Balancing Esports, Studies, and Social Life: Tips from UON Gamers

Esports at UON

Studying esports at UON is genuinely one of the best choices I’ve made, but it definitely comes with it’s struggles. Between lecturers, competing in countrywide events like NSE (National Student Esports), and having a social life, I’ve learned that balance isn’t just helpful, but essential.

Planning, Priorities, and Downtime.

Every week, I plan out lectures, assignment deadlines, societies, scrims and the official NSE matches. It helps keep you grounded and makes a clear timetable that avoids those last-minute panics. Seeing where the busiest days fall helps me plan my day around them, including going to the gym, downtime and social life, so I’m not running on empty. Blocking out time to rest stops gaming feeling from an obligation instead of something you should enjoy.

Protect Downtime (Seriously!)

One thing I’ve learned at University is that general downtime isn’t a luxury, it’s an essential. Some evenings, I step away from my devices completely, watch a movie with flat mates, go out partying, take a walk. All which allow me to come back fresher, play better, and feel less stressed overall.

Stay Social in Person.

Joining a society isn’t just about matches and leaderboards. Many societies host movie nights, quiz evenings and casual game sessions, that aren’t apart of a competitive landscape. Meeting up face-to-face keeps you healthy, both mentally and socially. The esports society is a great way of getting together in a casual landscape; and doesn’t put that pressure on you to perform at your best, which keeps it fun and engaging.

Know when to prioritise.

As much as I love competing, there are weeks when coursework or life has to come first.

I’ve learned to be honest with myself and my team when I’m stretched too far.

Missing smaller tournaments now and then is better that letting coursework pile up too high and burning out.

When deadlines stack up or matches get stressful it helps to know there’s support. The Learning Hub is my go-to spot to get coursework down before practice, and the university offer’s wellbeing services if it start to feel like too much. Talking through things, even briefly, can make a huge difference.

In the end, balancing gaming, studies, and a social life isn’t about doing everything perfectly, it’s about knowing your limits, leaning on your team, and remembering why you love it. At UON, with the society and the gaming community, you find that balance, and it’s made my Uni experience much more valuable.

Learn more about studying Esports and our Students’ Union sports and societies by visiting one of our open days

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Alex Boden

Alex is a third-year student pursuing a degree in Esports with an interest in performance psychology and coaching.