A day in the life of a Medical Sciences student

As a student at the University of South Wales (USW), every day is packed with activities that challenge me both academically and personally. Balancing my studies, health, and social life can be demanding, but I’ve learned what works for me to be productive. Here’s a glimpse into a typical day in my life, from the moment I wake up to when my head hits the pillow again.

I walked over to my morning lecture in Cardiff that began at 10am. I live in a private flat right in the heart of the city so it’s incredibly convenient as everything I need is nearby. The walk to campus is even under 40 minutes. On these walks I tend to catch up with my family over the phone or listen to music to mentally prepare to learn. On days when I need to commute further to the USW Glyntaff campus, my friend who drives picks me up- he is a life saver!

My course involves a mix of theoretical and practical work, with one of the most exciting aspects being the human cadaver dissection module in partnership with Cardiff university. This is a part of my final year project, where we identify the cause of death through pathology reports. So cool, right? Today, I had a lecture from 10 am- 12 pm and a practical session until 5pm.

Before the practical, I went to a cafe with a course-mate. We caught up on everything from our assignments and holiday plans. These moments are a refreshing break from studying and allow me to just relax my overthinking mind.

I think that one of the best parts of university life is the people you meet. My course mates have become good friends, and on other days we tend to hang out, grab lunch, and take little drives around to explore. I’ve also made friends from all over the world, from places like Switzerland and Kenya that I see frequently. The diversity makes every conversation a chance to learn something new about others and myself.

In the practical I had the opportunity to cut open the cadaver’s elbow region to explore the components like the muscles on my own! It’s a mentally challenging experience, but the hands-on learning is invaluable.

After my busy day of lectures and practical work, I winded down by going for a walk to the supermarket to buy some needed food before venturing off to a friend’s birthday celebration. I know, very busy day, but it was a wonderful way to relax. These social events are a great reminder of the importance of downtime for me. They not only help me recharge but also make university life more enjoyable.

That’s a typical day in my life—full and diverse, but incredibly productive and fulfilling. Balancing it all can be overwhelming, but with the right mindset and a little planning, it’s all achievable.