Hi guys, 

Once again, it was really great getting to meet some of you at our last open day. Amongst all of the very impressive and interesting students I was lucky enough to meet, I met a fellow International Baccalaureate student from Italy. For me that was particularly rewarding, as since we share a common starting point, I was able to give him a perspective really relevant to him. All of my discussions with students and their parents made me slightly envious of all of you just starting your journey at university! I’ve enjoyed my time so much here that I wish I could do it all again. You all have so much awaiting you. 

This will be a brief stop in for me, it’s week 19, meaning that my essays are due in by the start of next week. These are the last three pieces of coursework that I will ever write as an undergraduate, which is quite a sad prospect. Nonetheless, once these are submitted, I can focus on revision for summer exams as well as finishing my dissertation. So, although it’s quite sad, the reduced workload at this point is well welcomed. I have made good progress my essays, having set myself a 500 words a day limit. It doesn’t sound like much, but it takes me quite a long time to write, so I have to take this into account when approaching deadlines. Some of you will be able to write thousands of words a day; I know I can’t, so this requires that I keep rigorous check on what I can accomplish within the time limit set; often meaning that I often start my essays before others. I think that it’s really good practice to find out how much you can [realistically] write in a day, so that you can properly schedule yourself, making sure to complete all of the required set reading for the week at the same time. You’ll find out how you work best through trial and error in first year. 

For most of my modules, we’ve covered all of the material that we will be examined on in the summer term, meaning that week ten is spared for revision and general questions, which is really useful before being set free over easter to revise. Revision sessions are a great opportunity for clarification on topics you aren’t confident with, as well as a chance to delve deeper into subtopics which might’ve been missed. 

What have I been up to? Well, on Wednesday I went to an open mic night at The WaterWitch, which was really enjoyable. There seems to be a lot of support for the arts here in Lancaster, which as a musician I think is a really beautiful thing. I have only been out a few times, since the deadlines have taken priority over socialising for the past few weeks. Nonetheless, I always take time for myself most mornings in the gym, because I find that working out kills two birds with one stone: it is a positive time to focus on yourself with no distractions, and it sets you up for the rest of the day, [ironically] giving you the energy to focus on your studies. 

I’m definitely ready for a break, I must say I am really relieved my essays are almost done with. I’m mostly excited to be able to focus on revising now, as I really enjoy independent study and having the opportunity to read deeper into the material with supplementary texts, without deadlines hanging over my head. This is kind of like the artistic license you are allowed in formulating your own personal responses to queries raised by the topics throughout term; the opportunity to be truly expressive and creative. I think this is what I enjoy most about exams: being ready to respond to the question at hand, having formulated an interesting and personal response; really proving the time and effort you’ve dedicated to synthesising it. 

Easter I’m taking a week for myself before getting heavy into the revision. At the end of week 10 I’m going straight to London to meet one of my closest friends, and from there on to Dublin, where we’re going to visit the Jameson Distillery and the Guinness Factory [on the same day]… we have connoisseur experience tickets… it should definitely be an interesting one [to say the least], and a very well earned break. I’ve promised to put the work away for the week, and I feel ok with doing this having scheduled myself well throughout term with regards to dissertation etc. Also, I’ve just booked flights to LA for the 12th – 19th June, my last exam is on the 6th June, so its definitely something to look forward to! I have a cousin who lives there, and as some of you might know (if you’ve seen mine and Michael’s speech at the open days,) this will be my second time visiting her. Exciting times ahead!

Good luck everyone with your summertime exams and preparation. But most importantly make sure to find time for yourself amongst all the stress. 

Ellie