Written by: Aga Kita
Hi, my name is Aga and I’m a Postgraduate Global Human Resource Management student at Newcastle University Business School. In this blog, I will delve into a typical day at university for me, balancing both academics and social life.
My typical day begins with an 8am alarm. I take a quick glance at my timetable which reminds me that I have got a People Management in Global Context lecture at 10:30am.
My morning routine involves having a small breakfast, a refreshing shower, and preparing for the day ahead. I’m out the door at 10am, hopping on the metro and heading to Newcastle University Business School (NUBS) where my lectures take place.
The first lecture takes 2 hours and is finished by 12:30pm. At the lecture, I focus on taking notes as it provides me with a broad understanding of different Human Resource Management concepts. The lectures are usually less interactive; however, the academics are always available to answer questions, ensuring clarity on any complex topics.
Afternoon
After the first lecture, I usually have an hour-long break. This is the perfect opportunity to grab some lunch and a coffee from the NUBS café or the Tesco nearby.
Next on my timetable is an hour-long HR Practitioner seminar, which is a more practical and interactive module. This is an excellent opportunity to engage with other students to fully utilise the session.
After this seminar is complete, another hour-long break follows, which I utilise by heading to the study spaces in either NUBS or Frederick Douglass Centre with my course mates. Together we prepare for upcoming lectures, seminars, or assignments, creating a supportive study environment.
My final lecture of the day is an hour-long Research Methods lecture which prepares me for my research project in the second semester. At 4:30pm all my sessions are finished, and depending on the amount of workload, I either take the metro back home to relax or head to the library to complete a couple more hours of academic work.
Balancing academia and personal well-being are a priority for me, so as I return home, I focus on “me” time. Physical activity provides a mental break from my studies and an opportunity to recharge. Therefore, the evening is dedicated to self-care, whether it’s a rejuvenating run or a calming yoga session. Post-exercise, I cook myself a homemade dinner and catch up with my friends.
Before calling it a night, I look at my schedule and make sure I’m on top of my academic work, whether it’s completing required readings or going over the content scheduled for the next sessions. Finally, at around 10pm I can relax with a good book or immerse myself in a TV series, allowing my mind to unwind before going to sleep.