How many hours do/did you study at University independently?

PPE - Manchester.There was a guy I know who received 83% on average in his final year, so I thought...what stops me from getting these grades?

Around 80% would be satisfying too, for this I will be working consistently throughout the year.

These grades can be achieved even at the very top Universities, but students will settle for a 2.1/low 1st because there is no incentive to do better in many cases. Employers only want a 2.1 and henceforth study time can be reduced and one can work on extracurricular activities which are an essential component to a student’s employability.

It's starting to get to me; I will take on your advice and reduce the amounts of hours I put in.
I want a high first class degree - around 80%.
I am studying PPE at Manchester.

You will probably be better off and ultimately more employable if you have a social life, engage in uni activities and get some work experience and graduate with a lower first class degree than if you spend three years shut away in a library and come out with 80%. Employers aren't going to ask you what % you got.

You will probably be better off and ultimately more employable if you have a social life, engage in uni activities and get some work experience and graduate with a lower first class degree than if you spend three years shut away in a library and come out with 80%. Employers aren't going to ask you what % you got.

I agree with the point you have raised here. What I merely wanted to know is how many hours the average University student works on a weekly basis.

I still don't really understand the question. If you're not counting working on coursework and attending lectures what hours are you actually counting? You read not for leisure but at the same time read things you're sure that will not help your coursework? Because if they can contribute to your coursework I'd definitely say it'd be a part of your coursework.

Also, getting an 80% just because is meaningless. Obviously you can go get it if that's what you want, but keep in mind no-one will ask you about it beyond getting a first. It's not going to help you get into a doctorate or whatever. If you have time to spare I'd try doing a piece of research or systematic review to get something published if I were you.

Thanks for the reply.I should have mentioned that I am planning on applying for some Finance Masters at the likes of MIT, Oxford, LSE etc. where a borderline 1st class may not be sufficient especially since I am not coming from a Top 5 University.

In regards to my question, what I wanted to know is how much people spend (spent) working independently after lectures, classes and coursework. I shouldn’t have included coursework in this category...

I like your last point, a very good idea...I may consider this after I have graduated (I will take a gap year).