By Miriam, SNS' Facilitation Officer

Here at SNS we believe in the power of embracing complexity, building resilience, learning empathy, and becoming empowered citizens of the world we inhabit. You can be doing all of this while you are still at school, especially by getting involved in extracurriculars. Preparing for life after school, and especially for university, is not limited to focusing purely on academic study, and getting stuck into life beyond the classroom is a brilliant way to get ready for the next stage of life. Here are just a few ways that extracurriculars help prepare you for university and beyond:

1. Building skills that set you up for life

Think about everything you have learned at school that has not been tested in an exam: learning how to present in front of your peers, developing study habits that work for you, working with people you wouldn’t otherwise spend time with. Now, think about how much you can build on these experiences and more once you step outside a classroom. 

Exploring your interests through extracurriculars helps build confidence, develops your understanding of the wider world, and lets you develop your sense of values and your interests. Specific extracurriculars also develop specific skills; for example, you can develop public speaking skills through debating, conflict resolution through Modul UN, or teamwork by playing sports. Whatever it is that excites you, know that the skills you build at this point will come in handy far into the future.  

2. Preparing you for campus life

One of the most exciting parts of university life is the fact that there are so many societies and extracurriculars to get involved with, and many opportunities to explore possible routes for your future. You are going to have more time and freedom to explore the world outside academic study than ever before, whether you want to get involved in student journalism, a social or political cause you are passionate about, or the arts and sports. Getting stuck in with extra-curriculars while at school is great preparation for this aspect of campus life. 

3. Introducing new people and worldviews

Another great aspect of university life to look forward to is encountering people from a diverse range of backgrounds and with many different worldviews. Getting involved in extracurriculars is excellent preparation for this, as these activities often bring you in contact with people outside your immediate peer group and lead you to explore different cultures, ideas, and diverse experiences.

4. Complements your studies

Your extra-curricular activities are not in competition with your academic life. In fact, extracurriculars can go hand-in-hand with your studies. Maybe your interest in a particular book or film leads you to your EPQ topic, or you realise that the skills you develop in public speaking can help you write better essays, or your volunteer work leads you to consider a particular career and therefore impacts the degree you choose to study. Moreover, the ability to integrate your wider interests with your academic work will come in handy at university when you begin working much more independently, especially in humanities subjects. Here, the ability to draw on your wider knowledge and experience of the world will help shape the work you do.

5. Can help you with your university application

Finally, extracurriculars highlight to universities (and future employers) that you are the kind of person who goes out of their way to follow their initiative, acts on curiosity, and is proactive in their community. Mentioning your extracurriculars on your UCAS form is highly recommended! 

One way to get involved in extracurriculars is through SNS’ Bridge Builders Programme, a 5-day residential programme in Cambridge, providing deeper learning on the Israel-Palestine conflict, opportunities for interfaith bridge building, preparation for university campus life, and training in conflict resolution. We’ve just extended the application deadline, so head on over to our website to find out more and apply!