From being a high school student at a school by the ocean in tropical Mombasa to a first-year student at the University of Manchester’s- Alliance Manchester Business School, this was quite obviously one of the largest transitions in my life. It wasn’t simply a change of school or a change of curriculum but rather a step up in life, a new academic culture, social environment and way of life in general. When I look back at my first few weeks, I realise how many small adjustments shaped the way I settled into university.

Academically, it’s a major transition in the sense that back at school, the rhythm is very clear and predictable- same classrooms, morning assemblies, fixed weekly timetables etc. In school, teachers know your name, your strengths and your weaknesses and they often push you personally, watching you grow year after year. Then I came to Manchester, and everything was different in a good way, we didn’t have classrooms with a capacity of 30 students anymore, we had lecture theatres with capacities of over 500 students, and still sometimes you’d struggle to find a seat! Instead of teachers explaining exactly what to revise, I now had reading lists, Kortext, recommended texts, and seminars that expected me to come prepared. It took me a while to realise that university independence isn’t a test- it’s a skill you slowly develop. No one is watching over your shoulder, so you have to learn to watch over yourself.

Socially, the transition felt surprisingly smooth because Manchester is such a diverse city. In my first few weeks alone, I met people from Turkey, Cyprus, South Africa, India, Dubai, Jordan, Canada etc- and even a few fellow East Africans, which instantly made things feel familiar. Seminars helped a lot because you’re actually talking to people instead of just sitting in a lecture hall, and societies were a great way to meet others who share your interests. Bit by bit, those interactions turned into real friendships, and slowly, I built a circle that made the city feel warmer and a lot less overwhelming.

Then there was the weather- from white sand to white snow. Nothing back home prepares you for your first Manchester winter. Besides the rain, the early sunsets also took getting used to. But over time, I started (low-key) appreciating the cosy side of UK winters- cafés, Christmas markets, and the feeling of earning your rest after walking to class in the cold, and most probably coming home drenched.

Living independently was another big step. You’re doing everything yourself. Shopping, budgeting, laundry, cleaning- all on top of coursework. It felt chaotic at first, but it also taught me more about myself than any class could. Ultimately, transitioning from school to university taught me resilience, independence, and confidence. It wasn’t a smooth or instant adjustment, but it was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. I’ve grown into someone who knows how to navigate different cultures, manage myself, and truly feel at home in a new country.

Written by Maaher Bhaloo, a current BSc IBFE student.

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