A day in my life as a BSc Psychology Student

I’m Mabel Asare, and I’m a second-year psychology student studying at King’s.

Welcome to a day in my life, where I’ll bring you along and show you everything I get up to in a day on campus, and hopefully help you discover some on-campus hidden gems along the way!

Today, I woke up at 09.30. I always try to wake up with plenty of time before my classes because the last thing I want is to be rushing.

For me, a filling breakfast is essential for a good day — and yes, my phone always eats first, even when you’re not following along with me.

I arrived on campus 10 minutes before my lecture began.

As a psychology student, I study on Guy’s Campus, which is extremely underrated in my opinion. There’s a world beyond Strand Campus! Whilst that’s also a beautiful campus, I think the winding greenery on the Hodgkin Building can’t be beaten, and it’s holding up pretty well this winter.

I used the short time before the lecture to find a seat with my friends and got ready to take notes. Arriving late often means struggling to keep up, so I try to avoid it at all costs. Not saying I’ve got a perfect track record though – being late happens!

My lecture today was on childhood trauma and its relationship to mental health conditions, particularly psychosis.

As this module focuses on the origins of individual differences, this was one of the many factors contributing to mental health outcomes we’ve studied this semester. The lecture was delivered by Dr Luis Alameda, a Senior Clinical Lecturer, Consultant Psychiatrist and all-round expert in the field.

It's a great privilege to be taught first-hand by someone who has done much of the research, giving us the information first-hand. This is something that I’m surrounded by at King’s, considering its extensive research output.

After my lecture, my friends and I headed to the activity rooms where Time Out Hubs are held every Tuesday in term-time on Guy’s campus. This week was especially fun, with Mario Kart, pizza, and the usual refreshments. Going to these events really helps to make me feel connected and part of a lively community.

Next up, it was time for a seminar on executive control and communicating science effectively. Using the pre-reading on executive control, we created and presented elevator pitches. It was a great interactive way to practice public speaking and explaining science to people outside the field.

After my seminar, I was talking with my friend in the courtyard when I was approached to do a street interview, which I was happy to do.

The interviewer was from the period tracking app ‘Clue’ and was challenging the public on their knowledge of the menstrual cycle. I answered a couple of fairly easy questions, and the interviewer seemed quite impressed with my performance – although, I guess if you’ve never had a period, you might not be so knowledgeable on them.

It was pretty fun, but I can’t say it’s out of the ordinary, considering all the things that happen when you live in the city.

Following that short break, I headed to New Hunt’s House Library to work on an essay I have coming up on the various factors that predispose individuals to autism.

I wasn’t exactly at the stage where I felt I could start writing my intro, so I focused on reading papers to get more ideas to work with. Honestly, this is the hardest part of the essay writing process as it can feel a bit like limbo. Once you get past it, writing the actual writing of the essay is actually fairy enjoyable — at least as far as coursework goes!

My laptop was dying, so I ended up leaving after an hour. But, to be honest, this was just really an excuse to dip out early. In reality, there are computers that you can use in the library as well as laptops that you can be loaned if you’re ever in need — I just didn’t want to be in my little planning limbo anymore!

After working, I met up with my sister and had an early dinner (which certainly did not influence my decision to leave the library early…).

There are lots of options around campus, although our personal favourite is definitely Nando's. Or, if you want to save some money, Wagamama’s next door does student discount, available on Student Beans!

Finally, I made my way home.

Overall, it was a busy but enjoyable day. I think there is something so rewarding about days like this where I’ve really made the most of everything available.

I hope this inspires you to check out what’s going on your campus or maybe even explore a different one — either way, it’s a great way to make the most of your time at King’s.