 |
| Here I am setting up the course! It was freezing and really windy - don't let the blue sky make you think otherwise! |
This week I have been balancing working, studying and
socialising – and I think I have done pretty well! Uni contact time has reduced
from first semester as I have completed 2 modules completely, 1 will be done in
March, another in April and then I only have 2 modules left which finish in
May. This is quite good for me as I find studying whilst the weather is good
really difficult, so the fact that I can get outside and work to make some
extra cash is nice!
This week I have been helping to run an orienteering scheme
called Xplorers (http://www.xplorer.org.uk/
for more information if you are interested), which has been funded by Central Bedfordshire Council and is free to the public. The summary of my job involves following a map to set up
the course in a local park area, inviting people to take part and then handing
out certificates to those who complete it. It’s great when it’s busy and the weather is good but not so much fun for me when it’s cold and wet! Here are a couple of photos of me setting up the
course.
 |
| Good hiding spot! |
Socialising and leisure have been balanced nicely; I have
played more badminton, sung with my choir and chilled out with friends. I have
packed for my cycle this weekend in the Isle of Wight, and it looks like I’ll
be away for months with the amount of stuff I’ve packed “just in case”, despite
being away for 2 days. The making and eating of pancakes has featured this week
– my favourite being strawberries, raspberries, golden syrup and chocolate
honeycomb bits – yum! (Sorry no photo – it wasn’t on the plate long enough!) I
am not sure how but I have also managed to squeeze in watching the whole first
series of Glee (yes, not for everyone but I love the musicality) which I
believe totals approx. 16 hours. Not sure h
ow I managed that, but nonetheless I’ve
had a really productive week of studying too!
 |
| Another card... |
I’ve planned two assignments; I’m more than half way through
one and will probably finish it next week, I’ve completed my core readings and
tasks for the week and begun planning and reading for my dissertation! Very successful week I believe!
My Top Tips for Balancing Student Life:
1. 1. Organisation – Have a diary, either written down
or, like me, do it electronically so that it syncs with all your devices. This
way you are less likely to double book yourself!
2. 2. Planning – Plan everything! When you’re working,
or at Uni, travelling times, when you can do your readings, sports – literally
everything. This way you can use your time effectively – for example if I have
10mins spare, when I have travelled more quickly than expected, then I open one
of my readings for the week and utilise the time.
3. 3. Sleep – Always make time to sleep! I cannot
function with a few hours’ sleep, and the more often you do it the longer it
will take to get your body back into a rhythm. Your body needs sleep to
recover, physically, mentally and emotionally so don’t scrimp on it!
Work Hard, Play Hard!
Posts
