Hear what university life is like at St Mary's and what to expect during a typical week, from St Mary’s Student Ambassador, Millie.
Walk through the doors of St Mary’s University, and you'll quickly realise one thing – there's never a dull moment. A typical week is filled with lectures, activities, and events that make university life both academically and socially rewarding.
But what does a typical week actually look like?
Life in the lecture hall (and beyond)
Many students arrive with the idea that university revolves around sitting in huge lecture halls, listening for hours on end. It’s far more varied than that. The number of lectures per day varies by course, and most combine lectures with seminars and workshops, which keeps learning interesting and interactive.
Typically, each subject has a lecture that establishes key ideas, which is followed by a discussion-based seminar. Seminars are my personal favourite, because they give you the chance to discuss assigned readings and share your own ideas.
But how many days a week do you have to be in uni? The number of days students come into university changes depending on your course. As a student, I am usually in three days a week, which is standard for most courses.
Other courses like and can be in university five days a week and take a different approach to learning with workshops and practical classes. Courses like even include lab sessions!
Your go-to study space: the library
For most classes, lecturers set a reading list, which is useful for basic knowledge on the subject and is then discussed in the seminar. This is usually about 2 hours a week for each module.
One of the best places on campus to focus on work is the , which you can access 24 hours a day with your student pass. With two floors filled with books, computers, private study rooms and social areas, it’s the perfect place to get your reading and essays done.
From Monday to Friday, there are support staff who can help you. These range from subject specific librarians who can help you with referencing and research to the friendly IT staff who can deal with any technical issues.
There's also a that can help you apply for jobs and improve your CV. Even better, you can continue to access this support for life, long after you graduate.
Support every step of the way
When I have a question about my course or want to talk about my postgraduate plans, I usually book a meeting with my personal tutor. They’re a lecturer from your department who's there to support you, offering one-to-one meetings to help with academic work as well as your overall university experience.
If you need help with a specific class, you can book meetings with module lecturers, which is what we call teachers at university. That’s really helpful when you’re developing ideas for assignments or just need to ask questions.
What assignments are really like
Assignments vary not only between different courses, but also between modules. Modules are the different subject classes within a university degree.
Alongside typical essays, I’ve had the chance to record a podcast, write a report, give a presentation, and even create a public history proposal.
This kind of variety isn’t unique to my course either. Sport and exercise science students might complete practical assessments in physiology labs, education students are often assessed through classroom observations and mock staff meetings, and students take part in practical skills-based assessments.
While my course is assessed entirely through coursework, many others do include exams, so it’s always a good idea to check the St Mary’s website and look at the course you’re interested in to be sure.
The Students’ Union: The heart of university life
acts as a representation for student voice and brings together social events, societies, and student representation. It’s one of the easiest ways to get involved and feel part of the community.
From the very beginning, the SU plays a huge role through Freshers’ Week, a packed introduction to university life. Whether it’s lively club nights at the on-campus student bar or more relaxed activities, like pottery painting and drag bingo, there’s something for everyone, making it easy to meet people and settle in. I would always recommend people try to attend as many events as possible.
Throughout the year, the SU organises major events like karaoke nights, quiz nights, Varsity, and the annual Sports Dinner. These are often the highlights of the university calendar, creating lasting memories.
There are a wide range of to join, from the Irish Society to Creative Writing. They’re a great way to meet like-minded people and try something new. If you don’t find one that fits, you can even start your own with the SU’s support.
Beyond social life, the SU represents students academically. Led by elected officers, it provides a direct link between students and the University. You can become a course representative or even start petitions, giving you the chance to shape your university experience and create real change.
Joining sports clubs and starting friendships
The sense of community at St Mary’s is one of the things that makes it so special. Being part of the netball team has allowed me to meet people outside of my course, helping me for life. I would always encourage new students not to judge others based on who they usually spend time with.
University naturally pushes you beyond these smaller circles, giving you the chance to meet people you can learn so much from, often because they are different from you.
From football and dance to Gaelic Football and Futsal there are so many so it’s a great place to try something new.
A well-connected campus
With the campus just around the corner from Strawberry Hill Station, you can be in Waterloo in just over 30 minutes, right in the heart of London. Throughout my time at university, this has opened so many opportunities.
