Your second year
Your second year
We've put together resources to help you navigate the changes from your first to your second year at university. Find out more below, including events happening to help you prepare for your second year.
We hope you'll find everything you need here, but please let us know if you have any feedback!
Events
Resources & guidance
You may already be thinking about where you'd like to live next year or have secured where you are living. Our advice is don't rush- there are plenty of options, and no shortage of living arrangements. Explore your options, and make the right decision for you.
Check out our moving off-campus timeline to guidance on where you're at:
Things to consider:
- Changes in accommodation (moving halls, house‑sharing norms, quieter/louder spaces)
- Managing shared responsibilities (cleaning, bills, food, boundaries)
- Establishing routines that work without the novelty of first year
- Feeling more “settled” vs feeling unexpectedly unsettled- you're not alone having the swings and roundabouts of second year having more responsibility but also more choice!
We know that things are always adapting and changing. this happens every year, and you're not alone in experiencing a shift- either by finding yourself in a new local area and therefore a new community or by evolving friendships!
Stay connected to societies & sports »
The Students’ Union (SU) provides representation, social activities and support to ensure the best experience possible for every Warwick student.
Together at Warwick »
From Welcome Week right through until the end of your degree or research, the Together at Warwick Team are here to help you make friends. With celebrations, pop-up events, community events and so much more...
Explore your local area »
Your new home, if you've moved off-campus, or your local areas have plenty of opportunities not just to visit but even to explore the local communities!
Our local area guides talk through what is available from the student perspective, or check out the EXPLORE pages » for more general guides.
Things to consider
- Friendships evolving or drifting is normal
- Moving from convenience‑based friendships to more intentional ones can often start to happen
- Staying connected to societies, sports, or volunteering can be a great way to find new friends and connections
- This year is a great time to find your place again, if first year didn’t feel like “your people”
- This year may see an increase in needing to balance social time with rest and personal space
- If you're still on campus, consider checking out the residential community hubs as a way to build friendships
Second year is often when things start to feel more real. You may feel more confident navigating university life, while also questioning what matters most to you, how you work best, or where you’re heading next. That mix of increased independence and uncertainty is completely normal — and part of developing your sense of identity at university.
This is a good time to start making more intentional choices: about your habits, your commitments, and the kind of support you use. Support is available to help you build confidence in your academics, get advice from an independent source or exploring your future career. This year is a chance to get help around making informed decisions, and feel more in control of your direction.
Second year isn’t about having everything figured out, it’s about learning how to navigate uncertainty with confidence and knowing you don’t have to do it alone.
Academic essentials »
If you're looking to refresh your academic skills, this resource is here to support you throughout your time at Warwick.
Keep your eyes peeled, we're working on creating pages dedicated to moving between years!
SU Advice Centre »Link opens in a new window
If you’re in need of support, the SU Advice Centre provides free, confidential and impartial advice on academic issues, money, housing or health and wellbeing.
Careers »
Many students are at different points in their career journey, and you may wish to start using your second year to explore your options. Whether you know exactly what you want to do, or not sure where to start, here is some guidance.
Support for student groups
At the University, we recognise students come from all walks of life! Check out the support, guidance or networks we provide to help navigate your journey.
Things to consider
- It is common to feel more confident in some areas, and uncertain in others
- Now is a great time to try new roles (committee positions, mentoring, part-time work)
- Your understanding of personal values, boundaries and priorities may evolve and adapt
- Growth can feel messy, and sometimes chaotic
- Navigating the change in academics can be just as daunting as moving from secondary to university education
Some reflective prompts
- What do you want more of this year?
- What drained you last year?
- Are there skills, experiences, or habits you’d like to build?
- How might second year be different by design, not default?
Wellbeing team »
Wellbeing & Student Support provide a range of services including practical advice and emotional support, self-help resources, email counselling and more. They're also home to the University's Disability Team and Counselling and Psychotherapy Services.
Understanding wellbeing IATL »Link opens in a new window
Did you know there was a wellbeing course organised and designed with staff and students to help you better understand and apply wellbeing techniques and practices!
Second year can look calmer on the surface, but it often comes with new pressures. The structure and novelty of first year may fade, expectations can increase, and you may find yourself juggling more responsibility- socially, financially, or personally. It’s common to feel like you should be coping better by now, even when things feel harder than expected. The NHS has loads of resources to help support, including a Mind plan that gives you personalised tips from mental health experts.
