To celebrate reaching the end of Trimester 2, we asked you to share your wins with us and you did not disappoint! Your wins deserve to be celebrated, so we’ve brought them together here, in one inspiring blog. It’s a space to recognise everything you’ve achieved, inspire others with your story, and pick up a little extra inspiration of your own – whenever you need it.
There’s over 70 stories to explore. You might choose to scroll through and follow whatever you feel drawn to. Or, if you’re seeking something in particular, you can select from the list below.
When you need a reminder that…
- You’ve earned your place at uni and deserve to be here
- Things will get better
- Achievements outside your studies matter too
- You’ll find your way, even if the path isn’t clear
Academic Achievements
Doing well on a presentation
My proudest achievement was when I scored well in my presentation because I struggle academically. I was very nervous to present my work, so when I got a good score, I was very proud of myself for not giving up when it got hard.
Chloe, Adult Nursing
Designing space tech
For my final year project, I successfully designed, made, and wind tunnel tested a model of a pterosaur in a wind tunnel, and repeated it in a CFD simulation. It looks cool! And I made it!!! I’m so happy with it!
B. Nightingale, Aeronautical Engineering
Completing a Master’s degree in a new country
As a Spanish speaker, moving to a new country where I didn’t know anyone felt overwhelming at first. I had to step out of my comfort zone and face many challenges on my own. Overtime, I learned to enjoy my independence, discovering new interests like cooking and traveling. Although I’m still a bit shy, I’ve also made progress in becoming more social. This experience has helped me grow both personally and academically. I’m especially proud of myself for having the courage to keep moving forward, adapting to a new environment, and embracing everything this journey has taught me.
Dani, Building Information Modelling and Digital Environment
Maintaining a first class level whilst building a business
I was able to stay at a first class level for most of my assignments, while building a business at the same time. The business still needs work, but will cover me when I graduate.
Scott, Business Management with Entrepreneurship
Learning new art forms while balancing studies
I learnt several new mediums including linocutting and screen printing. I set up a stall to sell items to fundraise for Palestine. All while doing my assignment, and I got a really good result!
Yas, Graphic Design
Passing my internal assessment
As a PhD student, it’s easy to get imposter syndrome, but stepping out of my bubble to share my work with others was a big turning point. The feedback was really encouraging, and it made me realise that my research has value. It’s boosted my confidence massively and reminded me why I chose to do a doctorate at Salford in the first place.
Vinay, PhD
Building Foxy
I’m about to finish my third year negotiated major project module. Before I started, I wanted to learn how to add electronics and robotics to my work, heavily inspired by Five Nights at Freddy’s. I achieved this and have completed a massive animatronic prop called Foxy, which has remote control, coding and features sound, so he can interact with people. He will be featured at the Degree Show!
Thomas Mawdsley, Film, TV and Stage Design
Returning to a nursing course after maternity leave
I have returned to complete the third year of my nursing course, after having two years of maternity leave to have my daughter. It has been really tough to return, and I’m missing her so much – but it will be worth it when I qualify. I’m so proud of us.
Shelby, CYP Nursing
Succeeding in higher education as a mature student
One of my proudest achievements this year has been balancing nursing school, clinical placement, and part-time work while continuing to grow personally and professionally. During my hospice placement, I gained hands-on experience caring for patients in palliative and end-of-life care, which strengthened my clinical skills and compassion.
I also successfully worked on an evidence-based nursing research project, developing my critical thinking and academic writing skills at a higher level. Beyond academics, I’m proud of how much more confident and resilient I’ve become. Managing multiple responsibilities taught me discipline, time management, and the importance of perseverance even during stressful periods. This year showed me that I’m capable of more than I thought, and it motivated me to keep striving toward becoming a skilled and compassionate registered nurse.
Kseniya, Adult Nursing
Completing a Graphic Design Manual
This was a difficult task and required a lot of time management and development but, in the end, it is something I am very proud of and got a good mark for!
