At ESSEC Asia-Pacific, student life goes beyond the classroom. Here’s how students successfully juggle coursework, club leadership, and personal growth—all while making the most of their time in Singapore.

Pursuing a Master’s program at ESSEC is intellectually rewarding—but it can also be intense. With lectures, case studies, group projects, and career preparation filling up the schedule, it’s no surprise some students wonder: “Will I have time for anything else?”

The good news? Many students not only manage their academics—they thrive in clubs, events, and side projects too. The secret lies in smart time management, intentional involvement, and saying yes to the right things.

Start with Priorities

First things first: academics come first. Most programs at ESSEC are structured with regular group work, exams, and project deadlines. Creating a weekly schedule (and sticking to it!) helps students carve out time for studies—without last-minute stress.

“I set aside fixed blocks during the week just for class prep and assignments,” says Amna Lakdawala, a MSc in Marketing Management & Digital student. “That frees up my evenings for club activities or networking events.”

Join One Club (Or Two)

ESSEC APAC has a vibrant, student-driven community. From the Entrepreneurship Club and Finance Club to volunteering and student ambassador teams, campus activities give students the chance to lead, collaborate, and build skills outside the classroom.

You don’t need to join every club—pick one or two that align with your interests or career goals. Contributing actively to a smaller number of activities tends to be more fulfilling than spreading yourself too thin.

Find Synergies Between Learning and Doing

What makes ESSEC APAC unique is how academic and extracurricular life often complement each other. Working on a consulting project in class? Join the Consulting Club to meet alumni in the field. Interested in sustainability? The Sustainability often hosts workshops with real-world applications.

“Everything I do outside class adds value to what I learn inside class—and vice versa,” shares Selim Friez, a Master in Management student. “It’s all interconnected.”

Use the Calendar, Not Just Your Memory

The ESSEC experience moves fast. One week you’re presenting in class; the next you’re volunteering at a Global Village event or prepping for an interview. Digital calendars, Notion, or even good old Google Sheets can help track deadlines and event sign-ups.

The trick? Don’t just track academic tasks—log your social commitments too. This helps you avoid burnout and make space for rest.

Leave Room for Breathers

You don’t need to fill every slot on your calendar. Sometimes, doing “nothing” is exactly what you need to recharge. Many students take breaks at nearby cafés, go for walks around Wessex, or explore Singapore’s food scene with friends.

Final Thought

At ESSEC, personal development happens both in and out of class. With the right balance, your time here won’t just be about getting a degree—it’ll be about growing as a person, building friendships, and becoming the kind of leader who knows when to push—and when to pause.