no convincing to dress up. Fancy Dress Society didn’t do a Halloween event, mainly because 31 October is the only day when we lose our unique selling point, so instead I had a fantastic night out with fellow feminists on a FemSoc social in Portswood.

An hour’s worth of face painting and I was ready for a feminist Halloween!

Although it seems hard to believe, relaxing doesn’t always come in the form of a fancy dress night out. Last Sunday I went with a few house mates to see the truly brilliant film Gravity in Imax 3D. The Imax is located in the Leisure World complex down by the docks and is a place I could easily spend hours in, with several bars/restaurants and the club Oceana, as well as the aforementioned cinema. Needless to say the trip was a welcomed break from research into the variability of solar activity!

The last couple of weeks have been some of the busiest and most hectic weeks of my university life. However, they have also been some of the most fun and rewarding. In my opinion as long as you get the right work-life balance, enjoying and getting the most out of your time at university is an easy task.

James