Starting my first semester as an Undergraduate at Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS) was a whirlwind of new experiences, challenges, and excitement. It all began with Welcome Week, a perfect introduction to university life. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to attend AMBS events, Student Union events, society fairs and more. AMBS and the Students Union tend to organize many activities, from society fairs and social events, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to find your niche in and around the business school.

As a first-year student your schedule will be full of classes, seminars, workshops, and meetings with your academic advisor. I found this to be helpful for creating a routine and getting accustomed to university life where you tend to have a lot of free time and required independent study. Most business degrees start very general and as you progress, there are more opportunities to choose your classes and tailor your degree to your interest and career goals. This was both positive and challenging as I had to take courses I was not particularly fond of such as economics, but now as a 4th year I have a foundation in all subjects with a specialisation in my chosen subject. Seminars are often my favorite part, as they offer smaller, interactive settings where you get to know new people and discuss what you’re learning in lectures. This also gives you time with your professors or teaching assistants to ask any questions about the course or subject just in case you’re finding the lectures challenging.

Overall, lecturers are very approachable and supportive, and the library became my go-to spot for catching up on reading and preparing for assignments. Time management also became crucial as deadlines approached, but the university’s resources and academic advisors, helped me stay on track. My days in first year tended to be a blend of study sessions, group project meetings, and moments of relaxation with friends. Group work will always be a major part of the AMBS experience, and I recommend you make the most of it as it can be a way to research and write about topics you are interested in. Making friends can be a big concern before starting university, but honestly it happens naturally through shared experiences in classes, clubs, and even group assignments.

AMBS has a super diverse student body, which made every interaction a chance to learn about different cultures and perspectives. The friends I made from my courses in first year then became my flat mates and we’ve supported each other through the ups and downs of university life. Of course, the semester wasn’t without its challenges. Balancing academics, social life, and adjusting to living away from home was overwhelming at times. There can be moments of doubt, especially when deadlines piled up, but leaning on friends, reaching out to professors, and reminding myself why I was here kept me motivated. By the end of the semester, I felt more confident and settled, proud of how much I had achieved both academically and personally. The first semester at AMBS was a transformative experience, full of learning opportunities, personal development, and friendships I’ll carry with me through my university journey and beyond.

Written by Sofia, current BSc International Management student at AMBS

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