After I shared my thoughts on Christmas I thought I’d like to do the same as we usher in the new semester

Now I know it’s probably been an intense few weeks with submission deadlines and exams – and now we await results! But I want you to put your worries in a box and set them aside for at least the length of this letter.

I’ll give you a minute.

Done? Good.

Now, I just want to tell you how amazing it is that you made it through another year. Time flies, you know? So remember to tell yourself that when you find yourself worrying about things this year.

Did you make new year’s resolutions this year? Or did you make a vision board? I am more Team Vision Board, but alas I haven’t found the time to make it yet, but maybe the start of semester can be the start for me.

I read somewhere that at some point in the past a new year would begin from the spring instead of winters, when our bodies are more full of energy to put our resolutions to work. Isn’t that fascinating? I wish someone would break this trend of making resolutions at the start of the year because it logically doesn’t make sense to push yourself to work doubly hard in a time when your body needs rest! Maybe the start of semester is a good time to start then!

Seems a while ago now, but I would love to know how you spent your New Year’s Eve; We tried the Spanish/Latin American tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight However, the next day, my friend realised that we had to do it under a table. Not sure why that is, but it was fun to go on a grape hunt nonetheless. (Was it you who bought the last box of grapes at Tesco?)

I graduate this year and for all those who are graduating with me: Congratulations!

All those who still have more time, I’d say, make the most of this time at the University because there won’t be another place which will feel more like home to you– a home which literally spans over a whole street.

I hope this year you go to more university events, find warm and comforting study spaces on campus and do everything you can to make yourself at home in this University– because there’s always a space for you here. Go to the nice coffee shops on campus (don’t forget your bee cup!), borrow books from the library and just use every small facility that this place can offer because even when you don’t see it, you’re being thought about and you’re being cared for.

I know you’ll unpack the box you set aside soon, so I just want to say I’m super proud of how far you’ve come– literally and figuratively. You’re doing so well, and when it feels like you aren’t, just tell yourself it’s always one day at a time.

All the best and with the heartiest of wishes.