Your first semester is done. Phew. But now comes another challenge: semester two. The same again? Not quite — at least it wasn’t for me.

If you’re struggling to navigate the return to uni, know you’re not alone. Here’s my experience of semester one compared with semester two.

The main differences

My first semester felt more relaxed. Everyone was a bit unsure — unsure how to act, unsure where that lecture theatre was, unsure what could officially be classed as a healthy ‘I’m cooking on my own’ dinner. Even when it didn’t always feel like it, everyone was in the same boat, which meant there was less pressure to ‘get it right’.

That said, my first semester was difficult because I was in a whole new place, meeting new people and doing new things. At the same time, it was exciting and fun for exactly those reasons. It was full of new experiences — many of which I’m only just beginning to fully appreciate.

By semester two, I was more accustomed to my surroundings. I started to really think of Manchester as my home. The people and places had all become — crucially — that bit more familiar. Coming back to Manchester, everything felt a little easier, more natural, and less stressful. Semester two was still exciting, but in new ways. My friendships felt more solid, I mostly knew where to go for different lectures, and I had some semblance of a routine that I was comfortable with.

Is it really that different?

Well, yes and no.

In semester one, everything is new and can be difficult to navigate. By semester two, you’re a bit more sure of yourself. That said, uni is still uni.

What’s important to remember is that the things you found difficult in semester one don’t magically disappear in semester two. Luckily, as you move through the semesters, you learn how to deal with challenges and where to go for support.

For example, my course got harder, but I knew more people on it to talk things through with, and I felt more confident accessing the resources I needed. I also had a better sense of what I liked to do, where I liked to go, and who I liked to spend time with to relax and enjoy my student life in Manchester.

The gap between semesters

I’m not going to lie — I found the gap between semesters hard. Coming back to Manchester for semester two was difficult. Quite frankly, I didn’t really want to.

The first three months had felt like a holiday. I’d had fun, met lots of people, and experienced so many new things that I thought I’d be quite happy to leave uni there. Of course, once I came back, I really enjoyed myself. My friendships became even stronger, and I learnt to better appreciate all the amazing opportunities that uni — and my life here — has to offer.

Embrace the rollercoaster

For me, first year was something of a rollercoaster. Yes, there were tough days and what felt like an endless onslaught of work. But really, it was about learning new information, making friends, having fun, and remembering that it is, after all, ‘only uni’.

My advice would be to throw yourself into things — you don’t yet know what could come from them. Embrace everything as it comes and say yes to as many things as you want to. At the same time, don’t be afraid to say no if you’re just not feeling it. This is a unique time in your life, and as my dad said to me before I left, you might as well make the most of it.

PS: Beyond first year…

Returning for semester one of second year felt like semester two of my first year. Now, as I return for semester two, I’m not really nervous at all — I’m excited for the freedom that uni gives me. That’s not to say my mum coming into my room at 10am and being aghast that I’m still in bed is a bad thing — just that I won’t miss it, for sure.

Each semester has been different, but good in its own way. And as for year three? I’ll let you know.