Taking part in extracurricular activities alongside your studies is a great way to take a wind down. You can gain new skills, meet new people and have a bit of fun!
Here are a few different ways you can make use of your study breaks:
Learn the benefits of extracurricular activities here.
Exercise
You spend a lot of time staring at a screen indoors and can get quite consumed with this way of living when you are in an intense study period. But this isn’t any good for you! During intense study periods you should be trying to break them up so do other activities in the meantime.
Not only does this give you a well-deserved break, but it also refreshes you for when you need to go back to your studying.
One of the best ways to do this is some form of exercise. The most common way to get a bit of exercise in is to go for a walk. You can get a bit of fresh air too! This can be time to spend walking with friends, or you can walk alone to get a break!
Clubs
If you are a bit more into your sports, then see what clubs on are offer around you whether this be locally or at your university. Some universities only take of students into their sports clubs at the start of the year. So, if you have missed the deadline, you will be able to find alternatives in the city you’re in. For example, if you are into dancing then sign up for some local classes. Lots of gyms will offer dance classes such as Zumba.
Gym
Join the gym if this is more your thing! Again, you can do this alone or with a friend. You can join your university gym, or find a gym in the city you are living in.
Learn the benefits of exercising before you study.
Societies
Societies are a brilliant extracurricular activity that is beneficial in many ways. The great thing about university societies is that there is something for everyone! There are 100s and 100s of different societies and if there isn’t one for you then you can create it. The ultimate extracurricular activities alongside your studies is societies!
Meet new people
Finding a society, you like tends to mean you will be able to meet likeminded people. This is where most people make their friends at university. It may be a good idea to join a few different societies. You can join with friends or even join by yourself. The majority of people will be joining by themselves so don’t let this put you off!
Join your course society
It might be helpful to join your course society if there is one. By this I mean join the Law society if you take a subject involving law. You can also join societies at any point during the year so whenever you decide like joining one, go for it!
Why not start your own society?
As mentioned earlier, if you can’t find a society that you fancy then try and come up with one of your own. As long as you can get a few friends involved to fill the committee positions then you should be good to go as long as your student union approves it.
This society can be anything as long as you can come up with some kind of activities to do that relate to it. For example, if you love Harry Potter then think about the types of activities you could do. This could include things like movie screenings, maybe Harry Potter fancy dress nights, etc.
Music
Maybe your extracurricular activity could be learning to play an instrument! Being able to play an instrument is a very good skill! Whether you used to play when you were younger, or whether you just want to get started now, there will be somewhere you can take classes.
Language
The majority of universities will put on language modules that you can take part in alongside your studies. Having an additional language is huge when it comes to employment. If you manage to become very good at a language, then you could even go into a job where this can be utilised.
CPD
If you want to make good use of your time and start some extracurricular activities alongside your studies, then why not work on your CPD. There are activities that you can take part in that will enhance your employability skills and increase your knowledge in the industry you want to work in.
Gain experience
Try to see if there are any work experience opportunities within your industry. Lots of companies put on a week vacation scheme in summer where you can meet current trainees and get a better understanding of what goes on.
Volunteer
Volunteering is another amazing option that not so many people take on. Your university will more than likely have lots of options for you to take part in. Alternatively you can source your own options. Try walking into charity shops, food banks, dog shelters, schools, etc and see if you can offer any help. I’m sure they will be most joyed for your help!
Learn the benefits of volunteering.
Learn about your career path
Another option in your breaks and spare time is to take part in things like workshops, insight days and guest lectures. Learn more about the industry you want to work in. Learn about the specifics of the job role you would like and get a real understanding of the role. This will be a big help when it comes to interviews as it will show the interviewer that you are passionate about the role you you genuinely want it.
How Jamworks can help
Jamworks can be a big help when you are trying to make time for these extracurricular activities. It can also aid you in some of them!
Saving time
If you are someone that struggles to find the time to take part in other activities outside of your studies, then give Jamworks ago. This tool will help you becomes much more productive as it aims to increase your productivity. The amount of time you will save can be spent learning a new language or starting a new dance class!
Helps with information-based activities
If you are thinking of doing something that includes classes or someone speaking, then download Jamworks and make use of it! For example, if you are joining online language classes then start recording the sessions so that you can go back to them at any time. This will be very useful if you have forgotten how to pronounce a certain phrase, etc.
You can also use Jamworks when it comes to guest lectures or important workshops. Save the recordings and use the information when it comes to writing your CV or a cover letter. This will really impress the recruiters!
Final Thoughts
Extracurricular activities alongside your studies are the way forward when it comes to university. So, make sure you are utilising Jamworks in a way that works for you.
Get started with Jamworks FREE today to help attain your personal study goals.
