Episode 2 - Productivity Hacks, and Starting a Student Society

In this episode of Thrive, we sit down with final-year Business and Finance student Aya Naggour, founder and president of the University of Salford’s Networking Society. Aya shares her journey from arriving in the UK without speaking English to becoming a student leader passionate about self-improvement, productivity, and helping others grow.

From time management hacks to launching a student society, Aya offers practical advice for students looking to take control of their time, boost their mental health, and make the most of university life - whether you're living on campus or commuting. Aya’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right mindset, tools, and support, you can thrive at university and beyond.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to start and grow a successful student society

• The importance of networking for personal and professional growth

• Aya’s top productivity hacks, including how to build a weekly schedule

• How to balance university, work, and social life

• The power of self-improvement and how to get started

• Tips for commuter students to make the most of their travel time

• How to transition from college to university learning styles

• Why mental and physical health are essential to productivity

• How to use tools like calendars, to-do lists, and apps to stay organised

Resources mentioned in this podcast

• Structured – A free time-blocking app for organising your day

• Notion – A powerful all-in-one productivity tool Aya calls her “second brain”

• 16Personalities – A free online personality test to help with career direction: 16personalities.com

• LinkedIn Learning – Free with many university accounts, offering professional development courses and certifications (University of Salford students can access it for free)

Books

• The 5AM Club by Robin Sharma – A motivational guide to mastering your mornings

• Atomic Habits by James Clear – A bestselling book on building good habits and breaking bad ones