Undergraduate research programs are becoming more prevalent, but research on the processes and outcomes is limited and deals largely with perceptions of student learning gains. This paper adds to the literature by describing undergraduate research activities from the student perspective. A phenomenological approach was used to analyze journals kept by 17 students during a summer research program. Results indicate that intellectual stimulation and personal relationships with other students and faculty were the most important elements of the research experience. Specific learning gains were not emphasized by student participants. Details of these results are presented to inform faculty mentors and academic administrators in the design and conduct of student research programs.