There are lots of different things that need your time and attention as an international student. First, there are interesting lectures, exciting practicals (such as workshops and laboratory sessions) and important assignments that are part of your course.
Next, there are groups and societies for you to join and amazing extracurricular activities (which are activities outside of your studies) to try. You might also have a part-time job or just want to use your spare time to relax with friends or explore the vibrant new city you’ve just moved to.
So, how do you balance all of that while still making sure you get the best possible grades in your exams and coursework? We’ll consider how you can balance uni and a social life and offer a few tips to help.
Balancing university and a social life
Make sure you’re organised and manage your time effectively
Yes, we think you can balance university work with a social life and get the most from your time studying abroad, but only if you’re organised. The first thing you should do is plan out the whole semester so you can manage your time accordingly.
Create a calendar that includes all of the important dates you’ll need to remember, like exams, assignment deadlines, shifts at work and any social occasions you want to celebrate. Make note of birthdays and family visits and factor them into your planning too.
Having a fully updated calendar will make it easier to manage your time as the days and weeks pass. If you know that there’s a birthday or a night at the theatre planned in advance, you can fit your studies and other commitments around it, making sure nothing gets missed.
Get the most from your study time
When you do have allocated study time, make sure you’re getting the absolute most from it. Create weekly plans so you know what you’re studying and how long for. Sitting down without a good idea of the work that needs doing will result in you wasting valuable time.
Never leave important studying to the last minute. Allocate time for studying throughout the semester to make sure you arrive at the exam part of the semester in the best possible way.
Having weekly learning sessions ensures you have a great understanding of the course material and you can use those last minute sessions to review work, rather than learning things you might have missed or didn’t understand.
The university will have a wide range of fantastic learning spaces for you to make the most of during the semester. Or, find somewhere that suits you. Whether it’s a park, a coffee shop or one of the city’s creative spaces, don’t stay in the library if you find yourself procrastinating.
For example, here in Newcastle, there are a number of beautiful parks that are the perfect spot for a study session with course friends.
Take breaks and enjoy them!
As important as studying is, make sure you take the time to relax and recharge. Regular breaks are crucial, giving you the energy and motivation to tackle your next interesting course module.
During these breaks, make sure you do something that you really enjoy. Whether it’s exploring the bustling city around you or finding a new hobby, fill your time with amazing things that get you out and experiencing everything university life has to offer.
Clearing your head and taking a break from studying will allow you to recharge your batteries and get the most from your time at university. Try to avoid staying in your flat or just using the time to catch up on sleep. There’s so much to see and do, whether it’s catching the train to a nearby city or grabbing a bite to eat with friends.
Know when it’s time to really focus
Some of the friends you make at university will be studying completely different courses to you. This may mean that their exam and assignment periods aren’t the same as yours. They may want to celebrate the end of a major project with a fun day at the cinema or a trip to the shopping centre.
It can be tempting to neglect your studies and go with your friends, even though you have a deadline approaching. If you don’t have time to socialise with them, then let them know that you have to study.
They’ll understand completely, especially as they know exactly the position you’re in. Instead, rearrange with them to a date when you’re all free, so you can enjoy a night at the cinema or trip to a concert without jeopardising your studies.
Also, if you do have a part-time job, it’s important to let your employers know well in advance when your exam dates are so they can plan shifts around you.
Download our undergraduate guide to 2020 study
Choosing to study abroad is a major decision. Make sure you have all of the information you need by downloading our guide to studying in the UK. It includes budgeting tips, how you can get around here, what life is like when you study in England and everything you could need to know about the types of university in the UK.
Get your free copy of the eBook now by clicking on the link below.
