As the exam season draws to a close, we’re getting ready to gear up for the second semester. The second semester at Surrey is the longer of the two semesters and is also when the final exams take place, making it a very significant part of the academic year. On the bright side, by the Easter break, the nights get shorter, the days get longer, and the temperatures start to rise as we head into the Spring and Summer seasons. In this blog, I will be exploring some of the events to look forward to this semester as well as some tips to stay on top of things academically.
In the first week of the semester, the Re- freshers fair takes place and students who’ve just joined us can find out all about the clubs and societies which the university has to offer. It is also a chance for returning students to consider joining new societies if they want a new challenge or experience this semester.
February is also the month of love… or so I’m told. Every year, societies host some interesting speed dating game shows, which usually see large crowds turning up. So make sure to get your tickets early if you’d like to attend! Notable Valentine’s Day Events include the African Caribbean Society’s Annual ‘ Take me Out ‘ and the East and Southern African Society’s ‘ Chasing Cupid ‘.
As the lectures and seminars roll on, the weather warms up slightly, and we head into the end of the sports season for Team Surrey. In March, the season comes to a close with the annual ‘ Varsity ‘ Fixtures, where Surrey goes head-to-head against our biggest rival, Royal Holloway.
Towards the end of the semester, the lake becomes vibrant again, with food trucks and drink stalls setting up in the afternoons. This becomes a very pleasant place to relax and enjoy the slightly warmer weather at that time of the year.
On the academic and professional side, the second semester can also be a bit more stressful than the first. For those who have applied for or are looking for internships and other work opportunities during the summer, this is the time when you may start hearing back from the companies you have applied to. This can often be a difficult and stressful time, especially if you do not get the roles you are looking for.
My advice is to start looking for opportunities as early as possible. Whether it’s a part-time job over the summer or professional work experience, getting your application in early can reduce stress and help you change your plans in time should you have to change them.
For those who have already applied for internships specifically, the second semester usually presents itself with interviews and assessment centres. Again, as you get to these later stages of the application process, the stakes get high, so can anxiety and stress levels. Remember to prepare and stay calm. Ultimately, at this stage in your career, all experience is good experience if you treat it as a learning experience!
Academically, the second semester is slightly longer, which invariably means more work over a longer period. Although this may seem stressful, it actually has an advantage compared to the first semester. The Easter break in the middle of the semester gives students a little bit of extra time to catch up on their lectures, complete coursework, and study. After the easter break, there are still a few weeks before the exams actually start, essentially creating an extended study period. This is very different from the winter break, which ends just as the exams start, often increasing the pressure on students.
On the whole, the second semester is a great opportunity to make memories, gain experience and grow as a person. Also, no matter what year of your studies you are in, by the end of this next semester, you will be a step closer to getting that degree. Good luck!
