Starting the Second Year

Fuelled by a four-month summer, I felt ready to come back to Bristol late September in order to get the new year under way. How did I feel about second year?? A bit nervous! But the slight nerves were over-ridden by excitement to be back with all my friends, move into our new house, and be starting modules that I have selected myself and so seem especially interesting.

This year there is sadly no longer that ever-present phrase in first year – “it’s first year, it doesn’t count” – instead, most assignments contribute to our overall mark which then forms part of our final degree grade. As I am studying the 4-year Liberal Arts course (with third year abroad and fourth year doing a masters), this year’s weighting is not as significant but the last year counts for 75%. Despite relieving some of the pressure of this year, I have realised the importance of establishing a good work ethic early on in order to be as prepared as possible as the years go on. Doing my best this year will hopefully also minutely reduce the time spent being a hermit or having to take up full-time residence in the ASS library in fourth year.

Having now been in lectures for two weeks, I have realised how enthusiastic I feel about my modules given that we have had so much choice this year compared to first year where it is necessary to complete pre-requisites for later years. I am also going to attempt certain strategies to remain more on top of my work as the year goes on, such as setting myself earlier deadlines than the actual ones in order to give myself more time to ensure I have enough time to edit and finish my work. I am aware that all my current plans may be those of a slightly overly optimistic freshly started second year, but hopefully I will be able to maintain at least some as the year goes on!

– Emily