A week in the life of a Sociology student

I love studying Sociology. It allows me to see the world in a new light, think critically about issues, and explore different viewpoints. This is how I spend a week in the life of a Sociology student!

Content warning: I talk about mental health.

Studying

I have six hours of contact time, which leaves a lot of time for independent study, something I enjoy. Since the lectures and workshops are spread out throughout the week, no two days are the same. I luckily have Monday off, and use that day to sort my week moving forward. I rewrite my notes, look through the work from the past week, and look into work for the next week. Readings are available from the start of term, and lecture materials for most modules are available before the lecture. It’s always productive to look through the work you’re doing, and get a head start on the work you’re planning.

The nice thing about being on Campus East is that the Piazza Building is not that far away. There is absolutely no excuse to not head there after a lecture. Not to mention, it has a restaurant, so you can grab a bite to eat before you head to one of the learning spaces to continue your work, or start something new. I’ve spent a lot of time there post-lectures doing dissertation work. It’s always so calm and peaceful in the area I choose.

Tuesdays and Thursdays are my busiest days; most of my contact hours are split between those two days, so it’s also a nice space to plan while waiting for your next lecture. I live off campus, so it’s a lot easier having a large space to meet friends before your next lecture, or do some study for your next class while sitting around.

There are days I can’t head into university: everyone has off days, so you do have to put yourself first. Luckily, all lecturers and seminar tutors are easy to contact, and a quick email telling them you can’t come in lets them know why you aren’t there, and also helps them support you further. I struggled a lot at the end of my first term, but the Sociology support team and the Open Door service (a mental-health service within the University) helped me create support plans. My lecturers were very understanding, so don’t worry if you have a hard time – there’s always support available to you.

Social

University isn’t always about studying! I spend my other day off looking after myself; I head into town or go for a walk around campus. Get yourself some campus birdseed from the NISA on campus, and feed the ducks. They’re very used to students, so are quite friendly. If you head to Derwent, you’re more than likely to see the famous Long Boi! If you haven’t heard of him, he’s a mix of a mallard and runner duck, which makes him pretty tall.

There’s lots to see and do in the city centre, from taking a tour of the Minster, to ghost walks. This Halloween, York Ghost Merchants held a ghost walk where you could go around town searching for their small ghosts. It was a fun event my housemates and I went to, and even though we didn’t find any ghosts, it was still something we all enjoyed.

I also spend a lot of time in societies, specifically the British Asian Society and Korean society, which have regular events I love participating in. You don’t have to have done activities before to join most societies (although some societies may require it). I’ve never done K-pop dancing, but that doesn’t stop me from trying every week at a dance class. There are many societies you can join, so make sure to give the ones that interest you a go!

Nightlife in York is very student-based, with most clubs having student nights every week. There’s always one available if you want to randomly go on a Monday night. The fun thing about being a student is the fact you can go out any weekday. It’s seen as normal, and even ‘part of the university experience’. So, if clubbing and nightlife is your thing, make sure you take advantage of everyone’s lax views on clubbing.

If pubs are more your scene, York also has a lot going in terms of pub quizzes, and loads of places to choose from. York hosts over 365 pubs, so make sure to go to different places and figure out which one you like!

York is a busy city, with university life to match. I wouldn’t change what and where I study for anything. The experience has made me who I am, and I’m always excited about the next step!