As an Environmental Science student, some days are busier and start earlier than others. This depends on what is happening in each module and what deadlines are coming up. Any spare time I have during the day I spend in a computer room in the library. This is the only place I can really focus and be productive. I prefer to stay on campus all day because I live 25 minutes away. So it would be a waste of valuable time to go home and come back for a later class.
Monday Funday!
I have a handful of classes including my regular 2pm Earth Processes and Landforms lecture where we learn about hydrology, glaciology and coastal geomorphology. This was a second-year optional module, which I take with the Environmental Geographers and find very interesting. I’m looking forward to our trip to the Lake District in March to study glacial landforms! I then spend around 4 hours in the library writing up lecture notes and working on various reports.
Then it’s on to my Henna Society meetup at 7pm. I only joined this year, but I have already progressed well enough to have helped at their henna stall at a cultural exhibition in November. And I spend every Monday evening covering myself in the stuff – the only problem is getting home without smudging it!
Tuesday Bluesday…
My least favourite day of the week, beginning with a 3-hour Environmental Geochemistry session starting at 9am. This module is my most challenging, as I have very little chemistry knowledge or confidence in working through complicated equations. Having said this, the module leader is patient and explains concepts one-to-one which helps and it feels great when I get the answers right!
Later, I may have a lab practical e.g. growing bacteria or analysing lake water samples. I definitely enjoy lab work more than I expected to as it is very laid back, working at your own pace, and (usually) discovering interesting results!
I then work in the library before attending my Languages for All Spanish class from 6-8pm. The possibility of taking this class attracted me to York, as after studying A-level Spanish I was keen to maintain a good grasp of the language. This weekly class with an enthusiastic teacher has allowed me to do exactly that!
Wonderful Wednesday!
Due to the afternoon being dedicated to university sport (which I stay well away from!) my Wednesdays consist of one 9am Economics of Sustainable Development lecture, and the rest of the day off. This works well for me as the lecture gets me out of bed and in the zone ready for -you guessed it- a day in the library!
I head home around 4pm for a Making a Murderer binge before heading to Campus East at 6:45pm for my yoga class. In first year, I lived in Langwith College where they offered free sessions every week with Constantine College. I had never done yoga before coming to university. But the calming atmosphere and the passion of the teacher have had me hooked since day one!
Thirsty (for knowledge) Thursday!
I usually start in the afternoon when my Environment Systems Project group may have a meeting with a supervisor to discuss our progress. In this module, we were asked to design our own investigation into the biodiversity of Campus East in self-chosen groups. At school, I was never keen on group work but here I find it much more enjoyable working with people from different backgrounds, interests and expertise. Later, there may be a computer practical where staff help us to analyse the results of various experiments.
In the evening, I have a Baking Society social such as chocolate making at the York Cocoa House, afternoon tea at the Slug and Lettuce or a club night at Society or Popworld (don’t judge!). Joining the baking society was the best decision I made this year. I have formed many friendships with people I never would have met otherwise. I am enjoying it so much, I was voted to become the Vice Social Secretary; organising weekly socials for the rest of the year!
TGI Friday!
I have an Economics of Sustainable Development lecture or seminar where we look at the links between the environment and economy. This was another optional module which I study with those on the Environment, Economics and Ecology course. I did not have any prior knowledge of economics but, through some of my own reading, concepts were easy enough to understand.
For the weekend I may have visitors to stay or I may go back home to Derby on the train- my free railcard from Santander has come in very handy (look out for various offers when opening a student bank account!).
Social Saturday
I usually start my weekend with a run. In first year, I bought a gym membership for the Sport Village on Campus East. However, this year I decided I would not have the time (or funds) to pay membership again. So, I chose to take up running instead, to stay active. The rest of my Saturday is spent working at my desk (whilst catching up on Hollyoaks) or I may go shopping with friends if I don’t have too much work to do.
At 3pm I go to the Baking Society. We make the weekly treat e.g. bread/ jam tarts/ carrot cake and then I take it home to bake – much to the approval of my housemates!
If I can be persuaded, I may spend the night out in town. However, I’m most likely to stay in, eating my homemade goodies and watching X Factor!
Sleepy Sunday…
After a lie in, I start with a run. Then complete various household chores e.g. bathroom cleaning/ hoovering/ clothes washing and go hardcore adult preparing tea in my slow cooker! I like to tie up loose ends with regards to uni work by the end of the week so that nothing is carried over into the next. I usually end my Sunday with a long soak in a Lush-filled bath; preparing myself to do it all over again!
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