Caitlin, Graphic Design
Excelling in difficult modules and making friends
I have worked so hard and completed modules that I have found really challenging to a really high level. I have pushed myself to make new friends and make the most of student life before I graduate. This year, I selected a variety of modules with challenging subjects and where I didn’t know anyone in the class. These modules taught me so much, and I am so glad I decided to push myself this year!
Holly, Creative Writing
Performing well on a proposal
Getting 88/100 for my research proposal – I was over the moon.
Nilou, Psychology of Coercive Control
Completing a nursing degree in memory of my dad
After losing my dad to cancer, I wanted to do more. I previously worked as a healthcare assistant (HCA). When I helped my dad a few days before he passed away, I watched the nurses with him and it inspired me! Not only am I doing a nursing degree, which he wanted me to do, but I’m also at the university he worked at for many years as a film editing tutor. So this is in memory of Jon Silverside!
Lucy, Nursing Associate DE
Handing in assignments on time
My proudest achievement this year is that I’ve been able to hand in all my assignments on time. I used to struggle with this in high school and college, which caused me to fall behind others.
Temi, Professional Policing
Starting a PhD to study the hihi bird
After a long application process, I was accepted for and started my PhD at the University of Salford! For the next few years I will be studying the social behaviour and conservation of the hihi bird.
Vicky, Biology
Asking for help and support when I needed it
I am meeting my academic goals because I asked for help when I needed it – from askUS, the Student Progression Advisors, the Disability team, and the Wellbeing team. There are so many opportunities to ask for help.
Jason
Passing my assignments
I managed to pass all my assignments despite having ongoing issues with my physical health and mental health.
Alicia, Mental Health Nursing
Bringing my film project, Veganzz, to life
I was the productions designer for Veganzz, so I made all the props, costumes and set as well as doing all the prosthetics and makeup. I’m so happy with how it’s looking and I’m so proud of the contribution I’ve made to it.
Mia, Film Production
Securing a job and improving grades
I secured a role as an Administrative Assistant with a charity organisation in Rochdale. Alongside this, I significantly improved my academic performance, progressing from average grades to achieving A grades.
Eunice, Operations Management and Business Analytics
Finding my passion, completing my dissertation and more
This year I discovered I want to do a PhD at Salford researching gender inequalities. I got a role at a rape crisis to help me in this direction. I have done important work with them; I ran an International Women’s Day stand and went to University of Manchester to present our service to students who may need us. I have done this whilst balancing my 30 hour key-holder rope in retail and my third year assignments!
Whilst it has felt a little lonely at times, I am so proud that I put my whole heart and soul into my final dissertation, where I conducted primary research with women to understand their experiences and perceptions of the online manosphere. I know how important this is for my future, and it is something I feel genuine passion for.
I have also worked at the British Sociology Association Annual Conference, meeting lots of exciting people. We were invited to present work from a university assignment at an external conference; we created a concept for an environmental app to assist students in moving towards sustainability. I am immensely proud of my university work; I have spent long days alone in the library and across campus.
I have juggled all of this whilst battling with my OCD, which feels suffocating at times; but I am proud that I kept going and didn’t let it win.
I hope to graduate with an upper first. I feel like I have achieved so much this year, and put all of my energy into these experiences. I am so pleased my achievements have shaped a clearer picture of my future career directions.
Olivia, Criminology and Sociology
Overcoming insecurity, fear of judgement, and becoming a therapist
The course I have studied has helped me to embrace my flaws and show myself love and compassion. I’m also proud of completing three years of studying and training to become a qualified therapist!
Sam, Criminology
Filming Youthie
I filmed my third year final film at Salford, Youthie! I’m so happy with the amazing people I’ve met along the way and I’m ecstatic to have worked in the Sound Department alongside all my great friends!
Olivia, Film Production
Winning big at the Student Nursing Times Awards
This year, I’m incredibly proud to have been recognised at the Student Nursing Times Awards, where I won the Mary Seacole Award for Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion, and Outstanding Contribution to Student Affairs. I was also shortlisted for Student Innovation in Practice.
I was also shortlisted for Representative of the Year (Health & Society) at the Students’ Union Awards, and honoured to receive multiple awards within my NHS Trust.
