The following is a very loose recounting of a week in the life of a postgraduate taught student in the Criminology and Criminal Justice Master’s programme at the University of Glasgow (well, me, specifically). The first part of the week (when my classes and work obligations are) was much busier than the later half. I typically use my weekends to focus on schoolwork and take that time to finish my reading for the next week, review any slides for upcoming seminars, update my planner for the next week, and reset the flat. I try to prioritize going out and seeing friends at least twice a week – even if that just means meeting up to study together. Every week looks a little different!

Sunday 2 February

I woke up around 7:30 a.m. to finish the reading for my class on Tuesday. Then, I walked to the library (about a 20 minute walk from my student accommodation) and stayed there from 12:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. I was able to review the PowerPoint slides for my two seminars on Monday as well as review my notes from the readings for those classes. When I got home, I packed my lunch for Monday, cleaned my makeup brushes, and did a load of laundry. I also spoke on the phone with my partner who lives back in Oregon and ended the night with some lounging and TV (streaming services on my iPad).

My walk to the library

Monday 3 February

Mondays are my busiest days. I was able to have a slow morning and make breakfast and coffee at home before walking to the Adam Smith Building for my first seminar at 11:00 a.m. (Rethinking Justice). I had an hour break at 1:00 p.m. where I ate my packed lunch with some classmates before heading to my second seminar of the day (Crime, Control and the City) at 2:00 p.m. Luckily, that class was also in the Adam Smith Building today (that’s not always the case, that class moves rooms every week). Afterwards, some classmates and I went to the Salvation Army on Dumbarton Road (we all walked away with pretty good hauls, which is a charity shop anomaly) before heading to Bag O Nails for a pint.

Tuesday 4 February

I braved the rain to walk to the St. Andrews Building for my 10:00 a.m. seminar (Global Criminal Economy). Since all of my classes are frontloaded, this is my last class of the week. After class, I walked to the library to meet a friend. We found spots up on the 11th floor and I worked on answering emails, organizing notes for a presentation I have in my Tuesday class next week, and finding sources for one of my midterm essays. I worked this evening starting at 5:45 p.m. (I am a resident life assistant at my university accommodation which entails fielding after hours calls from residents a few times a week).

Wednesday 5 February

Since I didn’t have class today, I had a few work commitments. I went to the university library at 10:00 a.m. to get some headshots taken (which felt very grown up and professional) and then walked back home. I did some reading for class next week before changing and heading back up to the Ivy Lodge for another work commitment around 1:30 p.m. I got back to the flat around 4:00 p.m. and made dinner before heading over to Cairncross reception to pick up the keys and phone for another night on call. We ran a Valentine’s Day card making event tonight, which was fun and included plenty of candy. There was a lot of walking back and forth between campus and my flat this day, which gave me plenty of time for phone calls with my mom and partner. 

Thursday 6 February

Today I had a dissertation workshop in the Joseph Black Building from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. After the workshop, some classmates and I went to the Gilchrist to grab some coffee and lunch before heading over to Ivy Lodge (Criminology department) to meet with a group of students involved in a research project. After the meeting finished, a classmate and I walked to Inn Deep (a nearby bar) to study outside and soak up the sunshine.

My study views at Inn Deep by the RIver Kelvin

Friday 7 February

I had a lie in this morning followed by a slow day in my flat trying to get caught up on reading and assignments for the coming week. I made breakfast and coffee at home and focused on reading for the next week for the majority of the day. I also spent some time working on responding to emails and updating my planner. I spent the evening getting caught up on some TV before having an early night.

Saturday 8 February

Today was also spent in my flat hunkering down. Midterms are approaching and I find that it is important to split up tasks so they don’t pile up. I started the day with finishing up some more reading for my classes as well as working on a presentation and outlining an essay, both of which are due at the end of the month. I spent the later part of the day cleaning my flat and restarting some comfort shows (Bones, specifically).

All photos in this blog are attributed to Sami Whitmore

First published: 24 February 2025

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