There’s more to life than lectures and coursework

If you want to be out with the old and in with the new this year, Goldsmiths is brimming with opportunities that you can try your hand at. Student Community Leader for Anthropology, Sofia explores activities beyond your academic realm.

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Amidst the spike in Covid cases, January deadlines, and the fact that not much changed between 2020 and 2021, the past New Year’s Eve felt a bit… underwhelming. I haven’t had time to reflect on my goals for the New Year, but I have decided it is never too late to work on improving myself. If you are looking to challenge yourself and try new things this year, keep on reading.

Volunteer

Volunteering can be a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, and help your community. Lewisham Local regularly updates a list with volunteering opportunities in the area. You can also check the CareerSPACE website where you can be sure to find volunteering opportunities that align with your interests.

Join a club or society

I personally struggle a lot with committing to exercising regularly, as gyms can be intimidating and confusing if you are not experienced in fitness. Joining a society has been helpful for me to keep active in a fun environment. This year, I have joined the Pole Dancing Society, which is super welcoming and makes me look forward to working out every week! Check out the list of societies and sports clubs

Participate in the Gold Award

The Gold Award is the perfect opportunity to step out of your comfort zone. It will help you gain confidence in your skills and participate in activities you might have not considered before. It is open to all students, and it is a great way to prepare for your future after graduation.

Study or work abroad

One of the most common new year’s resolution is, probably, to travel more. This goal is more than possible to accomplish as Goldsmiths offers amazing guidance and support for those who want to volunteer, study or work abroad. Last summer, I was able to receive funding from the university to complete a two-month internship in Greece. The application process was easy, and the experience allowed me to travel, meet people, and gain professional experience. I can’t recommend it enough!

Careers and internships

If you want to start gaining work experience but are overwhelmed and lost, getting an appointment with a Careers Service advisor is a great place to start. They can help you improve your CV, practice your interview skills, review applications, or simply have a chat with you about what you want to achieve.