Christmas brings the end to a hectic first term which was all about getting settled in Manchester, making new friends, understanding the importance of time management to manage between job applications and academic studies.
This winter break, however, will be very different to the winter breaks I have had during my undergraduate degree. This is because the final exams for first semester modules begin straight after the winter break making it more of a study break. I have already started preparing for my exams well in advance as I will be flying out to India over Christmas. This is particularly the time when you should make the most of your friendships you have made in your course and organise study sessions to make sure both you and your friends are ahead of your targets and this will eventually help you to enjoy the holiday period later on.
In terms of job applications, December tends to be a month where most graduate scheme deadlines close. It is a relatively quiet month due to holidays and students can easily spend their time on exam preparations and travelling. However, the careers service as usual has been of the utmost help advising you on every possible problem you might face during your applications. Having spent most of my time at Alliance MBS and the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons in order to complete group works, exam revision and other assignments it has also been a month whereas a student you get to experience the best of Manchester. The city is lit up, everyone is in a holiday mood and I have been out to several places in Manchester. This included bar crawls, visiting the Etihad for a Champions League match and Junkyard Golf.
My only advice for new students will be to make sure that you guys plan well ahead to make the most out of your student life during the Christmas period.
