Stepping up to second year.

First year at Leeds? Completed it. A whirlwind of flat dinners, late-night Sainsburys runs, and finally finding your way around the red route. You’ve found your feet and now second year is on the horizon.

I’m Jas, a recent(ish) graduate and member of your Student Communications team. Here’s my advice for stepping up to second year in style.

1. Change your routine

Whether you spent your first year deep in student life or you took things slower, second year is your opportunity to switch up your routine. It’s never too late to try something new, even if it pushes you out of your comfort zone. Uni is the perfect time in your life to try lots of new things, often for free.

Join a society outside your course, start volunteering with sport or in the community, become a student rep with LUU, and attend events outside of your usual haunts. Bring a friend if you want to, but don’t feel worried if you’re going alone. Societies and volunteering are how many students find their friends. You can even join the Buddy Scheme to get matched with a mate.

Don’t feel like you have to be the best athlete to join a sports society, or the perfect student to be a rep. Trying new things often mean you’re not good at them, and that’s okay. You’ll be in the same boat as thousands of students before you. Second year is about stepping out of your comfort zone, trying new things, and finding new passions.

2. Explore what Uni has to offer.

Second year is the perfect time to start thinking about your future. Opportunities in second year are endless! Explore opportunities like study abroad, a year in industry, volunteering placements, or paid work. Even if you don’t think an opportunity is for you, explore it anyway. Keep an open mind for everything, you might just be surprised at what you’re capable of.

So, where to start? Head over to the Careers Centre and make an appointment with the team. I did this and it was amazing to have careers support from people that cared about my future and knew what I needed to do to get there. Chat to your school about opportunities like study abroad and a year in industry and have a think about what skills you’d like to develop. I did a study abroad year in Canada and it’s still one of my highlights.

It can be nerve-wrecking to put yourself out there for a new opportunity. However, you’re never doing something on your own, and there will be lots of students to explore new opportunities with, and staff will always be on hand to help.

3. Look after yourself.

Second year is often known as the hardest year! More complex modules, a fuller schedule, and trying to have a social life. It’s easy to get swept up or burnt out.

This year is a really important time get the support you need when you need it.

Visit the library to brush up on your academic skills, get support with money or your wellbeing. There is pressure in second year to make it seem like you’ve got everything together, even when you don’t. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, chat to your friends or loved ones, and celebrate what goes well!

Try building a weekly rhythm that works for you. Morning walks through Woodhouse Moor, a study session at the library, right into a Sunday night meal prep with your flatmates. Whatever keeps your week grounded and works for you.

Second year isn’t a test, it’s a toolkit. Use it to experiment, connect, and carve out your future. You’ve already started the journey, now’s your chance to colour it in with things that feel like you.