{"id":8858,"date":"2025-06-13T09:18:49","date_gmt":"2025-06-13T08:18:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humanities-blog\/?p=8858"},"modified":"2025-06-13T09:20:30","modified_gmt":"2025-06-13T08:20:30","slug":"five-things-i-wish-i-had-known-before-starting-my-undergraduate-degree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humanities-blog\/2025\/06\/13\/five-things-i-wish-i-had-known-before-starting-my-undergraduate-degree\/","title":{"rendered":"Five Things I Wish I Had Known Before Starting My Undergraduate Degree"},"content":{"rendered":"

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As my fourth year of studying BSc (Hons) Accounting in The University of Manchester is coming up, I have had time to reflect on the version of myself who was about to start the university journey like you. Here are some things that I wish I had known before my undergraduate journey began:<\/p>\n

1. University is not just about exams.<\/h2>\n

When I arrived, I thought academic success was the only thing that mattered, but university life is a lot broader than that. Over time, I discovered that getting involved in activities outside the lecture hall \u2014 from joining clubs to volunteering and participating in events \u2014 was just as important. These experiences allowed me to grow personally, build self-confidence, and develop skills like communication and leadership that are essential for life after graduation. If I\u2019d realised this sooner, I would have jumped into these opportunities earlier instead of just focusing on exams.<\/p>\n

2. Be open to everyone.<\/h2>\n

One of the best things about studying at The University of Manchester is the incredibly diverse student community. I have seen how much I have gained from simply chatting with people from different backgrounds. Whether it\u2019s learning about a new culture over lunch, discussing a business issue in a seminar, or hearing different perspectives in group projects, every interaction has broadened my horizons. In Accounting, understanding different cultural and economic contexts is vital, and you start building that understanding here. You don\u2019t have to be close friends with everyone, but showing respect and being open to learning from others makes a world of difference.<\/p>\n

3. It\u2019s okay to not have all the answers to everything.<\/h2>\n

When I started, I felt pressured to decide on a specific career path \u2014 audit, tax, consulting, or finance \u2014 almost immediately. But university is the perfect place to explore. By joining societies, applying for internships, and simply chatting with classmates and professors, I realised there are so many paths open to me. For example, I did a Risk placement as a modelling analyst, working on data analysis and coding, and it turned out to be an area I genuinely enjoy. That experience showed me that even if you start with one goal, it\u2019s okay to shift as you learn more about yourself and what excites you.<\/p>\n

4. You will not be alone.<\/h2>\n

One of the greatest strengths of the University of Manchester is the vast support network available to students. From academic advisors who can guide you through course choices to mental health services that help with wellbeing, there\u2019s always someone willing to lend a hand. Even your fellow students and peer mentors are there to share their experiences and advice. If I\u2019d known about all the support available, I would have felt a lot more comfortable asking for help \u2014 it would have saved me a lot of stress in those first months.<\/p>\n

5. Money disappears faster than you think.<\/h2>\n

Living independently means managing your own budget, and costs can add up fast: rent, groceries, socialising, travel, and textbooks can quickly drain your funds. I wish I\u2019d learned earlier how to track my spending using budgeting apps or spreadsheets to stay on top of things. Budgeting isn\u2019t just about saving money; it\u2019s about giving yourself peace of mind and making sure you can enjoy your time at university without constantly worrying about finances.<\/p>\n

Looking back, university has been about so much more than just studying. It\u2019s been a journey of discovering who I am, meeting amazing people, and growing in ways I never expected. Don\u2019t be afraid \u2014 one day, you\u2019ll look back and realise how far you\u2019ve come. Make the most of every opportunity \u2014 you\u2019ve got this!<\/p>\n

Written by Zixuan, a current BSc Accounting student at AMBS<\/strong><\/p>\n

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