Are you here because you’ve got your offer to study BSc Information Technology Management for Business (ITMB) at the University of Manchester? Congratulations! Or are you here because you’re just curious what does ITMB student do? Then, you’ve come to the right place! This blog aims to give you a glimpse on what to expect during your first week as an ITMB student, as well as highlighting the challenges and support available to help and guide you during your study. 

Embarking on your first week as an ITMB student can be exciting and daunting at the same time. You’ll meet many new people that came from various countries. But unlike some courses, ITMB tends to have smaller cohorts with 40-50 people. This makes it so much easier to get to know everyone and you’ll make friends faster. During your first week, expect to attend the start of the year social brought to you by ITMB’s own society. This is the perfect opportunity to make friends with the second and third years; don’t be shy because trust me, everyone wants to help. 

From the academic side, your first week will be filled with introductions of modules and lecturers. Take notes of important dates and key deadlines (especially for ITMB showcase, which is the highlight of the course). In some of your modules, you will be in groups. For first years, you’ll be put into a group randomly. While some people may find this a bit intimidating, you can view this as an opportunity to make friends with the people in your group. Ask for their contact details, make group chats. 

One thing I wish I would’ve done back in first year was to take notes of the lecturers’ office hours and utilize them more. All lecturers have office hours where you can meet them and ask them any questions regarding the module that you do not understand or where you’re struggling. As a first-year student, it can seem quite scary. But office hours can help you a lot. The lecturers welcome any questions and would try to answer all your questions. It can also be the perfect opportunity for you to network with them. 

Perhaps my key advice to first year ITMB students is this: Don’t skip any lectures/workshops/seminars. You’ll think, “It will be just this one time.” No, it won’t be just this one time. You’ll end thinking the same thing for Monday’s lecture, then for Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s and before you know it, you’ve missed a lot of lectures. Go to that 9 am lecture, get a cup of coffee and take notes during the lecture. 

Your journey as an ITMB student begins during that first week. You’ll meet a lot of people, and you’ll learn a lot of things. You’ll also get confused and lost and frustrated with some of the materials. That’s okay. There are many people here to support you during your ITMB journey with the University of Manchester. Lecturers always welcome students during their office hours, your academic advisor will be there for you during your entire undergraduate journey here, you will have peer mentors who can give you advice. Embrace your journey and don’t be afraid to try new things. 

Written by Jacelyn, current BSc ITMB student at AMBS

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