More than Medicine: Finding balance at University

As a first-year medical student, a lot of my time is either spent in lectures, on placement, or revising. However, being a student is about more than that, it’s about finding balance through hobbies, societies, and spending time with friends.

Balance and wellbeing

Medicine can definitely be busy at times, but having hobbies and societies gives you something to look forward to and helps you maintain a healthy balance. For me, things like going to the gym, playing netball, creating content, and exploring Birmingham through events and concerts help me take a step back from studying and recharge. Overall, student life is what you make of it. Between societies, hobbies, and exploring the city, there are so many opportunities to try new things and meet new people.

Hobbies and interests

One of the things I enjoy doing outside of my studies is improving my fitness. I enjoy going to the gym and playing with my ACS (African Caribbean Society) netball team. It’s a really fun way to decompress, speak to other students (including people outside of your course!) and take some time away from everything whilst still feeling productive.

Another hobby of mine is content creation. I’m only just getting started, but seeing a lot of people around me doing it has inspired me and given me the confidence to start. I think it’s a great way of documenting your life when things feel tough. It also gives you space to express yourself and reflect on your experiences. On top of that, I actually find the editing process really relaxing, so it’s a nice way for me to switch off and unwind.

As well as this, I also enjoy going to concerts. Recently I went to see Dave at the Utilita Arena Birmingham, and it was a great way to explore the city whilst spending time with friends. I also enjoyed it because it gave me something to look forward to and introduced me to new people I may never have met otherwise.

Societies 

The university offers many opportunities to get involved in societies, which are a great way to meet people who share similar hobbies. There really is something for everyone. From sports societies to cultural groups (even the Taylor Swift Society!), there are so many opportunities to get involved in university life and meet people who share your interests.

MedSoc at the University of Birmingham is one of the largest societies at the university and has many subdivisions, ranging from sports teams like football and rugby to academic groups, charity initiatives, and performing arts societies. We celebrate throughout the year, with many societies hosting formal events and balls. One of the highlights for many medical students is the MedSoc Ball towards the end of March, which is always something people look forward to.

I’m a member of BIFS (Birmingham Investment and Finance Society). This has been really interesting for me because it gives access to networking events, workshops, and opportunities beyond my course. I’ve also been able to rekindle some of my old passions, such as reading by joining a book club 

Make friends for life!

Being involved in societies has also helped me build friendships outside of medicine, which I think is really important because it allows you to step outside of the “medical bubble”. I’ve enjoyed socials with my dance squad and with ACS I’ve been able to go to brunches and attend games nights. These events make it easier to meet new people and build friendships with students from different courses and backgrounds. At the same time, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with other medical students through your studies and MedSoc. 

Although medicine can be demanding, getting involved in activities outside of your course can make your university experience much more enjoyable and balanced. For me, these experiences have helped me meet amazing people, rediscover hobbies I love, and make the most of everything university life has to offer.