It’s hard to believe how quickly the year has flown by. I still remember landing in Manchester with a suitcase full of clothes, a head full of dreams, and no idea how fast everything was about to move. But somehow, between figuring out the bus routes, attending induction events, things started falling into place. Looking back now, I can confidently say it’s been one of the most transformative periods of my life.

One of the biggest highlights for me was receiving the Bicentenary Futures Scholarship. That moment brought a mix of disbelief and gratitude being recognized by the university for my potential was an encouraging start.

Academically, the MSc Finance course has been rigorous but extremely rewarding. From diving deep into Corporate Finance theories to navigating through econometrics models, each module has stretched my thinking in new directions.

From individual assignments to group presentations, the coursework has kept me busy. Some projects felt never-ending at the time, especially when juggling multiple deadlines, but looking back, they pushed me to manage time better and really understand the topics in depth. There were moments of frustration, yes, but also a weird sense of satisfaction when things finally clicked, especially during those late-night study grinds with snacks and Spotify playlists in the background.

One thing I have come to appreciate is how much learning happens outside the lecture halls.

One of the most enriching parts of the year was working as a student consultant for a UK-based healthcare company. Being in a team of students from different courses meant we brought diverse ideas to the table. It was our first time working together, but we bonded over brainstorming sessions, late-night calls, and that shared pressure of delivering something meaningful. The experience was challenging, but it felt like a small glimpse into the real world, and that made it even more exciting.

Being part of societies and student groups has also been a fun part of this journey. I have had the chance to meet people who are just as nerdy about finance as I am (in the best way possible!). It’s been a space where ideas flow freely, and I have learned as much from my peers as from the books.

That being said, it hasn’t all been about academics and assignments. Some of the most memorable moments were the unplanned ones like the joy of walking through Manchester’s parks, trying food from more countries than I can count, or getting lost on walks around the city. I have also learned that it’s perfectly okay to have days where all you want to do is take a breather and binge a comfort show.

This year has been a whirlwind of learning, adapting, and sometimes just surviving deadlines. But through it all, I have grown, not just as a student, but as a person. And as I sit here reflecting, I know that the late-night study sessions, the group project chaos, and even the homesickness have all been part of something bigger. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Written by Aditi, an MSc Finance student at The University of Manchester

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