How to occupy oneself when not in lectures

There are many benefits to being within the first cohort of a new course as I have been on the Paramedic MSci at Keele University. However, there are also drawbacks to being among the first to study a new subject in a university that is already replete with well-established subject areas and students. It takes time for a new degree path to establish itself within the folds of the university, and for a new group of students to truly feel a part of the university.

One method for students to overcome this is to become a part of a student society. Other academic disciplines have societies, as do hobbies, interests and sports. The benefits of joining a society or club alongside university study have been well documented. You can widen your circle of friends and have the chance to network with others from differing disciplines. It provides a break from the rigours of studying and revising. It gives you the opportunity to learn new skills, develop your time management and, most of all, make memories that will last many years.