Name: David Weigel
Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.
Major: Physics
Expected Graduation: May 2012
Clubs & Organizations:
- Society of Physics Students
- Catholic Campus Ministry
- Club Soccer
- Outdoor Club
Meet David
I had a fantastic study away experience in Iceland. Even though the trip focused on geology, I was able to go as a physics major because Furman's study away programs are open to all students. For me, it was a great opportunity to study something different. I always wanted to go to Iceland and this gave me the opportunity. The raw beauty of the country was astounding and I had an amazing time.
Best Of List
The Physics computer lounge. We do our homework together and study for tests together there. It's very interactive and our teachers are right across the hall. That means they're readily available when you have a question. There's also a lot of space and the computers have all the programs you need to do your work.
Definitely mountain biking at Paris Mountain. I mountain biked a little before I came to Furman, but I really got into it here because Paris Mountain is so close. I also like going to the amphitheater at night and looking at the stars to relax.
It's really fun just to visit with friends. Furman's kind of tucked away so you don't have to deal with an urban campus experience, but Greenville's close enough that you can do a lot of things downtown.
There are just so many fun things to do here that focusing and doing homework can be a challenge. On a nice day, it's hard not to go kick a soccer ball, go hiking or mountain biking.
Astrophysics. I want to be an astronaut and I think it's very fascinating to learn about cosmology and all the workings of the universe. There's so much that we don't know. It's the final frontier. In the past, we went west to look for something new and now we look toward the universe.
I really like all the cheers we do at games, like "FU All The Time!" I also had a great experience at O-week as a freshman.
Helpful Tips
Get to know the department before you decide. Make sure it's something that interests you. Otherwise, there's no point in studying it.
Don't go to the library to study because it's definitely more of a social place. Find somewhere quiet with no distractions.
Go to the activities fair in the fall and sign up for as much stuff as you can. Not necessarily because you're going to do it all, but just to get information. And don't be shy!
Start planning early, even if it's just preliminary. That way you'll know the requirements to graduate and you can map out your college career in the first semester.