With the January exam season coming to a close, it has freed up a bit of time in and around lectures for students to get stuck into something other than academic work.  Personally, I devote much of my free time to playing sport – it’s a way of letting off steam and gets me away from my desk and out of the house!  Top of the agenda at the moment is the Politics Running Club – it’s predominantly student led, and having signed up for the Great North Run in September, training is picking up pace.  I also get my fix by playing in the University Rugby team – I’ve been injured for the last few weeks, but I’m finally getting back into the swing of things and am looking forward to cracking on with the rest of the season.  Away from the university sporting activities, on Sundays, my housemates and I also play in a 6-a-side football league.  Sunday’s are probably the quietest day of the week, so this afternoon run around is much anticipated, and allows us all to try and emulate what we’ve been watching the previous night on Match of the Day!  Without doubt, I think getting involved with activities outside of the academic realm is important.  My interests mainly revolve around sport, but there’s plenty to get involved with at Newcastle.  Irrespective of what endeavour you chose, I reckon life at university without them would risk becoming slightly monotonous, as they break up the week, and are welcome distraction from work!