We started with special relativity, which turned out to be a nice introduction to the type of insights that would be uncovered during the rest of the degree programme. It did not require any advanced mathematics and it also explored interesting concepts about the perception of time. In the second year, quantum mechanics was taught. This required a bit more work but the insights that were obtained were very interesting and strange. These subjects stood out since they really changed the way that I saw the world around me.The most difficult subjects for me were some of the course units in mathematics. Not because they were particularly hard but because I could not immediately see why I needed to learn those subjects. However, later in my studies, these subjects came back and their value became clear.Besides studying Physics, I joined the Mayday student sailing society. I do recommend joining some kind of student or sports organization when starting your student life in Groningen. It is a great way to make friends quickly and to make the most out of student life. I also worked as a teaching assistant (TA) for a programming course unit on Python. TA jobs let you work in the field of your interest and provide a decent salary.I will do my Master’s degree programme in Applied Physics. The other Master’s programmes are more research oriented. However, I would like to go into industry after my studies. Applied Physics seems to be the programme that best suits that interest, while still teaching subjects in physics that I find interesting.

Elk jaar bestaat uit vier blokken en elk blok bestaat uit vakken die goed op elkaar aansluiten, omdat het natuurkundevakken zijn of ingaan op essentiële vaardigheden voor een natuurkundige, zoals de wiskunde- en programmeervakken.Er blijft ook genoeg ruimte over voor een levendig studentenleven. Ik ben een actief lid van twee commissies van FMF, de studievereniging voor Natuurkunde en Wiskunde. Ik spreek daarnaast veel af met vrienden en ga graag uit met hen. Ik besteed ook veel tijd aan culturele activiteiten en sport, zoals theater, lezen, hardlopen en soms ook reizen.Na m’n studie wil ik waarschijnlijk een academische loopbaan, dus in het onderzoek of als docent. Dat lijkt me om het moment het leukst om te doen.