As summer settles in, Lancaster has taken on a quieter, more reflective atmosphere. With fewer classes and more independent work, most students, including me, are currently focused on their dissertations or final projects.

My dissertation is a company-based project, which makes it both exciting and challenging. I’m part of a team of five students, and we’ve already begun working with our allocated company. We have a group report submission due at the end of July, so things are moving quickly. We had an online meeting with our client, where she explained the entire situation and expectations clearly. It felt incredibly productive to hear directly from a business professional, and it’s rewarding to know that we’re working on real-life business problems. It's definitely a new experience for most of us, but we’re learning a lot already.

So far, the process has been quite engaging. We’ve been attending regular group meetings to coordinate our progress, along with check-ins with our academic supervisor. With the deadline approaching, the schedule is getting a bit intense and balancing everything can feel exhausting. But I’m genuinely enjoying the project, so even when things get busy, it doesn’t feel overwhelming; it actually feels fulfilling.

Campus life has slowed down a bit, too. Many students have returned to their home countries or cities for the summer, so it’s much quieter now. The library is peaceful, and there’s a calmness around that helps with focusing on work.

To break up the study routine, I made time to travel and enjoy the beautiful summer here. One of the highlights of my break was a trip to the Lake District with friends. We went on the Rydal Cave Walk, such a peaceful and scenic trail. The weather wasn’t too sunny, which made the hike even more enjoyable. We took loads of pictures and really soaked in the beauty of nature.

After that, we visited Grasmere, which is also in the Lake District, but honestly, it felt like stepping into Switzerland. Surrounded by lush green hills, it was calm and picturesque. We tried the famous gingerbread from a little shop there; it had a lovely mix of honey, chocolate chips, and a subtle ginger kick. It was so unique and delicious. We picked up a few souvenirs, took a relaxing walk through the village, and just enjoyed the peace.

Another memorable moment from this summer was a Potluck event I attended, organised by LUSU Green as a summer celebration. Everyone brought a vegan dish, and I made stir-fried potatoes with a mix of spices and a tangy twist. It was such a fun and sunny afternoon, we played music, tried amazing dishes from all over the world, played games, and had great conversations. I even made a few new friends there, which made the day even more special.

As this term nears its end, I’m grateful for the balance between productive academic work and meaningful personal experiences. This summer has reminded me that even in busy times, taking moments to enjoy where you are and connect with others can make all the difference.

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