As any other student going into their last year, a pandemic was last on our minds. As I prepare myself for a year of exams, coursework and group work, I knew my end goal was to complete my degree at the fullest. You may ask, ‘how different was it when lockdown happened during your last semester at University?’ It was a complete turn-around. Who thought my last ever lecture on a Friday at 10 am would be my last? It’s ironic at how close I was from ditching the lesson too! Looking back, I’m glad I decided to go and regret the times in the past I have ditched. You never know how valuable getting up and early in the morning to leave for campus until you lose the chance of going again.
As the weeks descend into lockdown over the country, emails after emails informing that all my modules will now be online felt surreal. The most surreal feeling was knowing my exams were in the comfort of my home. Everything evolved from paper to digital. My exams were extended from 2 hours to 3, giving me more time to complete the examination in my time. You may be thinking ‘well, surely it’s easier for you to get a first? You have access to the internet and more time?’ Part of that is true, yes, I do more time however, the more time spent googling for answers than preparing, only wastes valuable in quality answers. Also, to add in the fact, exams were harder due to having planned notes in front of me. It was also more satisfying knowing I achieved a first-class grade in my exams using nothing but my detailed planning and notes beside me.
During these times, it was a test of my ability to lay out a schedule and be organised. Usually, they are given to students, when to come to a lecture, when to revise or start a piece of coursework, but not this year. It was a glimpse into my life outside of university, a chance for me to get a head start; to be able to juggle workload from my Marketing degree, but also to maintain my mental health during quarantine. After all this, I take away one thing that I remind myself with every day: never take anything for granted as it can easily be taken away from you.
With that, I wish all new and existing students starting their journey at University in September all the best on their road to becoming graduates.