Many students like to get involved in extra- curricular activities at university such as social clubs and sports. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

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Participation in extracurricular
programs
, including social clubs and sports, is common among university
students
.
Although
these
activities
offer numerous benefits, they
also
come with certain drawbacks.
Initially
, the foremost benefit of engaging in extracurricular
programs
is the development of essential skills. By participating in group
activities
during extracurricular periods,
students
have opportunities to develop, enhance, and apply their soft skills,
such
as communication, teamwork, and leadership. These skills are important for success both during and after graduation.
For example
, stress resilience helps
students
manage academic pressure, particularly during exams,
while
time management enables them to balance their workload and reduce performance anxiety.
Additionally
, undergraduates can expand their social networks and gain more opportunities through mentors. Joining clubs and sports teams helps
students
meet new people and build a professional network. Making new friends makes university life more enjoyable, as
students
can share leisure
activities
and collaborate on academic projects, creating lasting memories.
Furthermore
,
students
can learn from their peers' strengths and seek support to address their own knowledge gaps.
However
, there are drawbacks if
students
focus too much on extracurricular
activities
.
Firstly
, overcommitting to extracurricular schedules can lead to burnout and exhaustion, potentially impairing academic performance.
For example
, a highly competitive environment in extracurricular
programs
may cause unnecessary stress and require
students
to exert extra effort to keep up with their peers.
Secondly
, extracurricular
programs
often involve membership fees, equipment, or travel expenses, which can be a financial burden for some
students
and their families, especially those with limited resources.
To conclude
, even though participation in extracurricular
programs
offers significant benefits, including skill development, enhanced social networking, and valuable opportunities, it presents challenges, including potential burnout, excessive stress, and financial burdens.
Therefore
, it is crucial for
students
to balance their academic responsibilities with their extracurricular commitments. By doing so, they can maximize the advantages of these
activities
and minimize their drawbacks, ensuring a well-rounded and fulfilling university experience.
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Topic Vocabulary:
  • interpersonal skills
  • teamwork
  • networking
  • time management
  • physical fitness
  • stress reduction
  • commitment
  • diverse interests
  • distraction
  • academic performance
  • overcommitment
  • burnout
  • financial strain
  • exclusivity
  • discrimination
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