Written by Welfare and Community Officer, Hana Mougharbel.
Striking a balance between studying and a social life can be challenging. In this blog, I’m sharing my top tips on how to make the most of everything UCL and the Students' Union has to offer, while still finding time for your studies and taking care of yourself.
As a student at UCL, you’re navigating a world of readings, research, and relentless deadlines - but anyone who’s been here knows that life here isn’t defined solely by what happens in the library. The real art lies in finding balance: giving your studies the focus they deserve while still making space for the moments, people, and experiences that make your time here genuinely memorable.
I've spoken to lots of students, and I'm aware, finding this equilibrium can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can thrive in both.
Find your rhythm
UCL has a way of pulling you into its academic current. Waves of lectures that inspire you, seminars that spark debate, and essays that demand all your time. It’s intense, yes, but also exhilarating. The key is to pace yourself. A well-planned calendar can feel like a small luxury: time blocked for study, rest, and everything in between. Think of it less as a schedule and more as a rhythm - one that keeps you grounded when deadlines loom. Effective planning helps prevent last-minute rushes and reduces stress overall, meaning you can engage in it all, without having to comprimise too much.
Take care of yourself
In a city that never seems to slow down, looking after yourself might just be the most ambitious thing you can do. UCL’s wellbeing resources are there to remind you that rest isn’t a reward; it’s a necessity. You can access one-to-one counselling, therapy, and wellbeing appointments, and join workshops that build your stress management by getting in touch with Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
Balancing academic and social life also requires taking care of your physical and mental well-being. Doing regular exercise, practice mindfulness, and ensure you get enough sleep. This can help you do better academically and socially. Why not join the TeamUCL Gym?
Find your tribe
Don’t be afraid to try something new, unconventional, or a little outside your comfort zone in order to find your community. Join that society you’ve been curious about, sign up for a volunteering project, or show up to an event on your own - you might surprise yourself with who you meet and how you feel. Your involvement will naturally ebb and flow depending on your academic commitments and interests. My advice is to throw yourself in fully at the start and see what feels right for you. There are lots of society tasters happening right now across campus. Why not give one a go?
Departmental societies are also a great way to meet people and maybe the most convenient, too. They give you a chance to make friends on your course, check-in on readings, and find common ground outside of your studies. Think of it like a ready-set of like-minded people to hang out with.
Balance is key
Your time at UCL will challenge you, shape you, and surprise you - and that’s the point. It’s about more than spending every moment studying; it’s about growth. When you strike that balance between your academic ambition and student life at UCL, you’re not just surviving while you're here, but you’re really living it.