Aside from the many events and celebrations, throughout your university life there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved in activities outside the lecture theatre. Although they may not all be dressed up as the most exciting of prospects, they should offer a little enjoyment at the very least and impress employers by adding weight to your CV.
We’ve detailed some of the ways you can get involved, gain new skills and hopefully even have fun as well.
Join a sports team
An obvious choice and a good one. The personal benefits are you get to meet new people and improve your sporting ability. The professional benefits are evidence of working as a team and being driven by results. A spell in the first team or as captain will no doubt win over that sports-obsessed boss who likes to talk tactics.
Become a member of a society
Similar benefits to joining a sports team, if you avoid the many variants of the partying and drinking societies (these are a no-no for CVs). The real skill-related hard hitters come in the form of debating societies, mini school charities or academic groups. Sure they may sound dull to outsiders, but being part of them will be a lot of fun – we promise!
Watch out for events to get involved in
There is a wealth of talent and fresh thought on university campuses, giving rise to regular events such as talks, exhibitions and entertainment. If you think you have got what it takes to be an events manager, now is a prime opportunity to find out what it takes to organise them successfully with a potentially large student audience.
Nominate yourself for campus or subject representative
If you love your subject or just fancy something to take your mind off things, being a representative allows you to sit in on important meetings and have your judgment valued. You will probably get the chance to feedback directly to your tutors and fellow students about changes to university teaching or life in general. It is perfect for preparing yourself for those long office meetings and giving presentations.
Run for a society or Student Union position
If you enjoy taking part in society activities and being a decision maker, putting yourself in the frame for an official role makes university life more interesting and is great for impressing employers if you are elected. Budding politicians and business owners might prefer to get a look in as a Student Union position, as President or one of the many other roles. They will all show a drive to lead and manage projects. Of course, you aren’t expected to fill your free time with these activities, but they can all help make university life that little more interesting and useful when applying for a graduate job in the not-too-distant future.