Melissa, FdSc Nursing Associate
Writing and filming veganzz
My proudest achievement is writing and directing my final film veganzz!
Will, Film Production
Completing my Masters
I am proudest of completing my dissertation and completing my master’s at the University.
Ken, Psychology of Coercive Control
Finishing placement hours before graduation
A lot of my friends have been struggling to complete placement hours in time for graduation. I feel really proud of myself for having finished them all and that I can graduate on time! I cannot wait for my parents to fly over from the States and celebrate me finally finishing!
Arin, Counselling and Psychotherapy
Becoming a student at Salford
I feel proud to have had the opportunity to enter this University after trying for three years. For someone coming from Bolivia, it’s extremely difficult due to the language, the exchange rate, and especially the recent problems in my country, where bank accounts were frozen. Despite all of that, I gave it my all and worked in Spain to save enough money, and finally become a student at Salford.
Jhasel, Project Management
Receiving the Student Leadership Award for Sustainability
As an international student arriving in January, I quickly immersed myself in driving sustainability initiatives across campus. I represented the University at inter-university events, including those hosted by University of Liverpool, University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, and the National Student Sustainability Summit.
Saadan, Sustainability
Adapting to student life
Being able to adapt to student life and see a future with a career in music.
Louis, Creative Music Technology
Pursuing my dream to study in the UK
I’ve always aspired to study abroad in the UK. I applied on time; however, due to delays at UKVI, my visa decision was postponed. My course was due to start on 19 January, and initially, I received an extension until 30 January. Despite the uncertainty, I remained persistent and with continued effort, I secured a further extension until 16 February. On the night of 30 January, I finally received my visa decision. Without hesitation, I booked my flight and arrived in the UK on 6 February, determined to pursue my dream of higher education. This journey reflects my resilience, patience, and commitment to achieving my goals despite challenges.
Abdullan, Managing Innovation and IT
Changing universities, and starting a new course
I gathered the courage to change universities to start a course that I love! I’m averaging a first over my first academic year and feeling confident about my decisions.
Anonymous, Architectural Design and Technology
Adapting to student life in the UK
I am originally from Kolkata, the eastern part of India, and pursuing my master’s here has been a transformative journey of growth and self-belief. I am proud to be graduating in the year 2026 with a CIPD (Level 7) accreditation, a milestone that reflects my dedication and resilience.
At the very beginning, adapting to a new country and the system was challenging, but the University’s support and practical exposure have helped me gain confidence, secure employment and step outside my comfort zone.
I secured a role with Unitemps as a Postgraduate Student Mentor. As a mentor I supported both the September and January intakes (when new students join the University), which has strengthened my communication and student engagement skills.
I would also like to highlight three milestones I have achieved this year – completing my Master’s degree, securing a permanent part-time role as a Volunteer Program Assistant with Empower Youth Zone (supporting vulnerable young people), and receiving the Dean’s Sustainability Award 2026. This award recognises my commitment towards sustainability initiatives to create a positive impact beyond academics.
Shreemoyee, Human Resource Management
Gaining confidence on my nursing programme
Gaining confidence to communicate with children and families in my nursing programme has helped me achieve my proficiencies. The programme has also provided me with a safe environment where I feel like I can talk. I have gained lots of knowledge in nursing and I have made lots of friends. I love the University of Salford.
Zara, Children Nursing
Overcoming Adversity
Pushing through challenges and defending my thesis
My proudest achievement this year is simply that I’m still standing. I can’t believe I’ve managed to get through this year at all. Despite a significant deterioration in my health and the devastating loss of my nani, I successfully defended my thesis. Continuing to think, write, and create through profound personal grief and physical adversity has required resilience I didn’t know I had. Completing this milestone under such circumstances feels less like an academic achievement and more like a testament to endurance, discipline, and deep commitment to my work.
Ria Munshi, PhD
Persevering through difficult times
I am proud to have survived this year despite all the challenges that made me feel like I would not be able to make it. I am proud that I got admission in a master’s programme, that my visa came (though three months late), and that I got to visit this beautiful country. I am proud just to be alive despite my mental health conditions and all the silent fights. I am proud that I survived the days when I wanted to end it all but didn’t.
