{"id":10995,"date":"2026-11-06T11:59:23","date_gmt":"2026-11-06T11:59:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humanities-blog\/?p=10995"},"modified":"2026-11-06T11:59:50","modified_gmt":"2026-11-06T11:59:50","slug":"my-journey-to-the-university-of-manchester","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humanities-blog\/2026\/11\/06\/my-journey-to-the-university-of-manchester\/","title":{"rendered":"My Journey to the University of Manchester"},"content":{"rendered":"

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My Journey to the University of Manchester \u2013 Kareena Gandhi<\/strong>
When I first pictured UoM, I imagined red-brick buildings, buzzing student life and a degree that would open doors. What I hadn\u2019t expected, was how much it would change me.<\/p>\n

The open day that sold me<\/strong>
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, \u201cThese are the people I want to learn from.\u201d Choosing Manchester felt less like a decision and more like a feeling.<\/p>\n

Getting here<\/strong>
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\u2019s feedback, then be brave and say, \u201cThis is my final product.\u201d 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\u2019re 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\u2019d decorate my room.<\/p>\n

A city where you can be yourself<\/strong>
The beauty of Manchester is that it\u2019s 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\u2019ve come into my own here far more than I expected. Dress how you want, be who you want to be. You\u2019ll find people who love you for it.<\/p>\n

Bumpy moments<\/strong>
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\u2019d 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 \u201chome\u201d.
Loneliness: Everyone on socials seemed to find their best friends on day one, and I didn\u2019t. I spent time in my flat\u2019s 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\u2019t join any societies in first year, but I\u2019m 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\u2019m not joking.<\/p>\n

What I\u2019ve learned<\/strong>
My journey hasn\u2019t 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\u2019re thinking about studying at Manchester\u2026go to an open day, be kind to yourself, stay curious and don\u2019t compare your behind-the-scenes to everyone else\u2019s Freshers montage. You will find your people, your place and your pace.<\/p>\n

Written by Kareena Gandhi<\/p>\n

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+44 (0) 161 306 6000<\/p>\n

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The University of Manchester
Oxford Rd
Manchester
M13 9PL
UK<\/a><\/p>\n

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