This year has seen a sharp rise in the number of applicants wishing to study physics at Surrey. The number applying through UCAS for a place this October has increased by an incredible 85% on last year. Partly this may be down to students wanting to get a place at university before the new increased fees take effect in 2012. However, that is only part of the reason as the University as a whole has seen applications rise by a ‘mere’ 13%. Many applicants have sited positive factors such as the new departmental website as well as the attraction of its unique Physics with Nuclear Astrophysics degree. Whatever the reason,we look forward to welcoming a bumper cohort in October.