From lectures and lab sessions to independent study and campus life, every student’s university experience is unique. We spoke to Francisca Ballard, a first-year Nutrition and Health student, about what a typical week looks like on the course and how she balances her studies with life outside the classroom. 

Nutrition and Health: A Typical Week as a First-Year Student 

As the academic year comes to an end, it feels like the right time to reflect upon my experience so far at the University of Roehampton and the perception that the months have flown by. This might seem to imply that the first year of our Nutrition and Health degree was easy or challenge-free (it was not!), but organising my time, regularly attending lectures and staying on top of materials has made returning to University a rewarding and enriching experience so far. 

A Typical Week 

To describe a typical week as a Nutrition and Health student is not an easy task, as our weeks have varied throughout the year. Generally, our schedule was condensed into 2.5 in-person days at the University, equating to around 12 weekly hours of lectures, seminars, scheduled group work or lab sessions. 

The on-campus days were spread out; typically, a full day on Monday, half a day on Wednesday, followed by another day at the end of the week. Lecture attendance is monitored by the University, however many students find their schedule fits in around other work or family commitments. 

What We Study 

The modules in the first year were diverse and covered various nutrition-related topics, Psychology, Physiology, Human Disease, Statistics and Biochemistry. With a lot to cover, Mondays and Wednesdays were usually lecture days, then on Thursdays or Fridays there might be a lab session for different modules for us to apply our learning into practice. 

Independent Study 

I mostly build in study time on my lecture-free days and in the evenings and have found that putting together a schedule for the week helps me manage my workload. Students are expected to do reading in their own time to further their understanding of what is covered in lectures. 

Grades for each module are composed of different assignments, tests and exams, which are spread out across the term. Many lecturers offer revision sessions during term, where students can test themselves and identify gaps in their knowledge. 

Personally, I find learning new materials easiest in the morning, while writing reports is something I focus on best in the evenings. This way I have found my own rhythm which helps me stay on top of the requirements of the course. 

Finding Balance 

To counterbalance a busy study week, I take regular breaks, go for daily dog walks and integrate exercise, including yoga and running, when I can. Food being a huge passion of mine, I spend quite some time in the kitchen cooking or baking, which helps me relax. 

On my bus journeys to and from the University, I tend to listen to a podcast or read a book. 

Campus Life and Community 

Connecting with my colleagues on the course has been invaluable. From a quick coffee before lectures, study sessions and group lunches (Nutrition students seem to bring the most delicious-looking food), sharing experiences, discussing issues or simply chatting about the weekend has been a huge part of University life. 

Most of our lectures take place on Whitelands campus. With its friendly and relaxed atmosphere and beautiful green spaces, there are plenty of seating areas for us to hang out. 

I spend time at the Library on occasions, which is located on Southlands campus, a short walk away. It is peaceful and great for quiet time, in addition to giving access to any physical books students might need. Mostly, however, I look at books or journals online, which keeps self-study time flexible. 

Looking Back 

My weekends are usually a time to recharge with my family, and I try to keep them as free from work as I can. This is not always possible when assignment deadlines are close or there is revision to be done, which is when I find that little and often is helpful. 

And of course, I am never far away from a nutritious meal or snack in between!

Do you want to find out more about what it’s like to study at the University of Roehampton? Click here to hear more student stories and discover life at Roehampton.