How I Balance Studying and Socialising As An International Student

Olabisi’s story

Moving to the UK

I’ve just moved to the United Kingdom, where everything is excitingly unfamiliar.

The urge to get out there, meet new people, and explore every hidden corner of my new town Northampton is strong. But there’s also that stack of books and assignments reminding me that, oh yeah, I’m here to study, too!

Being a student in a foreign country is a juggling act between diving into social life and making sure I stay on top of my studies. I want to meet new friends, experience the local scene, and make the most of my time here—all while staying disciplined enough to ace my courses.

It’s tricky, but I’m learning to balance it all, one social event and study session at a time.

There are a couple of ways I have been able to keep both the excitement and the academic responsibilities in check!

Set a realistic schedule — with a side of flexibility

Creating a study schedule is essential—but so is leaving room for spontaneous coffee dates and surprise movie nights. I ensure to block offset times for study but make these blocks short and focused. For example, I plan a five-hour library session where it’s just me and my books, then I reward myself with a social break. This keeps me productive without feeling like I am missing out on all the fun.

• Pro Tip: Use a time-blocking app (Google Calendar, Notion, or even a journal planner) to plan study sessions and social activities. This way, you’ll see the balance in your week at a glance and can adjust as needed.

Mix Study with Social Dates

Why not turn study time into social time? Sometimes I go to the library with my friends to study. Why not organise study dates with friends who can keep you motivated (and who you won’t mind taking breaks with)? Even if you’re studying different subjects, just being together can help keep spirits high and hold each other accountable. Plus, you can swap notes, test each other, and brainstorm ideas as a team.

• Pro Tip: If you’re all studying different things, use the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes studying, 5-minute breaks) to keep everyone focused without burning out.

Embrace the 80/20 rule, balance the “essentials” with the “nice-to-haves”

Here’s a secret: not every assignment requires your blood, sweat, and tears. For each task, ask yourself, Is this worth a deep dive or just a quick review?

The 80/20 rule suggests that 20% of your efforts yield 80% of the results, so save your all-nighters for the big projects and exams. This way, you’ll have more free time to spend on social activities without sacrificing grades.

• Pro Tip: Prioritise high-stakes assignments (like exams and projects)

Set Clear Boundaries: Study is study, and play is play

When it’s study time, give it your full focus. Try to minimise distractions by turning off notifications, setting your phone on “Do Not Disturb,” or studying in a quiet area. Likewise, when you’re out with friends, don’t stress about upcoming deadlines. This separation helps you fully enjoy both study and social time—no guilt attached.

Likewise, when you’re out with friends, don’t stress about upcoming deadlines.

• Pro Tip: Compartmentalising helps you be fully present wherever you are.

Remember why you’re here—and give yourself credit!

Finally, remember that you’re here to get a degree and create lasting memories, so it’s okay if things aren’t always perfectly balanced. Some weeks might lean heavily toward studying, and others may be more social—and that’s normal! What matters most is that you’re making an effort to stay balanced and that you’re enjoying the journey.

• Pro Tip: Celebrate small wins! Did you go through a tough study session? Treat yourself to a reward. Balance is all about progress, not perfection!

I hope you find my tips helpful. I hope you have learned one trick or even more you will be incorporating to make studying and socialising easier for you!

Here’s to finding our footing, one new experience at a time, without compromising our grades.
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Olabisi Barakat

Olabisi is an international student currently studying Marketing Management.