Fair enough backpacker.
And for lear.
Here is the accident which caused the "student" prefix to come into use in the UK .
http://www.aaib.gov.uk/cms_resources...BB%2007-07.pdf
Another is to always have an escape plan if things start getting a bit to much or confusing. Leaving the circuit to go to a well known point in the area then rejoining from there after all the excitement has died down would be
in my book. Discuss it with your instructor first thought, what to you might seem a sensible point might be smack in the middle of the instrument approach.
Another thing is that ATCO's have to go through the same learning curve as pilots with building up experence "solo" Have a chat with the controller and tell them what happened why you cocked up. Then maybe if they have the same situation again they won't leave it up to the second solo student to sort out thier own seperation. Over controlling is a pain in the bum but sometimes it is required to ensure everyone is safe.