{"id":8926,"date":"2025-07-04T10:09:48","date_gmt":"2025-07-04T09:09:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humanities-blog\/?p=8926"},"modified":"2025-07-04T10:09:48","modified_gmt":"2025-07-04T09:09:48","slug":"reflecting-on-the-academic-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humanities-blog\/2025\/07\/04\/reflecting-on-the-academic-year\/","title":{"rendered":"Reflecting on the academic year"},"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

As the academic year comes to an end, I\u2019ve been taking a moment to pause and reflect on the milestones, personal growth, and everything that has shaped the past few months.<\/p>\n

Final year has been a mix of stress and comfort\u2014which may sound contradictory, but here\u2019s why: I have fewer lectures, yet more workload, group projects, and exams. However, after living in Manchester for the past three years, I\u2019ve built a life here. I have my friends, hobbies, societies, and a solid understanding of how things work. Still, I\u2019ve had to meticulously plan my daily schedule to balance both academics and personal time.<\/p>\n

At the start of the year, I set some personal goals such as joining more societies, learning new skills, stepping out of my comfort zone, and making time for myself. I\u2019ve achieved many of them and am still working on the rest. One of my biggest lessons this year has been the value of making new connections, seizing opportunities, and trying new things\u2014even alone.<\/p>\n

I attended a summer school in Spain for a month in my second year, where I met amazing people who\u2019ve become close friends. Since then, we\u2019ve travelled across Europe together and shared countless memories through day trips and activities in Manchester. These are experiences I never imagined myself having before coming here.<\/p>\n

Academically, this year pushed me more than ever. I chose modules with 100% in-person exams, and there were moments I questioned whether I had picked the right course. Thankfully, platforms like Piazza reminded me I wasn\u2019t alone. I\u2019m grateful for the support of my lecturers, course mates, and academic advisor. One of the most rewarding experiences was joining study groups, helping each other out and eventually celebrating together when we all achieved a First in one of our modules.<\/p>\n

Beyond the classroom, I\u2019ve continued expanding my involvement. I joined new societies, took on a few committee roles, and earned hours toward my Stellify Award. I\u2019m proud to say I\u2019ve volunteered over 260 hours during my time in Manchester. As a student ambassador, I\u2019ve met prospective students, parents, and visitors\u2014sharing my experience, giving campus tours, and helping them envision life at the University of Manchester. It\u2019s incredibly fulfilling to see how even small conversations can ease someone\u2019s worries about moving abroad or choosing the right course.<\/p>\n

Socially, this has been one of my most active years. In fact, I\u2019ve only spent two full days at home so far! I joined the International Society, went on day trips across the UK, tried new sports like bouldering and pickleball, and enjoyed board game nights with friends. I feel deeply grateful to be surrounded by like-minded people who feel like family. They\u2019ve been my support system when things felt overwhelming, and the reason ordinary days often felt extraordinary.<\/p>\n

Looking back, this year has been intense but incredibly meaningful. From academic achievements to personal milestones, I\u2019ve grown in ways I never anticipated. As I wrap up this chapter, I carry with me a heart full of gratitude and excitement for what\u2019s ahead.<\/p>\n

To those reading this, whether you\u2019re just beginning your university journey, midway through, or nearing the end, I sincerely wish you all the best. Embrace the challenges, enjoy the small moments, and take every opportunity that comes your way. You never know where it might lead you.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Written by Shannon, studying BSc International Business, Finance and Economics<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/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