A day in the life of an Education student

Morning

A typical day in my life at York starts with my Monday morning Educational Research Methods lecture, in which we are taught how to analyse data through gaining an understanding of the different methods of data collection. The module is challenging yet ensures that we develop the skills needed to be able to plan our own research study. This will be extremely beneficial for when I begin to write my dissertation next year. My lecture begins at 9:00am and finishes at 11:00am which gives me the rest of the day free.

My contact hours in second year have decreased since my first year. Having more free time means I am able to complete my assignments early, so I don’t have to panic about rushing to finish them. And I also have free time to enjoy the many perks that living in York has to offer.

I grab lunch at the Alcuin Kitchen which is my favourite eatery on campus. It’s also a great place to take your laptop and do a couple of hours work or revision which is what I often do during the week.

Afternoon

As I have some free time on a Monday, I decided to start volunteering at Oxfam which is based in the city centre. It takes only 15 minutes by bus to get into the city which means it is very accessible to have a part-time job whilst studying. Working at Oxfam has been a great way to develop my confidence. I enjoy it as I feel like I am putting something back into the community.

Within the university, there are lots of volunteering opportunities that are available. Next term I am participating in a York Students in School (YSIS) placement in which I am placed at a Primary School in York as a Classroom Assistant.

I completed a YSIS placement in my first year. I found that it was a great way to sample life in a school over a short 10-week placement. Completing a YSIS placement was also a great addition to my C.V. Especially when possibly applying for jobs in a school or further study upon completion of my degree. Volunteering opportunities are something that I recommend everyone to try. It takes a small amount of time out of your week and can really make a difference!

Evening

I work at Oxfam from 1pm until 5pm. This gives me plenty of time to head home and get ready before my plans for the night commence. Living in a house of 5 girls means that there is often an occasion to celebrate. Today it happens to be my housemate’s birthday. So we are all heading out for dinner and trying out the Escape Room across from Clifford’s Tower. This is something that we haven’t tried yet since moving to York. We are all looking forward to a night of murder mystery!

Living in York means that there is always something fun to do. The city centre is bursting with nice restaurants, cafes, shops, museums and bars so you are never stuck for ideas.

The next day

I am able to stay out and enjoy the birthday celebrations without the need to worry about a 9am lecture the following morning – my lecture on a Tuesday is not until 4pm. The lecture is for a module that I chose to study in my second year, Children and Literature. I will finish the module having read a lot of different viewpoints on educational issues, therefore proving a greater understanding of the role of education. The books we study explore issues in social and cultural contexts, which not only make for a great read but also provide academic stimulus for further debate. This can be done through the summative assignments we submit, as we are able to explore our own viewpoint and develop it critically.

Studying in York was a great decision as I’m able to study a subject I enjoy, whilst living in a city that has so much to offer.

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