{"id":8747,"date":"2025-05-23T08:30:34","date_gmt":"2025-05-23T07:30:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humanities-blog\/?p=8747"},"modified":"2025-05-27T09:24:38","modified_gmt":"2025-05-27T08:24:38","slug":"five-things-i-wish-i-had-known-before-starting-my-postgraduate-degree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humanities-blog\/2025\/05\/23\/five-things-i-wish-i-had-known-before-starting-my-postgraduate-degree\/","title":{"rendered":"Five Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Postgraduate Degree"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” fullwidth=”on” next_background_color=”#000000″ global_module=”322″][et_pb_fullwidth_menu global_parent=”322″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ menu_id=”8″ submenu_direction=”downwards” fullwidth_menu=”off” module_class=”main-navigation” background_layout=”dark” \/][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”off” specialty=”on” prev_background_color=”#000000″ next_background_color=”#1d1d1d”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ specialty_columns=”2″][et_pb_row_inner locked=”off”][et_pb_column_inner type=”4_4″ saved_specialty_column_type=”2_3″][et_pb_post_title _builder_version=”3.0.106″ title=”on” meta=”on” author=”on” date=”on” categories=”on” comments=”on” featured_image=”on” featured_placement=”above” text_color=”dark” text_background=”off” locked=”on” parent_locked=”off” \/][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_layout=”light” parent_locked=”off”]<\/p>\n

Embarking on a postgraduate degree is such an exhilarating adventure, filled with both challenges and delightful surprises! I thought I had it all planned out, but life had a few unexpected twists in store for me. Reflecting on my journey, I\u2019m excited to share five key lessons I wish I had discovered sooner\u2014my hope is that they\u2019ll guide future students on their own adventures with a bit more ease and joy! <\/p>\n

1. Embracing the Academic Transition is a Journey<\/h2>\n

Transitioning from a different education system, I anticipated some adjustments, but I didn’t quite realise just how unique the UK’s academic style would be! The focus on self-directed research, critical analysis, and precise referencing felt like a whole new adventure compared to what I was used to! To be honest, my first semester grades were disappointing, especially considering that I had placed first in my undergraduate class. It took me a whole semester to adjust, but by the second term, I had made almost 40% progress.<\/p>\n

Lesson learned: Early setbacks don\u2019t have to define who you are! Seek out feedback, join in on workshops, and embrace the journey!<\/em><\/p>\n

2. Loneliness Can Feel Heavy in Quiet Spaces<\/h2>\n

My flatmates and I floated around like friendly spirits\u2014gliding past each other in the kitchen with a smile, even if we didn\u2019t say a word. After enjoying the lively atmosphere of dorm life with friends always nearby, the quiet in my UK accommodation felt a bit lonely. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I miss those delightful chats over shared meals!<\/p>\n

Lesson learned: If your flat isn\u2019t buzzing with social vibes, go out and find those connections in other places! Come together in societies, share a laugh with classmates after lectures, or even kick off a fun study group!<\/em><\/p>\n

3. Financial Realities: Surprised by the Impact!<\/h2>\n

I was fortunate to land a part-time job, but with just a few hours each week, it wasn\u2019t quite enough to bring my finances into balance. I’m so grateful that I’ve always had a knack for budgeting! It definitely had its challenges, but I made it work. What\u2019s one of my biggest sacrifices? I’m reducing my dining out adventures! As someone who loves food, it was quite a challenge to resist the allure of restaurants while trying to stick to my budget!<\/p>\n

Lesson learned: It’s so important to get your finances in order ahead of time, and if you can, creating a little savings cushion before diving into your degree can really set you up for success!<\/em><\/p>\n

4. A Clever Approach to Managing Your Workload<\/h2>\n

While many of my friends waited until the last minute, I joyfully dove into my exam preparations a whole month ahead of time! This allowed me to review materials at a relaxed pace, steer clear of all-nighters, and still have fun weekends discovering Manchester. Even though my course workload was a bit lighter than some of my friends’, this disciplined approach really helped me keep stress away!<\/p>\n

