A day in the life: What it is really like to study at GBS

For many mature students in the UK, the academic day starts long before they arrive on campus. Work, family responsibilities and travel all affect how much time and focus they can give to studying. Planning their day is important, especially on days when time is limited. 

Studying becomes practical at this point. Students plan around their existing responsibilities, using flexible timetable options and support to keep learning manageable. Many begin their day by checking timetables, updates and learning materials on the MyGBS app, so they know what to focus on before arriving on campus. 

Morning routines for students balancing work and study 

Daniel Read is a business management student at GBS, balancing his studies with running his own business and caring for his newborn son. On a daily basis, he makes decisions regarding his work, family and studies. The GBS Enterprise Team helps him stay on track. 

“Access to data, payment systems, and practical guidance has made a huge difference. Revenue has stabilised and grown without increasing stock levels or budgets – which has been a massive win.” - Daniel Read. 

When something unexpected happens, Daniel knows who to contact at GBS and is able to get help quickly. 

“When I received an invoice for business rates, I was able to get immediate advice. That support stopped me from panicking and helped me deal with it properly.” - Daniel Read. 

For students juggling study, work and family, receiving advice quickly can make a big difference to how their day goes. 

Commuting to campus and planning for the week 

Not all students travel to campus every day. Some plan their timetables to reduce travel and balance study with other commitments. Manea Bianca Stefana, for example, attends campus two days a week. 

“I come into campus just two days per week – which suits my lifestyle.” - Manea Bianca Stefana. 

Using this approach allow students to plan their week without stretching themselves too thin. 

Time in the classroom 

When students arrive on campus, their focus shifts to making the most of the time they have there. Teaching sessions at GBS are designed to be useful. Classes focus on applying ideas, working through scenarios and understanding how learning connects to real roles, not just theory. 

Business and management learning through workshops 

Business and management sessions often centre on workshops and applied tasks. Students engage in scenarios that reflect the way organisations operate and how decisions are made. 

“They teach us via workshops and lectures, which has really helped me understand my field, its risks and how to work in it.” - Anjom Safar Khan. 

By following this approach, students are able to stay focused on learning that supports their goals. 

Finance and business thinking in real contexts 

Finance and business classes build understanding through discussions and examples drawn from real situations. Students explore how financial decisions affect organisations and outcomes. 

“The practical approach to learning has been especially helpful, as it allows me to apply theory to real-world situations.” - Dragos Manole. 

The students are more likely to feel confident about applying concepts outside the classroom if they do this. 

Health and social care learning rooted in real settings 

Health and social care sessions focus on understanding care settings, management responsibilities and patient-centred practice. 

“I am learning about the day-to-day challenges faced by care facilities and how to effectively manage teams and resources.” - Peter Oviasogie. 

Learning is directly linked to the realities students will face in their future roles. 

Support access during the day 

Support at GBS is available throughout the day, not just in emergencies. Students use it during the week to clarify their doubts, manage their classes and receive guidance when plans change. Academic support often happens through tutors and workshops, where students review feedback and understand how to improve their work. 

“The teachers are always ready to offer guidance, whether it’s through detailed feedback on assignments, extra help with course material or just encouraging you to push your boundaries.” Barbora Sebkova. 

Support also covers careers and employability, helping students plan their next steps while studying. 

“The career team is always there to support us with job applications and CV building.” - Ana Bulat. 

Having support is available during the day allows students to focus on learning rather than worrying about what might go wrong. 

Studying alongside everyday commitments 

Most independent study happens among other responsibilities. Students fit reading and assignments into work shifts, family time and travel. Study usually happens in short, planned sessions rather than long blocks of time. 

Group work works the same way. Tasks reflect real working environments and how people actually work together, with different schedules and levels of experience. Students plan discussions, divide responsibilities and complete work in ways that respect each other’s time. 

“The teaching methods are both engaging and effective, allowing me to really grasp important concepts in my field of study.” - Mohammed Ali. 

The balance allows students to continue learning without putting their lives on hold. 

Administrative support 

Administrative tasks are part of studying, and they do not always arrive at convenient times. Timetables can change, documents might be needed or questions may come up that cannot wait until the next class. 

At GBS, students can ask questions during the week and receive guidance that helps them move forward. Clear communication and next steps reduce stress and let students focus on learning. 

What students say after a full day at GBS 

At the end of the day, students remember not just what they studied, but also how clear and supported they feel about their next steps. 

• “I’ve moved from uncertainty to stability. I still have challenges ahead – but now I know where I’m heading.” - Daniel Read. 
• “Coming back to education after a long time was a big step, but GBS erased those doubts for me with its flexibility and support.” - Rebin Star. 
• “The support I’ve received has helped me gain clarity on my future aspirations.” - James Bayo. 
• “GBS really feels like a place where people support each other throughout the day.” - Ana Bulat. 

These reflections capture how a full day at GBS often ends: with clarity, support and a sense of direction. 

At GBS, no two students have the same day. What stays the same is how learning fits into real life. Students plan their time carefully, stay focused in class, use support when needed and finish the day knowing what comes next. 

Discover your programme options at GBS and see how studying could fit into your life.