Written by: Fariha Bham
Morning
On Mondays, the first day of a busy university week, the rays of the morning sun softly wake me at 8am. The day begins with a familiar routine: a warm cup of tea, a nutritious breakfast with fried eggs and toast, alongside some social media browsing which is a daily practice that I want to dispose of. Prior to delving into the realm of academia, I check and respond to messages or emails. Next, I develop a detailed plan to guide me through the opportunities and activities of the day. Having adequately fuelled and mentally prepared for the academic journey that lies ahead, I am on my way to my first class by 8:45-am. This is because I need to walk about twelve minutes towards the Business School campus grounds, from my accommodation.
Academic schedule
I find myself captivated by a 2-hour lecture at 9am which is usually Research Methods for Marketing and Management. Although it's not my favourite module, I find that going through the pre-lecture readings on the weekend helps improve my engagement and understanding. During the lecture, I am committed to improving my note-taking skills and saving my questions for the post-lecture forum. To develop my confidence, I am currently making efforts to improve my ability to speak up in front of the entire class. Afterwards, I set aside an hour to focus on completing my further readings, future seminar tasks, or pending deadlines. I typically find a cosy spot in the café at the Urban Sciences building, accompanied by some snacks to keep me fuelled as I work.
Midday Interval
Midday marks a transition from academic pursuits to the realities of daily life. On Mondays, I tackle my grocery shopping and other errands. Deciding what to have for lunch is always a delightful dilemma. I can either indulge in the mouth-watering options at my go-to lunch spots, Oodles or Jollibees or treat myself to a homemade feast at home. After lunch, the city calls for some quality time with friends. Whether it's in the lively student union, the peaceful Leazes Park, or the Eldon Square Mall, all in the heart of the city centre.
Afternoon
The academic symphony carries on from 3:30-pm to 6:30-pm, showcasing two consecutive classes that demand intellectual involvement. Both are typically lectures in different buildings, so dashing from one class to another has become a regular occurrence. After my classes, I find solace in a café where I can focus on my extra-curricular activities which are employability-related tasks. My extra responsibilities include being a Business Ambassador, Unibuddy Ambassador, Marketing project lead and EDI representative, or working towards my NCL+ Advanced awards. Most of my work offers flexibility and can be completed remotely, while the tasks that require me to be present are scheduled on different days. By 7:30-pm, I bid farewell to the Business School café, feeling a weight lifted off my shoulders, and head home.
Evening
As I step foot into the silent world of my home, the intellectual talks begin to fade away leaving me with time for reflection and quietness. The evening is a wonderful time to relish in some peaceful moments and savour my own company. Whether it is an engrossing novel, a favourite TV series or just calmness along with a Pakistani traditional homemade dinner, the night unfolds as the right reward.