mention hobbies in my personal statement?

I'm writing my personal statement and unsure if I should break up the talk about the degree I want to do with some mention of my hobbies or interests, and link them back to the course? only asking as I've heard many different opinions on this. applying for radiography if that affects anything.

Reply 1

PS Reviewer

You’re applying for a degree that is academic and vocational. Your PS should be about you and your academic/career interests and experiences.

It’s not a dating profile.

A PS is a very short piece of work, using up space on hobbies is a poor use of space. You should include a maximum of 1-2 sentences (ideally less).

Reply 2

EdgeHillStudents

Official Rep

Original post by jarofstarrz

Hi @jarofstarrz

It is a great idea to include hobbies that link back to your course. This can show where your passion for the subject comes from and makes the piece personal and unique to you. If you can show how these hobbies inspired you or the experience you have gained from them then that would be a great addition.

For example, when applying for creative writing I wrote about how I love acting and performing which then made me have a great interest and experience in writing scripts.

I hope this helps!

Emily
Second Year Creative Writing

Reply 3

jarofstarrz

Original post by PQ

You’re applying for a degree that is academic and vocational. Your PS should be about you and your academic/career interests and experiences.
It’s not a dating profile.
A PS is a very short piece of work, using up space on hobbies is a poor use of space. You should include a maximum of 1-2 sentences (ideally less).

thanks so much! would it be better to leave hobbies and interests out entirely, or just included a short sentence like you mentioned?

Reply 4

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by jarofstarrz

thanks so much! would it be better to leave hobbies and interests out entirely, or just included a short sentence like you mentioned?

Unless they're somehow very specifically linked to the course (e.g. you're applying to an EE degree and as a hobby you also participate in amateur electronics/radio or something) I think it's probably a bit besides the point.

Reply 5

Admit-One

Universities Forum Helper

Have your referee mention them unless they are directly relevant.

Your ref has more space to play with than you.

Reply 6

PS Reviewer

Original post by jarofstarrz

thanks so much! would it be better to leave hobbies and interests out entirely, or just included a short sentence like you mentioned?

I would generally recommend leaving them out completely unless they’re such a huge part of your life that you think not mentioning it is misrepresenting you (like if you’re in a national sports squad or similar).