After a refreshing holiday break, returning to Lancaster has brought a renewed sense of purpose and excitement as we step into the final term of the MSc Management programme. The atmosphere on campus is lively again, with students catching up, preparing for deadlines, and embracing the familiar rhythm of university life.

During the break, I took some much-needed time to unwind, reflect, and gear up for what’s ahead. It was great to be back home, spend time with loved ones, and reset mentally. I also used the quieter moments of the holidays to think about my goals for this term, especially as we approach one of the most significant parts of our academic journey, our dissertation. This term, I’m working on a company-based dissertation project, which I find both exciting and slightly daunting. Unlike traditional individual dissertations, our project involves working in a group of five students, where we’ll collaborate on a real-world business challenge set by an allocated company. In the coming weeks, we’ll be engaging in meetings and discussions with company representatives to better understand the task at hand. Based on that, we’ll conduct research, analyse data, and develop practical recommendations, eventually compiling everything into our final dissertation report.

This hands-on experience is new for many of us, and while it's definitely a learning curve, I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a fantastic opportunity to apply the knowledge we’ve gained throughout the year in a real business context, and I’m confident that it will help us grow both professionally and academically. Aside from the dissertation, we’re also wrapping up our final modules. Many include team-based coursework and presentations, which keep us busy but also help sharpen our collaborative and analytical skills. Time management has become more crucial than ever, but I find that breaking tasks into smaller steps and setting daily goals helps keep everything in balance.

Although not all our modules have formal written exams, there’s still plenty of preparation involved through project work and assessments. Thankfully, the academic and peer support at Lancaster is fantastic. Whether it's late-night study sessions at the library, grabbing a quick coffee between lectures, or bouncing ideas around with friends, being part of such a supportive learning environment makes a big difference.

Outside of academics, I’ve been making time to de-stress by playing badminton and going on peaceful walks around the campus lake, my favourite way to clear my head. I’ve also attended a few career-related events and workshops that have been useful for thinking ahead to life after graduation. With just a few months left, everything feels a bit surreal. There’s a lot to do, but also so much to look forward to. For anyone holding an offer and waiting to start their journey at Lancaster, know that this place offers you a chance not just to study, but to grow, collaborate, and discover your strengths in the most rewarding ways.

Related Blogs

• 

  My Easter break at Lancaster - Weaving My Story Between Two Worlds

• 

  My Easter break at Lancaster

• 

  My Easter break at Lancaster

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed by our bloggers and those providing comments are personal, and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lancaster University. Responsibility for the accuracy of any of the information contained within blog posts belongs to the blogger.