Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
How I manage sports alongside my studies at Leeds Beckett
Hi there! I’m Amelia, a second-year BSc Speech and Language Therapy student at Leeds Beckett. Balancing academic work with sport can sometimes feel a bit chaotic, but I’ve learned a few tricks to make it all work. I’m part of the university women's rugby team, and despite having a packed timetable, I’ve managed to create a balance that allows me to fully commit to both my studies and my training. Here’s a little insight into how I do it!
1. Make Use of Recorded Lectures 
One of the best things about my course is that all the lectures are recorded, which means I can catch up on them in my own time. This flexibility is a game-changer, especially when some of my games clash with some of my lectures. I can listen to the lecture at a time that works for me – whether it’s in the evening, after training, or during a quiet afternoon. Being able to watch recorded lectures has been a game-changer, helping me stay on top of my coursework while managing my sports commitments.
2. Communicating with course leaders – they are there to help! 
My course leaders and academic advisor have been so supportive regarding my sports involvement. Whenever I’ve had clashes between seminars and training (especially on Wednesdays, which are always packed), my course leaders have been more than happy to help me. They offered me the option to swap seminar groups so I can attend both games and my seminars; they’ve always been understanding when it comes to balancing both.
3. Time management is key 
Time management is definitely important. I’ll be honest – I’ve not quite mastered this yet, especially with placements coming up and the added pressure of balancing everything! I try to organise my week so I can keep my evenings free. Despite not always being as easy as it sounds, I have learned that using the library during the day, especially between lectures or before training, is a great way to stay focused. The library is the perfect environment for me to get my head down and stay on top of my workload. That way, I don’t have to worry about study sessions running into my evenings, and I can relax when I need to... when it goes to plan!
4. The free bus is a game changer 
The free bus service between City and Headingley Campus is a lifesaver. I use it to travel between my lectures and training sessions - it’s honestly made everything so much more manageable. Instead of stressing about transport, I can hop on the bus from City Campus, whack my headphones in, and be at my training session within 15 minutes. It really cuts down on travel time, and even better, means I don’t have to spend any money.
5. The social side of sport 
Finally, sport is so much more than just physical activity – it’s also about the social side. The rugby team has become like a second family to me. Sport isn’t just fitness – it’s a chance to unwind, have a laugh, and make new friends outside of your course. It’s a brilliant way to stay active, but also a great way to blow off some steam from any course-related stress you might be feeling.
Of course, things don’t always go to plan, and sometimes it’s important to take a step back. University life can be full-on, and if I’m feeling overwhelmed, I don’t hesitate to adjust my schedule. Whether that’s taking a rest day from training or shifting around my study plans, I’ve learned that it’s okay to be flexible.
Managing both my studies and sport at uni isn’t always easy, but it’s definitely worth it by making some unforgettable memories with my teammates. If you’re thinking about getting involved in sport, don’t hesitate – you’ll find your balance and have a great time while you’re at it!
