{"id":7625,"date":"2024-07-17T11:11:15","date_gmt":"2024-07-17T10:11:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humanities-blog\/?p=7625"},"modified":"2024-07-17T11:11:15","modified_gmt":"2024-07-17T10:11:15","slug":"reflections-on-my-university-journey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humanities-blog\/2024\/07\/17\/reflections-on-my-university-journey\/","title":{"rendered":"Reflections on My University Journey"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Dear Asha (four years ago),<\/p>\n

Looking back, there are countless things I wish I had known before starting university. For instance, I never imagined I’d navigate my first year amid a global pandemic, spend a year studying in Sydney, Australia, graduate with a first-class degree in Educational Psychology, or make so many incredible friends and unforgettable memories. While the initial transition was daunting, it’s essential to remember that everyone feels this way at first. The experience is both exciting and intimidating, but choosing to attend the University of Manchester has undoubtedly been the best decision of my life. Despite none of my friends coming with me, the new friendships I formed have broadened my horizons beyond my wildest expectations.<\/p>\n

My first year had a rocky start due to COVID-19, but it also brought unexpected blessings. The shared challenges allowed us to form close bonds quickly, creating a tight-knit group that felt like family. Although it took some time to fully settle in, we eventually found our rhythm. With classes online and many places closed, we eventually got to discover, and found a few great takeaways, Don Tacos is fab for tacos! Finding a house in December was stressful, with tough decisions to make, but trusting my gut led to a perfect outcome.<\/p>\n

Second year stands out as my favourite time in Manchester. I lived in a house with five others, just above a group of ten friends and our evenings were filled with BBQs, drinks and endless laughter. You attended events and listened to live music surrounded by the people you loved. You also took your passion for food to the next level by writing pieces published in the student newspaper! Things got a little harder in regard to workload but you kept a balance with studying, partying and playing for the Medics Netball team, where again you met a group of lovely girls who you remained friends with for the following two years.<\/p>\n

During my second year, I made the bold decision to apply for a study abroad program. It was a monumental choice, filled with excitement and apprehension. The thought of leaving my friends behind and the fear that everything would change whilst I was away was daunting. Nevertheless, I took the plunge, listed my top three choices, and submitted my application. Months later, I received an email that changed everything: I had been accepted into my first choice, the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney!<\/p>\n

The moment I saw the acceptance email, a rush of emotions overwhelmed me. The fear of missing out on life back home was suddenly eclipsed by the thrilling prospect of new adventures on the other side of the world. My journey to Sydney was about to begin, and it promised to be an unforgettable chapter in my university experience.<\/p>\n

Choosing to attend the University of Manchester set off a series of incredible opportunities that have shaped my life in ways I never imagined. Without this decision, I would have never had the chance to study in Australia, which opened the door to traveling to the Philippines and Fiji.<\/p>\n

These experiences were all a direct result of taking that first step to attend university, and I am profoundly grateful for each and every one of them. My journey at Manchester has truly been the catalyst for an unforgettable adventure.<\/p>\n

In your final year, living with new friends and saying goodbye to Manchester, you’ll treasure the memories and growth, realising how far you’ve come since that first uncertain day.<\/p>\n

One bit of advice: relax, enjoy yourself, and don’t be too hard on yourself. University is a journey filled with ups and downs. Some grades might be lower than expected, and fallouts will happen, but you’ll make it through. Embrace the process, cherish the moments, and remember that every challenge is a stepping stone to personal growth and success.<\/p>\n

Written by Asha Lawson – Hayes, a Final Year Educational Psychology Student<\/p>\n

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