My second year in Durham

In the second year, only two modules are compulsory: Complex Analysis II and Analysis in Many Variables II. The rest of modules can be chosen from a variety of options. I decided to take Numerical Anaysis II, Statistical Concepts II, Algebra II and Mathematical Physics II. The module Mathematical Physics II is the most challenging, but also one of the most interesting. I also appreciate that this module still enables me to study Physics to some extent. Apart from these modules I also attend General Relativity IV lectures, as one of the directions of my future studies might be mathematical modelling in Physics, with focus on general relativity. Hence, I would like to learn the fundamentals of this theory as soon as possible.

Also my extracurricular activities are different from those in the last year. I managed to find students’ societies which suit me and their regular events are compatible with my timetable. I attend Latin social dance events and Krav Maga trainings. I enjoy these activities and I consider them as a great opportunity for spending my free time in an active way and learning new things. My next new interest is chess, which had been an unknown but fascinating world to me.

One pleasant discovery of this year for me is, that many more Czech and Slovak students are in Durham than I have originally assumed. We managed to bring together a relatively large group and to organize a first gathering on the 28th October, which was a great idea. I was pleased to have this opportunity to celebrate the anniversary of the foundation of Czechoslovakia with my compatriots and I hope we will meet more frequently in future.

Regarding social and cultural events, I am eagerly awaiting various classical concerts. Besides, I am planning to go to a college ball, which I couldn’t attend the last year, because of large demand for tickets. I haven’t been to any ball here yet, so I am looking forward to it.

Overall, the beginning of the second year is much more pleasant for me than when I was starting here the last year. I know better how it goes here, and I have more free time. It’s not necessary to arrange so many things this year, and Mathematical modules are a bit easier for me than modules from Physics. So I am glad that in addition to my courses in Mathematics I can manage to do some extracurricular activities and to get more diverse experience during my studies in Durham.