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

What are extra-curricular activities?

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

Why are extra-curricular activities important?

Beyond simply filling space on a CV or job application, these activities offer valuable opportunities to:

develop new skills
explore interests
meet new people.

These experiences broaden your social network and can create valuable connections for the future.

Extra-curricular activities can often boost your academic performance too. As Billy Wong, an education professor at the University of Reading, explains, 'The university experience extends beyond academic knowledge and a degree certificate. The skills students develop through extra-curricular activities often overlap with those that improve academic success.'

Beyond social and academic benefits, enjoyable hobbies outside of studies provide a healthy outlet for stress. The GITNUX Benefits of Extra-curricular Activities report indicates that students involved in out-of-class activities experience an 8% reduction in feelings of anxiety and depression.

Whether it's a physical activity like sports, or a creative pursuit like painting, these activities can:

boost mood
contribute to overall wellbeing
promote relaxation.

What extra-curricular activities can I pursue at university?

Sports clubs and societies

Universities and students' unions offer an array of clubs and societies. If you're spontaneous, the Give It a Go society at Newcastle University is a perfect fit. They organise free sports activities for all levels, led by a team of assistants who support your participation.

Assassin societies are another popular choice at many universities. These groups host non-lethal mock assassination games where players are assigned targets to 'hunt down' while simultaneously being targeted themselves.

For a more relaxed experience, consider the knitting society at UCL, which welcomes everyone from beginners to experienced knitters.

Societies generally fall into three categories:

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

Volunteering

Giving your free time to good causes is another way to develop your skills and connect with potential employers. By getting involved, you could also gain experience in:

communication
events management
finance
first aid
health and safety.

You can volunteer with a:

charity or non-profit organisation
hospital
local community centre
school.

For example, Student Action for Refugees offers student volunteering projects across universities in the UK, recruiting thousands of students to support the work of local charities.

Their projects include:

English conversation clubs
homework support
women's groups
youth clubs.

Volunteering opportunities exist in most fields, but some organisations may require specific experience, training, or knowledge, so do your research beforehand by checking the role description. For example, if your role involves working with children, you might have to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check or first aid training.

Whether you volunteer a few hours a week, a couple of days a month, or throughout the summer break, be realistic and ensure that volunteering doesn't conflict with your university studies, part-time job, or other extra-curricular activities.

Discover more volunteering opportunities.

Part-time work

Many universities offer flexible, part-time jobs on campus, which are ideal for students because they can work around their academic schedule.

Jobs on campus include:

library worker
residential staff
student content creator
student ambassadors.

You can check your university's vacancies board or attend a jobs fair to discover available work.

For more ideas on finding work while studying, see student jobs at university.

Other common sectors for student jobs include:

Striking a balance between your academic work and your job is crucial. It's recommended that students work no more than 20 hours per week to avoid jeopardising their studies.

Once you secure a part-time job, you should clearly communicate your availability to your employer to meet all your obligations. Learning to say 'no,' recognising personal boundaries, and prioritising academic work and mental health are crucial when faced with competing demands.

Discover more about working while studying.

How many extra-curricular activities should I do?

Finding a healthy balance between academics and extracurricular activities is crucial for avoiding burnout and maximising your potential. It starts with understanding your own limits and realistically assessing how much you can handle.

Prioritise your academic commitments and use a planner or calendar to stay organised. Regularly reflect on your balance and be prepared to adjust your schedule or commitments as needed.

For impact on a job application, focus on a few activities where you've truly made a difference and gained valuable skills. Employers are far more interested in your accomplishments and contributions than an extensive list of memberships.

Explore our time management tips for students.

What activities will look good on my CV?

If you're a recent graduate or have limited work experience, emphasising your hobbies on your CV is a great way to demonstrate your skills and interests. Be sure to think about the specific job you're applying for and highlight experiences that align with the required skills and interests.

For example, if you're aiming for a tech role, your involvement in a coding club or a robotics team will be far more relevant than participating in a drama society. Alternatively, if marketing is your target field, showcasing your skills as the editor of the student newspaper or leading a social media campaign would be beneficial.

Don't just list your activities - demonstrate the impact you made. Instead of simply stating you were 'treasurer of the dance club,' quantify your contributions. You could say, for example, 'As treasurer of the dance club, I managed a budget of £5,000.' Numbers and metrics add weight to your claims and make your involvement more meaningful.

For inspiration when crafting the skills section of a CV, see what skills do employers want?

How do I get started?

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 on clubs and societies
talk to your friends and classmates to see if they belong to any clubs they can recommend.

If you're looking to develop your leadership skills, consider running for positions like chairperson, treasurer, or secretary within your chosen club. These roles provide valuable experience, strengthen your CV, and demonstrate essential skills like time management and organisation to future employers.

Another avenue for leadership development is becoming a course representative for your faculty. Rosie Edwards, chair course representative in the School of Arts and Cultures at Newcastle University, explains '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. 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, you can 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.

Do extra-curricular activities cost money?

Some societies are free to join, and others charge a £5-£20 basic membership fee to ensure full commitment and active participation from members and to cover:

exclusive benefits such as discounts or priority access
operational costs like equipment, materials, or guest speakers.

Some societies, like sports or theatre teams, may charge significantly more to account for your access to specialist facilities. For example, the Irish Dance society at Northumbria University requires a £225 membership fee for access to a year of classes, competitions and socials.

Many universities offer financial assistance to students who are involved in extra-curricular activities, including societies. This assistance can come in the form of:

bursaries - based on need, often not requiring repayment
grants - typically for equipment or specific projects related to the society, often requiring an application process.

For information on applying for additional funding at university, see scholarships and bursaries.

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