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InnoBlog: Balancing student and social life
My name is Martim Perestrelo, I am Portuguese, and I just finish my studies in EIT InnoEnergy Master’s in Renewable Energy programme. Currently, I am developing two start-ups alongside some colleagues and friends and my goal is to launch both successfully!
Starting a master’s programme abroad is an exciting experience in your life! You will be able to live independently in a new city, meet new people, learn about other cultures, experience different lifestyles, and much more, all while studying at one of Europe’s greatest institutions!
Now the question is, how can you achieve all of this while still focusing on your studies? During my two years in Master’s in Renewable Energy, I observed many students struggling with this, including myself! It is critical to understand how to maintain a healthy balance between social and academic life. Let me share some tips after having completed my two years of studies.
The first weeks
The first few weeks after relocating are the most productive, and you can accomplish a lot if you follow some easy steps:
- Arrive early to avoid losing out – many universities urge students to arrive one or two weeks before courses begin to engage in orientation events designed just for them!
- Plan ahead, set reminders, and arrange everything using a calendar – The nicest part about the first couple of weeks is that you won’t have much work, but this may also be a disadvantage if you don’t organise your schedule and miss that one essential introduction meeting you had in your first week.
- Make use of your spare time – the only moment when free time will not be an issue is during your first few weeks of university. Take advantage of this and avoid focusing on tasks that can be handled later. Rather than going to Ikea to purchase those must-have hangers, go explore the city with your friends! Participate in some student-organised activities or join one of your university’s numerous clubs!
