As a second-year Sport Management student from Northern Ireland, moving to Loughborough was both exciting and overwhelming. Leaving home, family and everything familiar behind brought challenges, especially when adjusting to a new style of learning. University is a step up in independence, there’s no teacher chasing you for homework or checking you’re on track. With a coursework-heavy degree, I quickly realised that managing my time well would be crucial. What helped me most in adapting and finding my place was getting involved in sport beyond lectures.

Before arriving, I knew Loughborough’s reputation for elite sport, which was inspiring but also intimidating. I didn’t come with any national titles and wasn’t a performance athlete. At the same time, I was trying to get used to self-directed learning, where you’re responsible for keeping on top of deadlines and reading. I found it useful to check module specifications at the start of each semester, jot down key deadlines in a calendar and set small weekly goals. Breaking the workload down this way made things far more manageable, and sport gave me the balance I needed.

One of the most rewarding things I’ve done is join the CVA (Coach and Volunteer Academy) Sport Mad programme. Volunteering in local schools delivering sports sessions was a fantastic way to apply what I’d learned in lectures. I built confidence and developed leadership and communication skills, qualities that are vital for a future in sport management. Balancing volunteering with my academic work taught me how to prioritise my time, especially when coursework deadlines were approaching.

I also took on the role of Social Secretary for the Train and Gain Society in my first year. Alongside organising events and welcoming new members, I was juggling regular assignments and learning how to structure my independent study. Having that responsibility outside of my course gave me motivation to stay on top of uni work so I could enjoy the social side without stress. It also reminded me that university isn’t just about academic success, building relationships and being part of a community are also important.

Playing netball for IMS (representing your accommodation hall) added another fun and activity to my week. With lectures, group projects and reports filling my schedule, having something to look forward to that wasn’t academic helped me stay balanced. Being in a team also taught me the value of collaboration, which came in handy during group coursework tasks.

What I’ve come to appreciate is how well Loughborough blends high-quality academics with inclusive sporting opportunities. While elite performance sport is rightly celebrated, there’s also space for everyone to get involved, no matter your ability. Sport has been a massive part of my uni journey, not just for wellbeing but for growth in confidence and skills.

To any prospective student, I’d say this: get involved early, stay organised and take every opportunity. The balance between study and sport helped me find my place, and it could help you too.