My final year at university
Liv Norris
ENGLISH LITERATURE BA(HONS)
Hi there! I am Liv and I recently graduated after completing my degree in English Literature at the University of Huddersfield.
The three years of my English Literature degree course have been incredible, even with the stress of deadlines and a global pandemic that sent my cohort into a year of online learning.
Without a doubt, I’ve had a university experience that has been both fulfilling and unusual.
I am from a small town called Guiseley, about 45 minutes from Huddersfield. For the last three years I have been commuting to university and will continue to do that as I move on to Master’s study at Huddersfield.
There is so much to say about my incredible three years, but here are a few amazing parts that I believe could help students preparing for their final year.
The last lectures
My final day at university and my assignment was my conference paper. It was a nerve-wracking and bittersweet day.
I knew that my conference paper was my last piece of work to do in my undergraduate study, so instead of being overwhelmed, I decided to soak up as much of the day as I could.
Indeed, many will find their last day exciting or perhaps even scary. For some it means the end of their time in education, and for others a continuation of their journey.
All I can say is don’t focus on your worries, enjoy your day with those you won’t see everyday anymore and also thank your lecturers, they work tirelessly to provide you with the support and guidance that you need. My last day was sad, but also made me so excited to come back in the September!
Writing my dissertation
The dissertation was undeniably something I worried about from the moment I began my study. It seemed to be this incredibly scary process and lengthy piece of work that seemed too overwhelming to truly think about.
However, there was no need to feel this way. It has been my most enjoyable assignment to date. I wrote about a theme I was truly passionate about and had the support of an incredible dissertation supervisor.
My main dissertation tips would be:
- Read, read and read some more! Indulge yourself in your area of study and become knowledgeable in what you are interested in. Reading about your topic can make you feel a lot closer to the books, themes and discussion you will speak about.
- Just breathe. It is your largest piece of work and it can feel very daunting, but staying calm and collected will really help. Remember, you have so many people to turn to for help.
- Make the most of turning it in. I had celebratory drinks when I handed in my dissertation. I celebrated all my hard work and reflected on the process of its creation.
Graduation
A day to remember. I thoroughly enjoyed my day. I woke up in the morning excited to celebrate everyone’s hard work. I met my friends at the University and took many pictures to keep for years to come.
I remember walking across the stage and ensuring I was taking in the moment and remembering the hard work that got me to that stage. It was such an important day that not only I will remember, but also my family. Moving my tassel from left to right, signified the new chapter in my academic career.
I will be embarking on a Master’s degree and cannot wait to begin. I hope everyone has an incredible rest of their academic journey and just remember, soak it all up and be proud of all your hard work!
More student life articles?
What is life like as a student? Hear it straight from our current students as they write about their student experience.
Which University?
Read more articles from current students at Huddersfield describing how they chose their course and why.