My Journey to the University of Manchester – Kareena Gandhi
When I first pictured UoM, I imagined red-brick buildings, buzzing student life and a degree that would open doors. What I hadn’t expected, was how much it would change me.

The open day that sold me
It was grey and drizzly, but I walked around campus excited for each stop on the itinerary. Every member of staff I spoke to was funny and happy to chat: lecturers joking about the rain, ambassadors telling chaotic stories about their first weeks. The atmosphere was so joyful that the gloomy sky barely registered. I remember thinking, “These are the people I want to learn from.” Choosing Manchester felt less like a decision and more like a feeling.

Getting here
The application process tested me. I went through a zillion versions of my personal statement, frustrated that everyone I asked had a different opinion; Get a few trusted people’s feedback, then be brave and say, “This is my final product.” While waiting on offers, I wondered whether I was good enough, and each rejection brought more impending doom. But there are so many paths you can take – you’re only stuck if you choose not to move. When I opened UCAS and saw Manchester had offered me a place, I was thrilled and relieved. My A-Levels suffered slightly as I day-dreamed about how I’d decorate my room.

A city where you can be yourself
The beauty of Manchester is that it’s a melting pot. You hear different languages on the bus, eat food from every corner of the world and meet people whose lives look nothing like yours. This diversity makes it a safe place to grow, and I’ve come into my own here far more than I expected. Dress how you want, be who you want to be. You’ll find people who love you for it.

Bumpy moments
Thrown in at the deep end: I came from a small school where everyone knew everyone, so moving to a massive university (biggest student union in the UK btw) felt overwhelming. Lecture halls full of strangers and mosh-pit-esque society fairs left me intimidated. But retrospectively, I’d rather face that now than later, when I might be balancing a new career in a big new place. I took things one day at a time and gradually started calling Manchester “home”.
Loneliness: Everyone on socials seemed to find their best friends on day one, and I didn’t. I spent time in my flat’s communal areas and volunteered with Girl Guides, which gave me purpose and friends outside my course. Remember that groups in the wider community count too. I didn’t join any societies in first year, but I’m much more involved now in second year, so have faith if it takes time.
The weather: The rain is real, but good people and laughter make any weather feel bright. Pack a decent coat, make sure your backpack is waterproof, and prepare for how you will nonchalantly deal with your umbrella turning inside out because it will happen. I’m not joking.

What I’ve learned
My journey hasn’t been what I expected. Some moments felt brochure-worthy; others made me doubt whether I should stay. The tougher moments taught me resilience, independence and the importance of asking for help (the Uni has SO MANY places to find guidance). The good moments reminded me why I wanted this so badly.
If you’re thinking about studying at Manchester…go to an open day, be kind to yourself, stay curious and don’t compare your behind-the-scenes to everyone else’s Freshers montage. You will find your people, your place and your pace.

Written by Kareena Gandhi

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