Lesson learned: sticking to a routine is way more effective than last-minute rushes! Just a little bit of daily review, like 1-2 hours, can really make a difference over time!<\/em> <\/p>\n

5. Cooking Skills Are Truly a Blessing!<\/h2>\n

If I had to give advice to any international student, it would be to learn how to prepare your favourite home dishes before you relocate. I didn\u2019t, and although I\u2019ve grown into a decent cook, those early months without those authentic flavours were quite the challenge! Cooking at home is a delightful way to save some cash while also chasing away those feelings of homesickness! What a valuable lesson to take away! Embrace the joy of mastering a few go-to recipes it\u2019s a delightful little effort that brings comfort and savings your way!<\/p>\n

Wrapping Up<\/h2>\n

My postgraduate journey was quite the adventure, filled with its fair share of highs and lows! Each challenge brought along a valuable lesson that I truly cherish. For anyone getting ready for starting on their journey: a little research goes a long way, but be prepared for some surprises along the way\u2014and don\u2019t forget, you\u2019ll blossom through each experience! Keep your spirits high, take initiative, and why not have some fun in the kitchen before you head out!<\/p>\n

Written by Sharon, an MSc\u00a0International Human Resource Management and Comparative Industrial Relations student\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_post_nav _builder_version=”3.0.106″ in_same_term=”off” show_prev=”on” show_next=”on” prev_text=”Previous” next_text=”Next” locked=”on” parent_locked=”off” \/][et_pb_comments _builder_version=”3.0.106″ show_avatar=”on” show_reply=”on” show_count=”on” background_layout=”light” header_font_size_tablet=”51″ header_line_height_tablet=”2″ custom_button=”on” button_icon_placement=”right” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_use_icon=”off” locked=”on” parent_locked=”off” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_size__hover=”null” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover=”null” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover=”null” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover=”null” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover=”null” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover=”null” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover=”null” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover=”null” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover=”null” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover=”null” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover=”null” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover=”null” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover=”null” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover=”null” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover=”null” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover=”null” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover=”null” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover=”null” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”Related posts” _builder_version=”3.0.106″ background_layout=”light” locked=”on” parent_locked=”off”]<\/p>\n

Related<\/h1>\n\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_sidebar _builder_version=”3.0.106″ area=”sidebar-1″ orientation=”left” show_border=”off” background_layout=”light” locked=”on” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Connect Title” custom_padding=”0px||0px|” _builder_version=”3.0.90″ background_color=”#1d1d1d” module_class=”footer-section” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” global_module=”380″][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” global_parent=”380″ locked=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” parallax_1=”off” parallax_method_1=”off” parallax_2=”off” parallax_method_2=”off” parallax_3=”off” parallax_method_3=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” use_custom_gutter=”off” make_equal=”off” module_id=”footer-row” _builder_version=”3.0.89″][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Contact Us Title” global_parent=”380″ background_layout=”dark” text_text_color=”#ffffff” parent_locked=”off” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”]<\/p>\n

Contact Us<\/h4>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Contact Us” global_parent=”380″ text_text_color=”#aaaaaa” parent_locked=”off” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” module_class=”contact-us” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”]<\/p>\n

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

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Find Us Title” global_parent=”380″ background_layout=”dark” text_text_color=”#ffffff” parent_locked=”off” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”]<\/p>\n

Find Us<\/h4>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Address” global_parent=”380″ background_layout=”dark” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” module_id=”address” parent_locked=”off” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”]<\/p>\n

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

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Connect Title” global_parent=”380″ background_layout=”dark” text_text_color=”#ffffff” parent_locked=”off” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”]<\/p>\n

Connect With Us<\/h4>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code admin_label=”Social Media” global_parent=”380″ parent_locked=”off” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n