As someone who likes to occupy every minute of my day, here’s what a random Thursday in my life looks like.

7am - 9am 

I usually wake up at 7am to allow myself to have a slow morning to relax and get ready for the busy day ahead. I have my go-to breakfast which is eggs and avocado on toast with a cup of coffee, then I get the bus to make it my lab at 10am. 

10am - 12pm 

I aim to arrive to the David Keir Building at around 9.40am to give myself time to put on my lab coat and goggles, read over the lab procedure, and catch up with my course mates by the lockers. I completed the Fluidised Bed practical, which is part of my Fluid Mechanics module, it always fascinates me how we get to apply the theory we learned in lectures and learn about its industrial applications.

12pm - 2pm 

After lab, I headed to the McClay Library to do some research for my heat exchangers design group project. I then had lunch with some of my friends until it was time for my lecture at 2pm.

2pm - 5pm

I had lectures in the Peter Froggatt Centre until 5pm for my Process Control and Fluid Mechanics Modules. From learning about fluid and particle interaction to Control of biochemical reactors, I get to appreciate how versatile my Chemical Engineering degree is and the several career routes available, which makes me extremely grateful for this opportunity.

5pm - 8pm

It’s easy to get caught up with university work, that’s why I made the conscious decision to always go out of my comfort zone and try something different to make my university experience memorable. Being the general secretary for the Sudanese Society gives me the opportunity to stay connected to my culture, meet new people and take part in fun activities.

I went to the light room in the Students' Union straight after my lecture, to meet with other committee members and set up for the evening. Around 6pm, people started arriving, and we were there to welcome them with big smiles and warm vibes. It was such a great turn out with a lovely mix of familiar and new faces, it warmed my heart seeing non-Sudanese students also join in and enjoy our culture. With Kahoot quizzes, bingo, and card games, the evening was full of joy and laughter.

Following the event, the other committee members and I made sure that everyone was returning home safely, reflected on the evening, and made sure that everything was cleaned up and placed back in its correct place.

9pm - 11pm 

I made my way back home, spent some time with family and shared my day with them. I skimmed through my lecture notes before going to bed to make sure that I stay on top of my content. 

Balancing university, a part time job and a social life can be difficult sometimes, that’s why it is important to give yourself the chance to do something that you enjoy and take it day by day without being hard on yourself!

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Sejoud Barry Chemical Engineering | Undergraduate Student | NI/Sudan Sejoud Barry is a second-year Chemical Engineering student at Queen’s University Belfast. She’s a student ambassador, student assistant, and general secretary of the Sudanese Society. Queen's has helped her grow and develop not only academically but also personally, through the opportunities it provided, such as student jobs or taking on leadership responsibilities in running a society. This developed her confidence and made her become more outgoing, allowing her to make the most of her university experience.