I’ve taken a module where we went to a theatre show every week, completed an internship at the OSO Arts Centre in Barnes, and visited countless museums and the beautiful Kew Gardens. It has even given me the chance to experience London’s nightlife and loads of concerts!
Opposite campus, the 33 bus connects you to Teddington, Twickenham, and Richmond, meaning there is plenty to explore locally too.
- Teddington: full of restaurants and charity shops, perfect for those who enjoy thrifting.
- Twickenham: known for its rugby scene and some of the best pubs in the area.
- Richmond: offers independent shops and beautiful riverside bars.
- Kingston: perfect for shopping and nightlife.
St Mary’s offers the perfect balance between a close-knit campus and easy access to .
Balancing work and studying
There are plenty of part-time job opportunities available, and learning how to balance work alongside your studies is all part of university life.
There are loads of roles on campus that fit perfectly around a busy schedule, from working at the 1850 student bar to becoming a Student Ambassador or getting involved with the Students’ Union. If you have a passion for sport, there are even more opportunities to get involved in through working with Sport St Mary’s
Locally, there are also lots of pubs and shops that hire students, as well as part-time nannying opportunities and coaching at local youth clubs.
The best part is that you can find jobs that not only build your CV but that you genuinely enjoy. It makes balancing work and study feel much more manageable, and even fun.
I work as a Student Ambassador, leading campus tours and getting to show off my history knowledge… sometimes whether people asked for it or not. It’s a great way to bring the University’s historic surroundings to life while meeting prospective students. I also work as a Subject Chair, where I represent students on my course in official meetings and help communicate feedback to lecturers.
Both roles have been really rewarding, not only financially but also in building my confidence and giving me valuable experience alongside my studies.
University life on campus at St Mary’s
Like many students, I lived on campus in my first year, and it was one of the best ways to meet people quickly. Living with students from different years and courses helped me settle in and form friendships early on. Each accommodation has a Senior Resident, a student who helps organise activities and makes it easier to get to know people in your halls.
Most accommodation halls at St Mary’s are catered, meaning you have access to meals from the Refectory through a points system which is included in your rent. This is especially helpful in your first year, as it takes the pressure off cooking. It also becomes a really social part of the day, where you sit with different people and start to recognise familiar faces.
With St Mary’s being a smaller university, it creates a real sense of community, as you start to recognise familiar faces across campus. In my halls, we would organise movie nights and game nights, which made everything feel much more homely.
I would always recommend bringing a few things from home, like a rug, cushions, or photos, to make your space feel your own. It really helps with the transition to living alone.
Of course, living on your own comes with a few extra responsibilities… like doing your laundry! Don’t worry though, the on-campus launderette makes it easy, as it’s open 24 hours so you can do it whenever it suits you.
There are also plenty of shops nearby, making it easy to stock up on essentials like cleaning supplies, laundry products, and, of course, snacks!
A place of support
Wellbeing is a really important part of university life, and St Mary’s has a dedicated Student Services Centre to support you. They are there to listen and offer advice and guidance whenever you need it.
For more information, you can visit their .
My advice for making the most of university
At the end of the day, everyone at university, even your lecturers, has been in your exact position before. What may feel daunting at first quickly becomes familiar, particularly at St Mary’s, where you’re surrounded by kind and genuine people who truly want you to succeed.
University is a once in a lifetime experience. It’s about finding a balance between stepping outside your comfort zone, embracing new opportunities, and trying new things, while also taking care of your wellbeing.
Say hello to the person you pass in the corridor. Sit with new people at lunch. Join the club you never thought you would. Book that meeting with a lecturer when you need help. Before you know it, the three years you spend here will fly by.
Discover more about university life at St Mary's
If you’re getting ready to start at St Mary’s, there’s plenty to explore before you arrive. From a closer look at on campus to both past and present, you can start to build a picture of what your own experience might look like.
St Mary’s is ranked among the safest universities in the country (Complete University Guide, 2024), and our student experience is Gold-rated (Teaching Excellence Framework, 2023) – giving you the confidence to focus on making the most of your time here. You'll be joining a community that’s ready to welcome you and help you find your feet from the very beginning.