My personal tutor has been a great help throughout my studies, especially this year whilst I am away from the university, she has been my first point of contact when asking questions about my placement. For individual modules, the lecturers are always happy to answer any questions I have had about content or coursework. I know that there are many groups within the university that I could go to if I had personal problems or didn't know who else to talk to. When applying for placements, the university helps so much in terms of finding openings, helping you to write CVs and cover letters, and running mock assessment centres (these were so helpful)!

I am currently halfway through my placement year with a medical device company in Cambridge. I have loved having a real experience within industry and having a responsibility in contributing to the work that takes place here. It is beneficial to have this experience as it has helped me in deciding what I would like to do in the future and will help me to get a job once I have graduated.

Thanks to my placement and lab work within my modules, I know that I want to work within the medical device industry in the future. My degree will support me in this because of the experience that I have gained and the recognition that Loughborough has for being a top Engineering university. The university’s facilities are industry standard, which is important within my course as it is beneficial to use lab equipment that would also be used by companies that I could work at in the future and have that experience already. Not only the labs, but the sports facilities are also fantastic and are easily accessible if you want to try out a new sport.

I didn't have the best physics knowledge when I first started my course, so if this sounds familiar definitely don't be put off! In first year, you cover content that some people may have already covered which gives you the perfect time to grasp it, with their help if you get stuck. If you haven't considered taking a placement year, definitely look into it as I wasn't sure at first but am so happy that I have.