Balancing Act: Navigating Time as a Health Student

Dive into the experiences of UGAPS members as they share their stories, challenges, and triumphs as physiotherapy students at the University of Ghana.

Transitioning from Level 100 to Level 400 as a physiotherapy student at the University of Ghana has been a journey full of unique challenges and unexpected lessons. In Level 100, our lectures were conveniently held on the main campus, sparing us from long commutes and early morning wake-up calls. It felt manageable, and we could focus on our studies without the added stress of travel.

However, as we progressed to Level 200 and 300, the scenario changed dramatically. Our classes were now spread across the Allied Health Campus, necessitating early mornings and tight schedules. The buses that took us there left as early as 5 AM, and we usually closed in the late afternoon. But there were days, especially with traffic when we would not return until around 6 PM, completely drained. On those days, even opening a book afterward felt like a mountain to climb.

Despite the logistical improvements of being closer to our classes in Level 400, I found myself facing a different kind of challenge: time management. Even though I had more hours in the day, I realized that without proper planning, those hours could slip away unnoticed. It wasn’t just about having time; it was about using it wisely.

The key takeaway is that success in health studies isn’t merely about the hours you have but how you manage them. Whether you have a packed schedule or a seemingly open day, effective time management can make all the difference.

“You will never ‘find’ time for anything. If you want time, you must make it.” — Charles Buxton

                                                                                                                                                     ~ Kojo (Level 400)