Making the most of 'me time' on campus

Have some time to kill in-between classes? Second-year Clinical Psychology student, Alicia, shares her top 5 things to do when she has some chillax time.

Alicia Piper

Sometimes (if you’re lucky) you may find yourself with a bunch of free time on your hands at uni - between classes or when you simply can’t study any longer! So if you’re looking for some options of things to do, read on.

1. Activate UTS

Here you can sign up for social sports competitions, including futsal, basketball and netball. Or if you’re more of a play-it-by-ear kind of person and don’t want to commit to the whole season, you can get some pals together and simply hire out some of the facilities for an hour or two. Find out what ActivateUTS offers.

2. Alumni Green

Sometimes when we’re studying so hard we simply forget to go out and enjoy the sunshine!

The Alumni Green is a great spot to soak up some Vitamin D and get some well-deserved rest. Being so close to GSH, it’s the perfect spot if you have a little or a lot of time to kill. If you’re keen, you could also source (or byo) some ping-pong balls and rackets and try your hand on the table tennis tables.

Students hanging out at Alumni Green on a sunny day.

3. UTS Clubs

There are hundreds of student-led clubs at UTS. If you’re long on time and short on activities, make sure you have a look at what’s on offer. There is truly something for everyone from discipline-related clubs to camping. There’s even a cryptocurrency society… 

4. Snack time! 

I’ve written a whole other post about food and drinks on campus (priorities!) so I won’t go into too much detail here, but for me, the most obvious choice when I have a break is to go find a tasty snack! There are endless options on campus, but sweet potato fries from Penny Lane or a delicious coffee from Cornerstone Café, are always a good idea!!

5. Off-campus

If there’s not enough choice on Campus alone, consider wandering down the road towards Broadway Shopping Centre – it’s literally a five-minute walk away. Fill your time by grabbing a snack at the Burger Project or replenish your wardrobe at H&M.
 
For those days that you can’t be bothered to walk down to Broadway, directly across the road from the UTS Tower, you’ll find Central Park Shopping Centre, or ‘the building with the plants’. There are plenty of things here to fill your time, including a Max Brenner in the open plaza area.

Thai food from Spice Alley

 
And finally, I suggest you make time to wander over to Spice Alley. I promise you will not leave there hungry! Timeout Sydney describes it as a “little piece of Singapore”. Here’s their list of the 10 best things to eat and drink.

– Alicia Piper
Clinical Psychology student

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.