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Posted Feb. 23, 2026
Is it important to join in with extra-curricular activities as a postgrad student?
Just because you’ve gone back to university as a postgraduate student – and are a little older and hopefully a lot wiser than you were in your undergraduate days – it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t join in with extracurricular activities and make the most of non-academic opportunities.
It’s really important to get the balance right between your academic studies and having some downtime, relaxing and enjoying yourself. Extra-curricular activities outside of your studies offer more than simply having fun, they can also help enhance your career prospects, boost your academic success and professional profile, and improve your mental health and overall wellbeing.
In this blog we are going to look at the reasons to join university societies and clubs, or indeed participate in any extra-curricular activities in more detail.
Boost your academic experience
Universities usually have academic subject-related clubs and societies that you can join, for example a law society or a maths clubs. By joining clubs like this you will be able to continue to expand your academic knowledge in a more relaxed and fun environment. This is a great way to meet new people that share your interests, whilst expanding your academic portfolio and network. Spending extra time on your academic subject outside of your studies will also help to improve your confidence as you will gain a more interesting and niche knowledge on your chosen subject beyond the lecture theatre.
Expand your professional network
As a postgraduate student it is important to network – and what better way to do this than by joining societies and attending events that are relevant to your postgraduate studies but that operate outside of your timetabled sessions. Participating in extra-curricular activities will enable you to meet fellow students that share your interests but not necessarily your classes – thereby expanding your group of friends and acquaintances. This can also help you to connect with alumni and visiting experts in your field – which in turn can help when it comes to advance in your chosen career once your postgrad program is completed.
Develop your transferrable skills
One of the key benefits of studying a masters degree is gaining transferrable skills such as critical thinking skills, time management skills, communication kills and research skills. Actively participating in extra-curricular activities will further boost these and help you to develop more transferrable skills. From public speaking at debating clubs to teamwork at the rugby club, joining societies and clubs at your university will enhance your transferrable skills no end.
Look after your mental health
Your extra-curricular activities don’t have to be related to your studies. Maybe you want to join a knitting society or start playing padel. Spending time doing things that you enjoy is a great way to unwind, de-stress, relax, meet like-minded people and depending on the activity, keep fit too. This works as the ideal counter-balance to your postgraduate studies which can be both intensely academic and quite solitary. By participating in enjoyable extra-curricular activities you will enhance your overall wellbeing and mental health as a postgraduate student.
Keep yourself fit
As the saying goes, “a healthy body leads to a healthy mind”, and if you want to keep your brain in tip-top shape for acing that masters degree, take some time out to do something active on a regular basis. Whether it’s a daily long, brisk walk with a friend or joining the university hockey club – exercise is a brilliant way to keep your physical and mental health in check – and keeping fit will stand you in good stead for so many aspects of your life.
Boost your CV
When it comes to landing that perfect graduate job after your masters degree, it’s worth noting that employers are usually looking for more than simply a graduate that has expert knowledge of a specific subject. They want someone with that little something extra. Are you thinking about setting up or leading a society at your university? This will give potential employers proof of your leadership skills and demonstrate that you can use your initiative to good effect. Are you an active participant of your law school’s mooting society? If so, this will perfectly illustrate your communication and oral presentation skills. By joining societies and listing these on your CV in relation to your job application, your future employer will see that you are an exceptional candidate with an excellent range of additional skills. It will also give you something interesting to talk about in the interview.
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