With exams over, you’re heading into your final semester – how did the past few years go by so quickly? There’s still plenty of time to get involved and join in, and its definitely not too late to try something new. Which is a bonus as racking up extra curricular activities will look great on your CV. So whether you want to enhance your employability, study something new or just have fun with friends, here are some ideas.
My Future Fest
We’ll get the careers stuff out of the way first! My Future Fest is taking place on Wednesday 6 February in University Place. Head along to find out more about The Manchester Network where you can ask alumni about their career post-university and how they got started. If you’re looking for some more structured support how about applying for a careers mentor through Manchester Gold. Fancy staying in Manchester after Graduation? Speak to the Manchester Graduate Talent team who source internships across Greater Manchester that are exclusively for Manchester students. Finally if you’re not quite ready to leave education yet you can speak to FindAUniversity about Masters and Further Study courses throughout the UK.
Volunteer in the Community
There’s not doubt volunteering is a great addition to your CV. Plus, you get to meet people whilst doing your bit towards something you care about. That said it can be hard to find the time, especially if you have final year projects and a dissertations to complete. But you don’t have to make a massive commitment. The University offers opportunities to join volunteer days where you can just do a few hours volunteering in the community or helping with projects that last up to 6 weeks.
Get started with the Big Volunteer Day on 13 February as part of Student Volunteering Week. This year students will be clearing, greening and brightening up alleys with a Moss-Side based community group, Upping It. There’s plenty more happening during Student Volunteering Week – you can visit the website to see what else you can get yourself involved with.
Join the Purple Wave
Get healthy and join one of the largest 10k races in Europe. Sign up with your friends and enjoy a run through the heart of Manchester. You can also raise money at the same time for the University charitable causes.
If you’re not sure about the 10K why not start off small and join new purple wave events for this year. The University of Manchester is also hosting a 2K and 5K run in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University and The Great Run on Wednesday 27 February. Start small and join runners at Platt Fields Park at lunch time.
Find out more about all Purple Wave events on the Sport website.
Learn a new language
Fancy a different kind of challenge? Why not take up a new language in your final semester. The University Language Centre offers you a free choice option to learn outside your subject area. If you don’t have any free choices this semester some of the language courses can be taken in your free time!
Get artistic with the Social Justice Photography competition
Is there a specific social issue you’d like to raise more awareness of? Have a flair fro photography? Then why not enter the Social Justice Photography Competition. The top prize is £400 and you can raise awareness of a social issue that matters to you. To enter all you need to do is take a photo, give it a title and explain why your chosen social issue matters in 100 words.
Check out last years shortlisted entries and rules of entry on the Social Justice Photography Competition website.
Make the most of Manchester
Finally, why not make a list of all the things you’ve been wanting to do in Manchester over the past few years, but have always been putting off for one reason or another? Use the semester to enjoy what Manchester has to offer. You could visit the beautiful green spaces such as Fletcher Moss Gardens or Dunham Massey, eat in that restaurant you’ve always wanted to, go to a match at the Eithad or Old Trafford, or visit one of the many museums and art galleries Manchester has to offer. Whatever interests you, make a Manchester bucket list to tick off before the summer arrives.