How can I tell whether students have interests outside academics?
To gauge how many students enjoy activities beyond academics, check the university’s official information on clubs, student groups, extracurricular courses, festivals, facilities, and student life, then ask current students at an open day or information session. The availability of activities does not show that most students take part, so also ask about workload, how easily activities fit alongside classes, and how often students participate.
Key points
- Review information on clubs, sports or cultural groups, student organizations, extracurricular courses, and festivals.
- At an open day or information session, ask current students about actual participation and how they spend their time.
- Look beyond the range of activities to how manageable they are alongside classes and how regularly students take part.
Things to check
- Participation and the range of activities vary by university, faculty, program, and academic year, so compare current official information with accounts from several current students.