Anonymous, Digital Marketing
Handling mental health challenges
I am mostly proud of how I handled my mental health challenges during my three months of being at the University. Since coming to Manchester, I have struggled with loneliness, financial strains, getting to know new places, new rules and regulations, different people from different backgrounds, and having to share a class or start a conversation.
On top of that, because I am Iranian, I had to handle the stress and burden of what is happening now in my country. Any of those would be a challenge for anyone, and me, being 36 and having worked for more than a decade professionally, I’ve managed to set my mind in a positive direction and actually love life at Salford. It isn’t something that I was expecting to be able to do in this short amount of time, so I am really proud of it.
Sia, Operations Management and Business Analytics
Winning Photo 100
Since I won the Photo 100 competition it has helped me to carry on with my project called ‘Decibels of Sound’. I am shocked and surprised that I won it to be honest and I’m proud of this achievement!
All my life I have struggled to be seen and people have just ignored me as someone who has autism. Photography has changed me, not just as a person, but also as someone who has been through a lot growing up. I want people to see that photography can change people who went through trauma in their lives and become stronger like myself.
Jessica, Photography
Personal Growth
Being able to drive
I passed my driving test!
Ruqayya, Journalism Multimedia
Conquering the year with great support
This year, I am proud of persevering through my studies alongside purchasing a house, applying for a new job and getting familiar with a new city. The journey has certainly not been easy, however, with the great support of tutors, friends and family, all was achievable. They have been my rock and my shining light and for that I am most grateful.
Damilola, Non-Medical Prescribing
Living a new life
I am a completely new person and I’ve come out of my comfort zone. I’m enjoying my new life, opportunities and living my best life.
Shaniya, Psychology
Growing at uni, finding new friendships and being an advocate for change
Despite being terrified to begin university, I pushed myself and it paid off so much! I’ve learned and grown, not just academically, but also in how to deal with adult life.
I’ve made some of the best friends I ever could have asked for. I’ve also become a huge advocate for access around the University, beginning to make changes to make life easier for other disabled students!
Fawn, Popular Music and Recording
Developing discipline and self-awareness
Balancing my nursing placement, while completing required hours, has pushed me to stay consistent, even on days I felt drained. I’ve also made a conscious effort to improve my lifestyle, focusing on better nutrition, weight loss, and building healthier habits.
Alongside this, I’ve stepped into content creation on TikTok, using my voice to share relatable thoughts and real-life reflections. It’s helped me grow in confidence and express myself more authentically.
I’ve also been developing my identity outside of academics, exploring business ideas and building a creative vision for my clothing line, Jukuel.
Most importantly, I’ve learned to stop settling for less effort, less clarity, and less respect. This year has been about becoming more intentional with my time, energy, and future.
Sammy, Adult Nursing
Gaining confidence and finding myself
I was an enthusiastic person who liked trying new things, meeting people and staying positive in everything I do. But over the past two years, I became very quiet, introverted and reserved. I always wanted to share my small moments with the people online, but, for some reason I was completely staying away from social media. Maybe I was too insecure to show myself to the outer world.
This year I started posting my small moments with my social media friends. I pushed myself to post and I felt more confident with myself. Now I am more outgoing and can find happiness in small things.
Most of the time I like to spend time with my friends and I feel like I found my old self again. I feel so grateful for everything in my life at this moment. It’s my big achievement this year. Of course, finding yourself is your biggest achievement in life. That’s what I believe.
Jahan, Biomedical Science
Competing in a uni fight night
I competed in a student fight night event, which included students from the University of Manchester and Manchester Met. I was the only student representing Salford as this was meant to be a clash between MMU and UoM, but somehow I got in, competed and won my match. This was a great opportunity to pick up new skills and push myself at a time when stress is high due to exams and revision, etc.
Josh, Sport Rehabilitation
Finding balance
Building more valuable connections and my work-life balance.
