UK students are struggling to strike a healthy work life balance, with two thirds quitting extra-curricular activities to cope with study demands, finds new research from free online learning tool, Get Revising.
Ahead of the new academic year, the research poll asked 3,000 UK students aged 14 to 21 how well they manage their coursework and revision commitments. The research also asked what impact study has on their participation in extra-curricular activities, including art, sport, volunteering and music.
The results found two thirds of students have already quit a hobby to make extra time for studying and coursework commitments. A further three quarters of students (72%) reported feeling pressure from teachers and parents to drop their extra-curricular hobbies in order to meet academic expectations.
High academic expectations can affect students’ work-life balance
Female students appear to be feeling the pressure more than their male counterparts. Additional research found that almost three quarters (69%) of girls feel their academic workload prevents them from trying new sport or staying active – 28% more than male students.
Alarmingly, one in five female students also admitted to taking some form of medication, including caffeine pills and herbal remedies, to cope with study stress. This is compared to just 15% of male students.
Peter Langley, founder of Get Revising, said: “Despite the obvious health and social benefits of extra-curricular activities, students are facing increased pressure to meet coursework deadlines and prepare for exams, leaving little or no time for sport or clubs outside the classroom.
“Whilst it’s crucial to achieve good grades, students need a well rounded education, and this means making hobbies and skills – like sport, art and music – a priority in their timetable. Not only will these skills be a huge boost for their CV and future employability, learning to balance their workload is a life skill that stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives.”
