Dundee psychology retreat: sea air, self-discovery and spreadsheet skills

When someone says, “psychology retreat,” your mind probably doesn’t jump straight to sea views, meditation, and Excel tabs. But that’s exactly what we got, plus a whole lot more.

We spent the weekend in Oban with fellow psychology students and staff, and it turned out to be the perfect mix of chill vibes, career inspiration, and a reminder that university is about more than just lectures and late-night library sessions.

The purpose of the retreat was to give us space to step back from day-to-day academic life, think about our future careers, and connect with each other, staff, and alumni who have previously completed the course.

Friday: icebreakers and insights

We kicked things off on Friday afternoon with a scenic coach ride from Dundee to Oban, arriving just before sunset, with some truly stunning views to welcome us. After settling into the hostel and dropping off our bags, we eased into the weekend with a light-hearted icebreaker.

This was followed by a tea break, and then we moved straight into our first session: a discussion on what employers look for. We worked through example CVs, trying to spot the dos and don’ts, which sparked some great conversations. It was a really insightful session that gave us plenty to think about, especially when it comes to how we can strengthen our own CVs and better showcase the transferable skills that a psychology degree provides.

Saturday: exploring skills and stories

Saturday was a full and engaging day, offering something valuable for everyone. After breakfast, we spilt into parallel workshops, each designed to develop different aspects of our academic and personal skill sets. Participants could choose from:

• an Excel session, particularly helpful for working with dissertation data
• a writing workshop focused on improving academic communication
• or a de-stressing and meditation session, which introduced practical techniques for managing stress and staying grounded

I chose the de-stressing and meditation session and found it incredibly helpful and insightful.

In the afternoon, we heard from alumni and current MSc and PhD students about their career journeys. Their stories were insightful, honest and encouraging. This was a reminder that there is no single path with a psychology degree, and success can take many different forms. The day wrapped up with a dinner in town, giving everyone the freedom to explore Oban’s local restaurants and enjoy a relaxed evening.

Sunday: reflecting and looking ahead

Sunday gave us a chance to slow down and reflect before heading back to Dundee. We started the morning with a group discussion, followed by a Menti survey to share feedback on the retreat. We were able to highlight aspects we loved, and suggested improvements for next year.

We also heard from our class representatives about the importance of making our voices heard through feedback surveys, including the National Student Survey (NSS). Then it was time to board the coach home, feeling a little more connected and excited for what the future holds.

Bringing Psychology to Life

What made the retreat so valuable was how naturally it brought our studies to life. From sessions on graduate employability and CV-building to workshops on writing, data skills, and wellbeing. Everything linked back to core themes in psychology — self-awareness, resilience, communication, and personal development.

These weren’t abstract concepts in a textbook; they were things we got to experience, practise, and reflect on in real time. Hearing from psychology alumni and postgraduates also showed us the real-world impact of a psychology degree and the many directions it can take. Experiences like this support learning by making it practical, personal, and genuinely memorable.

Why it was worth it

Although we weren’t in lectures, everything about the weekend felt closely connected to our course. It also gave us the opportunity to pause, breathe and enjoy a change of pace. Without any looming deadlines or daily pressures, we had time to recharge and reflect before the intensity of fourth year began to increase.