I Used to Read These and Now Im Writing One

I have decided that my excuse for my first entry (and probably most future entries) being late is this; I will always wait until more than half a semester has passed so I can write genuinely interesting and informed stuff.
Firstly I have to say it does feel a little odd to be writing this; from the time I submitted my UCAS application until A-level results day I regularly read these blogs and now to be writing one myself feels a little odd but not quite as odd as meeting some of the bloggers in the years above me.

Seeing as this is my first entry I probably ought to mention Jumpstart – the ECS induction programme. The Jumpstart week involved a series of exercises to introduce members of each tutor group to each other; the program also gave an excellent opportunity to meet class mates outside of an academic environment. The main task was to create a comic style storyboard using specified locations around Southampton.

When I was in the process of applying for my place at ECS and also during the first few weeks here I was highly concerned that I would be behind because I had not taken further maths or electronics at A-level. I soon realised I need not have worried as although perhaps I have to work a little harder than those who have done electronics, further maths or both I am not struggling and certainly not behind – if you find yourself in that situation don’t worry all modules assume no prior further maths or electronics at A-level. Furthermore the atmosphere here is great, if you don’t understand something or are having difficulty everyone is really nice about it. Also when asking fellow students about things in lectures you don’t understand the responses are always friendly and helpful – everyone seems to assume that at some point they will be in the same position and asking you for your help.

One of the most interesting projects so far has been the “motor challenge”, each team has to build two electric motors, one built out of supplied materials only and the other built out of anything you like. Last week we succeeded in getting both motors working. We initially had a lot of trouble with poor electrical contacts, however, after several hours (with reams of copper wire accumulating at our feet) we had two working electric motors – I just hope they are still working on Wednesday when we have to demonstrate them for marking.

Now, I have yet another maths module to learn – sorry for the shortness of this “genuinely interesting and informed entry” I will try to post again after our motor has been tested.