The end of the semester is approaching, and not just any semester, but my first semester at university. Adjusting to student life is quite an interesting process. It demands a combination of quality work, leisure activities, and socializing to achieve a balanced life. With the holiday season close at hand, it’s important to remain focused on our assignments and ensure we perform at our best, despite potential distractions, such as the anticipation of the upcoming holidays. I emphasize this point because, although I’ve only been a university student for three months, I’ve realized that each assignment has its own unique aspects and requires us to adapt to its specific framework.

Consequently, we not only learn about the task’s subject but also gain knowledge and experience regarding our ability to perform under various circumstances that may challenge us, pushing us to step out of our comfort zone and explore something new. In many cases, this sense of experimentation is considered the most intriguing and enjoyable part of an assignment. Clearly, one could argue that the ability to adapt to different situations and respond effectively, by essentially ‘reading the room,’ separates the great from the good. Therefore, it is crucial to put forth our best effort in our assignments, as, in the end, they teach us far more than just the subjects themselves.

However, I believe it is essential for us students to incorporate hobbies, exercise, and leisure activities into our routine, as this aspect is just as crucial as our academic work. For example, I usually spend some time engaging in one of my favorite hobbies, photography. This allows me to shift my focus to this art form and motivates me to continually improve, while also enhancing my creativity and observational skills. Furthermore, I make an effort to exercise—not in any extreme way—as this reminds me of the importance of participating in sports. When I used to play amateur football for a club in my hometown, I learned about the benefits of team sports and their positive impact on us. Lately, I’ve been going for walks in many of London’s parks; in addition to providing good exercise, this gives me the opportunity to reflect on interesting events. I, therefore, recommend exercising and exploring various hobbies, as we can only benefit from this.

By Andreas Karelias

1st Year Undergraduate Student

Univesity of Westminster Business School