Things to consider
- Recognising when “I’m fine” has turned into “I’m coping”
- Knowing when and how to ask for support
- Looking out for friends without becoming their only support
- Using campus services confidently, not just in emergencies
Look out for
- Recognising when “I’m fine” has turned into “I’m coping”
- Knowing when and how to ask for support
- Looking out for friends without becoming their only support
- Using the universities support services confidently, not just in emergencies
Finance and budgeting
When moving to your second year, especially if you choose to move off campus, there can be a change in your living style and therefore your finances. There are plenty of resources to help you with budgeting for next year.
Hardship Funding
Students facing financial difficulty may be eligible for Hardship Funding from the University. This can be in the form of an Emergency Loan and/or a non-repayable award.
There are a range of funds available from a short term loan of up to £250 through to unexpected short-term emergencies that causes difficulty in meeting essential living costs and some course-related costs
Things to consider
- Budgeting when novelty spending wears off
- Part‑time work vs free time vs energy
- Financial independence and asking for help when needed
- Hidden costs (travel, placements, socials, subscriptions)
Top Tips
- Know your baseline before you commit
- What are your fixed costs?
- How much time do you realistically have in a typical week?
- When does your energy tend to dip/peak?
- Treat your time like a limited budget
- Use time-blocking for your non-negotiables (lectures, work blocks, rest)
- Allow buffer time for things to take longer
- Always account for those tasks or every day things you forget- making and eating breakfast/lunch/dinner, travel, prep
- Separate 'busy' from 'productive'
- Is this activity moving me forward, or just filling time?
- Am I over‑committing to avoid difficult decisions or conversations?
- What could I drop or pause without things falling apart?
- Only you can choose what 'success' looks like
- Adjust your workload
- Prioritise your wellbeing
Residential Community Team
Finding a community of people who can support and build you up, will help to give you a foundation as you move into your second year. Whatever residence you're currently living in, we're here to help you make the most of your time on campus.
The Library
No matter where you are in your student journey, there will always be a space for you at The Library. When moving to your second year, your study space needs may change. Find the right study spaces for you.
On campus spaces
If you have some time in between lectures and need somewhere to go, particularly in those cold winter months, there are a variety of spaces you can use. Many also have microwaves, so you can heat up your own food from home.
Restaurants & cafes
There are plenty of places on campus to grab a bite to eat or to relax with something to drink!
Rock up & Play
A great way to get involved is to take part in the free activity programme on offer at the university. There's a lot on offering, and a great way to fill some empty time if you have any gaps in your day.
Music Centre
There is a thriving community of musicians at Warwick. Whether you sing, play an instrument or are interested in music production the Music Centre is open for all students no matter what you are studying.
Top tips
- Re-discover campus
- Try to get out of your routine and explore spaces you may not have used in first year (quiet study spaces, green spaces, new hangouts)- you might discover a hidden gem or a new favourite space
- Notice when campus feels energising and when it feels draining
- Spice up your routines, and try to work with the campus rhythms in a way that works best for you
- Stay involved in ways that fit you now
- Consider if the sports and activities you do still match the energy you can give
- Try something new without committing long-term
- Take on (or let go) of responsibilities based on your capacity
- It is okay if your interests evolve- that's part of growing older!
- Make campus work for your wellbeing
- Find quieter routes or times to move around
- Identify your 'reset and chills' spaces where you can pause and genuinely relax between your on campus scheduled activities
- Balance social time on campus with time away from it
Chaplaincy
The Chaplaincy is open as a place to study or relax between 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday. You're welcome to drop in and make yourself a hot drink; take a seat in the lounge or a bean bag in the central space; work in the study area; take a moment by yourself or with friends.
E-sports centre
A dedicated venue equipped with gaming PCs, consoles and a range of tech for playing, training and competing in video games!
Warwick Arts Centre
With exhibitions, workshops, films, live music, comedy and more there's something for everyone with the largest arts venue in the Midlands - right on the heart of campus!
For students, you can enjoy lots of free or discounted tickets, including £5 cinema tickets with an Under 26 Film Club membership, £7.50 tickets to many live events, free tickets to Orchestral performances, music events, workshops, and artist talks.
Life at University
Everything you need to know about life at the University of Warwick: what services are available, clubs and societies and more.