Anonymous, Software Engineering
Becoming more confident and social
I have always had issues with expressing myself, speaking in public, and being seen because I suffered from inferiority complex. I was always so shy and I spent most of my time alone because I just could not associate with people.
This year I got bold, confident and more social. I defended my debate project in front of the class without fidgeting, I grew my TikTok page from posting consistently, I made new friends and attended more career programs. I stopped seeing myself as being little and unimportant. I now answer questions in class and also ask questions when I do not understand. I even volunteered for a role at Salford Royal Hospital and I got it. I am so glad because I know it is the beginning of good things happening to me.
Brenda Okezie, Biotechnology
Getting an artist commission
My proudest achievement from this year is getting a commission to produce art for an organisation in Manchester called Sheba Arts that supports migrant and refugee artists for their festival in June. I got the idea from one of the themes in my module last semester.
When I applied for it, I had to be able to juggle my part time job, master’s and this commission. I feel proud because I stopped painting after Sixth Form as I didn’t get good grades and pursued other things. It was only when I was training to be a counsellor that I got back into painting as self-care and I never thought I would get paid to produce something.
Simi, Advanced Counselling and Psychotherapy
Growth in my mental health recovery
Moving to uni has been hard in various ways; being independent, financial struggles, difficulty making friends and keeping up with assignments, etc. But I’ve grown, uploaded all of my assignments, achieved great grades, made some great friends and have started working! I’m much happier and so excited to start my second year more productively.
Ava, Multimedia Journalism
Developing a healthier lifestyle
I set a goal to have a very healthy lifestyle and improve my health. I did this by going to the gym, working out at home and tracking my diet. I added more fibre and fruit, and tried to eat food I made myself and stuck to whole foods only.
Abimbola, Public Health
Taking advantage of uni events
I started taking advantage of events at the University, especially the Maker Space events!
Anonymous, CYP Nursing
Balancing work and studies with a personal life
My proudest achievement is tackling nights shifts whilst completing my dissertation, being able to adjust schedules for priorities and being able to see my family more.
Anonymous, Criminology with Counselling
Being part of an archery competition
I competed with the Archery Society at my first archery competition!
Anonymous, Psychology
Balancing uni life and friends
I’ve managed to balance the academic and the friends side of uni. I’ve made so many lasting friendships within my course, which means I get support both in and out of lessons.
Ella, Media and Performance
Raising money for a charity
I completed 300 km of running and cycling in March to raise money for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, raising just over £350.
Aaron, Sports Journalism
Saving money for a holiday
In between studying I have been able to save enough money to be able to go on holiday!
Anonymous, Criminology
Focusing on my goals
I’ve been staying consistent with my goals, even when things felt uncertain or overwhelming. I committed to improving myself both personally and professionally, and I’ve seen real growth in my confidence, discipline, and mindset.
Lucia, Adult Nursing
Being part of Salford Storm
My proudest achievement was being part of the University’s American Football Team, Salford Storm. In my final year, I enjoyed being part of a club that values hard work, dedication, and discipline. It taught me a lot, which I was able to carry over into my studies. It was my first time playing American Football, and I would recommend anyone to try it.
Mahmood, Business Management
Passing my driving test
I passed my driving test!
Anonymous, IPLD Learning Disability Nursing and Social Work
Conquering Dovestone Reservoir
Climbing every peak in Dovestone Reservoir.
Rishona, Computer Science with Cybersecurity
Going to the gym and giving blood
I am proud that I have pushed myself out of my comfort zone by starting to go to the gym. I am also proud of reaching my fifth blood donation milestone. This donation went to The Christie Cancer Hospital.
Charlotte, Adult Nursing
Living independently in the UK
Living alone in the UK is my proudest achievement of the year. It’s far from home, a completely different country, with a new language and unfamiliar people. Despite all that, I am still managing and moving forward. For 26 years, I lived with my parents. I earned money, but I never carried full responsibility. After coming here, everything changed, and I started becoming independent in every way.
Now everything depends on me. Life hasn’t been easy. I balance studies, part-time work, bills, and daily tasks like cooking and laundry, while caring for my mental health. There were nights I cried and times I wanted to give up and go home. But I realised I am strong enough to carry my own responsibilities. This journey is shaping me into an independent, strong woman.
