Second year in Durham

Durham has, as well as in Oxbridge, collegiate system, which enables all first year students to live in. It is in second year, when people move out – still remaining a member of college, but living independently. Year I spent in St. Aidan's College was great, I get to know quite a few people from 300 freshers and joined many activities, including college societies and sport clubs. Academically first year was also quite straightforward – only one out of 6 modules was elective, the rest was already chosen for me.

Second year is completely different. I live together with four friends of mine in a small house and I slowly get to know benefits and downsides of living out. From buying and cooking food to paying the bills. So far it is going quite well, even though it was not until now when I realised how convenient the college life was.

Academically speaking second year differs a lot as well. My course – PPE – has certain rules and some modules are still obligatory, but I am free to choose most of them and also partially specialise, which was not possible in first year. I made use of this and decided to focus a bit more on economics and philosophy. Although it seems that dissertation will be due in about 2 years, I already determine the topic of it by my module choice now. I am not entirely decided yet but I am most likely to end up with dissertation in either monetary economics or philosophy of economics.

I also have more work in extra-curricular activities. In my first year I was holding back a bit and observed the situation, but in this year I have decided to get involved. It turned out that both my applications were successful and I was elected both President of the Free Market Association and Treasurer of the PPE society. That means additional couple of hours of work per week, but so far I enjoy this work thoroughly and it is pleasant change to regular academic work. What's more, it allows me to meet many truly inspiring people, both students and academicians.

Generally second year seems to be a lot calmer, compared to the first year I already know Durham quite well and can actually feel here like at home. But I can feel the pressure rising slowly. While the first year was rather introductory, now we are getting in more advanced material and the exams at the end of this year will also count towards our degree, not to mention the dissertation getting closer and closer. But it is probably the natural development, in the same way the first year differs from high school, second year is not the same as the first one. Better, worse? Cannot really judge, but definitely absorbing!