A Day in the Life of a third-year University Student!

By a third-year English Literature and Journalism student, Cardiff University, 2025

9:00am – Morning routine & walk to campus

After a quick breakfast (usually something simple—being a third-year means efficiency is key), I shoulder my well-worn bag and step out into the brisk Cardiff air. The walk to campus has become a ritual, a time for me to gather my thoughts and mentally prepare for the day ahead. The city feels alive with possibility: the sound of a street musician strumming a guitar, the laughter of friends crossing the road, the familiar faces I pass on my way to the Main Building. It’s a tapestry of experiences that, over three years, has become uniquely mine.

10:00am – Lecture in the Main Building

My first lecture is in the iconic Main Building, and even after all this time, its historic architecture still inspires me. Today’s topic is narrative structure—something I’ve come to appreciate more deeply as my studies have progressed. I find my usual spot among classmates who have become friends, and together we dive into discussions that challenge and excite me. Our lecturer’s insights often spark ideas for my own writing, and I can feel my perspective broadening with every session.

12:00pm – Study session at the ASSL

Between lectures, I often retreat to the Arts and Social Studies Library (ASSL). There’s a comforting sense of purpose in the quiet rustle of pages and the focused energy of students around me. I spend these hours researching for my dissertation, piecing together arguments and discovering sources that make my work feel meaningful. Sometimes, I’ll spot a friend across the room and we’ll share a quick smile or wordless nod—small reminders that we’re all in this together.

1:30pm – Lunch with friends

Lunchtime is a chance to decompress. I usually meet friends at a nearby café (our favourites include The Woodville and Café 37), where our conversations drift from academic stress to weekend plans and everything in between. These moments of connection have become the heartbeat of my university experience, grounding me when the workload feels overwhelming.

3:00pm – Journalism seminar at JOMEC

The afternoon is reserved for a journalism seminar at the School of Journalism, Media and Culture (JOMEC). Here, the energy shifts: we debate current events, workshop articles, and learn to craft stories that matter. The discussions are lively, sometimes even heated, but always push me to think critically and refine my voice as a writer.

5:00pm – English Literature Society meeting

As the day winds down, I attend an English Literature Society meeting. Surrounded by fellow enthusiasts, we plan events and swap book recommendations, fostering a sense of community that I’ve come to cherish. Whether we’re organising book-themed socials or hosting guest lectures, it’s a space that lets us celebrate the subject we love.

6:30pm – Walk home through Cathays

Walking home as the city lights flicker on, I reflect on how much Cardiff has shaped me—not just as a student, but as a person. Each day adds a new page to my story, filled with lessons, laughter, and growth. As I settle in with a cup of tea, I’m reminded that, like any good romance novel, my Cardiff journey is about more than just the destination—it’s about the people, the moments, and the memories made along the way.

Muskaan Pahwa from India.