Buddhi, Project Management
Starting a new life
I came from different country and started a new life here. I’ve got a new personality and vision. I’m finally proud of myself 🤭
Sheena, Biomedical Science
Professional Development
Gaining new skills at a placement
My proudest achievement this year was completing a solo placement abroad to Bolivia and Costa Rica for nine months. Not only have I learned a lot about myself, but I have also grown in confidence, communication and my ability to adapt to different environments and job roles. I have pushed my limits and succeeded in becoming more of the person I want to be and I am so proud of that.
I’m proud to say that I’m an incredibly hard worker and can do truly anything that I set my mind to. I now fully believe in myself and that not an easy thing to say. I’m proud of everything I’ve done this year and can’t wait to see what else is to come.
Frankie, Wildlife Conservation with Zoo Biology
Being the only female student to get a placement
I’m the only female student on my course who secured an industrial placement as Junior Cyber Security Analyst. They only had one position available, and it was a very proud moment to know that I got accepted and was successful in the role. I am also the only female in my cybersecurity team at my company, which is also another proud moment.
Rabia, Computer Science with Cybersecurity
Pushing myself out of my comfort zone and gaining work experience
I really struggle with putting myself out there so being able to attain work experience in industry by myself is something I am so proud of!
Anonymous, TV and Radio Production
Finding a passion for PR
My proudest achievement was doing my placement at Brazen PR in Manchester. I really found my love for PR and it’s opened my eyes to the world of communications.
Isabelle, Public Relations and Digital Communications
Making the most of the uni and first-hand work experience
As a younger student (18), I have been proud to utilise all aspects of study, social events and skills at university.
As a geography student, I had the privilege to survey and extract 25,000-year-old Devonian (ice age) peat and silt samples at Chat Mossi in Irlam with the Lancashire Wildlife Trust. Gaining real world work experiences with industry experts is priceless for my degree, while also helping rationalise my degree as I saw firsthand how cutting edge conservation and climatic records are conducted.
Samuel, Environmental Geography with professional experience
Secured an industry job
Got offered a full time job within the industry I want to be in.
Harry, Television and Radio Production
Becoming an open water diver
This year whilst on an international placement I had the pleasure of learning and achieving many new skills and experiences. One that particularly stands out would be my achievement in becoming qualified as an open water diver alongside three specialty courses. This skill gives you a new way to view our beautiful earth, so we can conserve and preserve better.
Jasmine, Wildlife Conservation and Zoo Biology
Starting a rugby placement
I started a placement with a rugby team.
Storay, Sports Science
Completing an internship
My biggest achievement of this academic year was completing an internship at Citypress in Manchester, a leading Public Relations and communications agency. It was a great opportunity to apply the skills that we have been learning throughout our course to the placement and learn from industry professionals.
Hannah Young, Public Relations and Digital Communications
Starting a dream placement
I got to join my dream placement and start offering therapy to clients. There’s nothing like finally doing the thing you’ve dreamed of, and worked so hard to do!
Anonymous, Counselling and Psychotherapy (Professional Training)
Covering the FA Cup game
I’m proud of starting to work my way into the journalism world by working for Macclesfield Nub News, covering Macclesfield FC. So far I’ve covered five games, including the historic third round FA Cup tie against Crystal Palace, where I created some of my proudest content to date. I’m proud of taking these opportunities and hope they’ll help me in the future.
Oliver, Sports Journalism
Developing skills on my placement
I am proud of the skills and attitude I have achieved during my A&E placement. I have become confident in my clinical abilities and massively developed my communication skills.
Anonymous, Adult Nursing
Becoming a volunteer
I became a volunteer Production Coordinator! The company seems to like me which is very lovely!
Amy, Television and Radio Production
Helping to create a community garden
I started volunteering with my relevant employers for after graduation. As a result, I am now helping to create a community garden that will help promote eating local, fresh produce whilst contributing towards biodiversity and clean green spaces.
MJ, Zoology