The importance of extra-curricular activities

Whether it's a sports team, volunteering or a university society, you can boost your CV, grades and mental health by exploring opportunities outside of the classroom

Extra-curricular activities are a valuable investment in your future, with research showing that students who participate in activities outside of their studies tend to have higher grades, better exam scores, and more positive educational experiences in general.

'Taking a break is important' says Dr Rhian Meara, Senior Geography Lecturer at Swansea University.

'It gives you the mental space to come back refreshed and ready to engage and succeed at whatever you’re studying'.

Non-academic pursuits can also help to improve your mental and physical health by reducing stress, improving your mood, and increasing your energy levels. The GITNUX Benefits of Extracurricular Activities report shows that students involved in extra-curricular activities have an 8% reduction in feelings of anxiety and depression.

What are extra-curricular activities?

Co-curricular activities, also known as out-of-class activities, are any events that you participate in outside of your regular academic coursework. They can be anything from sports and clubs to volunteering and part-time work.

'The university experience is often more than just acquiring academic knowledge and obtaining a degree certificate,' says Billy Wong, professor of education at the University of Reading.

'While participating in new extra-curricular activities can be daunting, it is useful to remember that the primary role of a student is to learn.'

Whether you're passionate about sports, music, volunteering, or simply want to try something new, there is an extra-curricular activity out there for you.

What skills will I gain?

Extra-curricular activities are a great way to demonstrate transferable skills that will make you a better candidate for graduate roles. Employers are looking for well-rounded employees, and extra-curricular activities show that you are passionate about your interests and have the experience to succeed in the workplace.

Examples of skills that can boost your CV include:

• communication
• teamwork
• problem-solving
• leadership
• time management
• organisation
• public speaking.

'There are overlaps in the type of skills that students may develop through extra-curricular activities and the skills that can help improve academic performance,' says Professor Wong.

'For instance, the ability to work with others, negotiate a way forward from different perspectives, and effective or diverse communication approaches are likely to be useful skills in the study context.'

Learn more about what skills employers want.

Sports clubs and societies

Universities and student unions host a wide range of clubs and societies to join. If you consider yourself to be spontaneous, the 20-minute society at Newcastle University could be for you. The society organises free activities for members, from axe throwing to escape room challenges - and you only have 20 minutes to find out the secret location to participate.

Another option is to join an assassin society, a popular choice at many universities. These societies host a series of non-lethal mock assassination games where players are assigned targets to hunt down while also being hunted themselves.

A more relaxing activity is the knitting society at UCL, where everyone from complete beginners to experienced crafters is welcome.

Societies are generally divided into three main types:

• sports teams
• subject-based groups
• social clubs organised around a shared interest.

Many clubs and societies offer different groups for different abilities, so you can find one that's right for you, whether you're a beginner or a competitive athlete.

To see what's on offer at your university, attend the freshers' fair at the beginning of the academic year, check faculty notice boards and the students' union website for information about clubs and societies, and talk to your friends and classmates to see if they belong to any clubs they can recommend.

Some societies are free to join, and others charge a small fee, typically with discounts on events and socials. You can also inquire with your university about extra-curricular bursaries or grants.

If you want to go a step further, you can become chairperson, treasurer, or secretary of your club or society to develop your leadership skills. These positions of authority strengthen your CV and demonstrate time management and organisational skills to employers. You could also become a course representative for your faculty.

'Volunteering as a student representative helped me to develop my confidence and communication skills, as I was the voice for my student cohort through regular in-person meetings and email communications with academic staff,' says Rosie Edwards, chair course representative in the School of Arts and Cultures at Newcastle University.

'I also chaired meetings which developed my confidence and public speaking skills.'

Alternatively, if you can't find a club or society that matches your interests, start your own. Your students' union can help you with the process.

Other options include:

• becoming a representative for your hall of residence
• contributing to the student radio or newspaper
• standing in student elections.

Volunteering

Giving your time to good causes for free is another way to develop your skills and connect with potential employers. It can increase your knowledge of a particular type of work, help you decide what you want to do, and give you real-life experience in hard-to-enter sectors such as conservation.

You can volunteer with a charity or non-profit organisation, a school, a hospital, or a local community centre. Volunteering is possible in most roles, but some organisations require experience, training, or knowledge, so do your research before applying.

'If you get involved, you could also gain experience in finance, health and safety, events management, first aid and communications,' says Dr Meara.

Whether you volunteer for a few hours a week, a couple of days a month, or the entire summer break, be realistic and make sure that any volunteer work doesn't interfere with your university studies, part-time job, or other extra-curricular activities.

Explore more options for volunteering.

Part-time work

'Balancing part-time work while pursuing a university education is a demanding but enriching experience' says Ellie Glaysher, a management graduate at the University of Nottingham.

'It's a chance to cultivate vital skills such as time management and determination, setting a solid foundation for a successful academic and professional journey.'

Striking a balance between your academic work and your job is crucial. It is recommended that you do not work more than 20 hours per week to avoid interfering with your studies.

Many universities provide opportunities for flexible part-time work on campus. These positions are ideal for students as they allow you to work around your academic commitments. Check your institution's job board for openings.

Once you have found a part-time job, be sure to communicate your availability clearly with your employer and manage your time effectively to ensure that you can meet all your commitments. It is important to prioritise your academic work and your mental health.

Explore our guidance on working while studying.

Find out more

• Consider student jobs at university.
• Discover how to balance work and study.