Taking up every opportunity that I have gotten has given me a diverse mix of experiences, which is what I find most exciting about university.

ANU offers students so many opportunities. Not only to thrive academically, but also to connect and engage in various community activities.

Zaiga Thomann has been keen to take up the opportunities that ANU provides, including participating in an ANU Students’ Association, an internship with the Chief Scientist of Australia and teaching mathematics to high school students. 

“Taking up every opportunity that I have gotten has given me a diverse mix of experiences, which is what I find most exciting about university,” Zaiga said.

Zaiga is currently finishing her honours year in the Bachelor of Philosophy (PhB) majoring in mathematics and minoring in physics. “I decided to study maths because I saw that there was more to maths than just the calculations you learn at high school,” she said.

Mathematics was not what Zaiga thought she would continue in, however the program was just too interesting.

“Maths introduces you to this world of ideas and logic that keeps building on itself. I think what has kept me engaged is that there is always more to learn … it is a challenging program but is really rewarding, and that gives you a real sense of achievement,” Zaiga said.

Cross college opportunities also drew Zaiga to study the PhB. She has been able to study courses in linguistics, philosophy and art. “That’s been a nice way of rounding out a degree.”

“There is no harm in going for opportunities and looking outside the box because it will add so much to your university experience.”

Zaiga has found her passion in mathematics education and looks to persue this after graduation.

Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours), PhB (Hons)

Are you looking for a program with that little bit extra? Do you have academic interests that span several disciplines?

The Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) or PhB (Hons), is a unique program that allows intellectually ambitious students to explore their interests, develop their research skills and be mentored by leading academics, while enjoying being in a group of like-minded and social students.