My first term at Lancaster University will soon come to an end. I still remember driving down the main road the first time I saw the "Lancaster University" sign on a sunny day. Time has certainly flown by, but these weeks have been packed with countless incredible experiences and valuable lessons.

The first month at Lancaster University was a whirlwind of activities. With all the research, I had been well-informed that the first few weeks at Lancaster were enervating because students had so much work to do. However, no one mentioned that the work would also include visits to Lancaster Castle, group karaoke, bingo nights, pumpkin carving, a day trip to York, the Lancaster Light Festival, and so much more. Although I had feared that homesickness might take over, I was instead left happily exhausted from diving into some of the best experiences of my life.

At LUMS, studying in the Department of Accounting and Finance is all about hands-on learning. In the MSc Investment Management and Financial Analysis program, we work with real company data using platforms like Bloomberg and Eikon, giving us practical experience directly relevant to the industry. Here, we are not spoon-fed; we are expected to apply what we learn. Every week, we face Sunday deadlines for worksheets and quizzes based on the programming languages we are learning, and checking "Is your code running?" has become a norm! What I truly appreciate, though, is that I'm never left on my own. The lectures are always supported by workshops, drop-in sessions where I can clarify any points I am unsure of, and seminars like financial modelling, where we interact with experts and dive deeper into real-world applications.

LUMS also offers career drop-in sessions, career assessment mock interviews, and financial events organised by the Investment and Finance Society, giving us the guidance and opportunities we need to confidently step into the industry. My experience has been a perfect blend of academics, social activities, and personal growth. Whether it’s playing Jeopardy in class to learn new topics in teams, unwinding at events like Sip and paint, Garba Night, Eco Hub (nature-based crafting), or the Winter Ball after intense academic sessions, every moment has been enriching.

Every day, I feel I’ve made the right choice. I wanted a degree that goes beyond theory, and LUMS has given me just that—practical skills that set me apart. I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved and learned, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead!

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