The second (dear) year

As the end of September approached, I started packing up my suitcases and saying goodbye to my family and friends; it was time to get back to university, of course in the UK. The start of the second year was much easier than in the first year. In particular because I know how to do things, where to find what I need, who to ask for help or advice, where to shop, and – importantly – I had my friends there right from the start.

Unlike last year when I lived in a dorm, three friends and I are now renting a cozy row house. It’s a little far from the university, so I take long walks to and from classes every day, but it’s close to the sea so I go to the beach and watch the mighty and frigid waves.

I haven’t noticed any major changes at school over the past few days, but I think they’re yet to come. I suppose so, because I understand, from older students’ accounts, that the second year is truly much more difficult than the first year. For now, the names of subjects have changed, and so has their content: Monetary Economics and Policy, Finance and Risk Management, Applied Finance Techniques, International Financial Economics, Corporate Analysis a Case Study Analysis; some professors have changed; and the essay assignments have substantially gained in length as well.

We’re not taking any exams from two of the subjects this year; the evaluation is based fully on all-year projects, which our professors grade based on our presentations and essays. For example, as a team of four students we are asked to devise a new form of a fast-food chain and to describe how we would form the business, including the financing from our sources and various funds. The evaluation in other subjects is based on a final exam, which usually takes three hours and accounts for 50% to 70% of the total grade, and homework.

I spend most of my leisure time at home or in the library, reading, studying, going to classes, or watching a movie with friends. I started taking evening Spanish classes this year; I always look forward to a lesson for the friendly and pleasant atmosphere that others create there. Sometimes I feel like I don’t move enough, so I go jogging or walk the streets and beach with friends. At this point, though, I spend most of my time looking for a paid job, which I need to cover all my extra costs. Along with that, I am looking into volunteering where I could develop skills usable in my field, or just simply help those who need it.