Summer break is finally on the horizon, but with the end of exams, many of us aren’t exactly sure what we should be doing with our new free time.
I’ve come up with a few things to keep students entertained (and maybe a bit productive) through the summer months!
Explore new hobbies
Everyone has different interests and hobbies that keep them busy during the summer such as painting, reading, video games, and watching movies. However, a fun challenge for this summer could be trying something you’ve never done before, whether it’s a new recipe to cook or bake, maybe hiking or trying to learn a new language.
You’ve probably already explored a lot of hobbies or just know that you wouldn’t be the kind of person to try sunrise yoga sessions, however picking one day out of the week to trial and error some activities you haven’t done before will not only entertain you for the day but may also give you something new to enjoy!
Volunteering
During the summer there are often awkward days when your friends are busy working, and your family is out for the day. You’re left alone and you’re bored. Volunteering is a great way to not only fill the space in the week but can also promote community, allowing you to make new friends and establish new relationships as well as looking great on your CV!
Most volunteering opportunities can be found online by doing a quick search for clubs and groups that may need extra help. A few options may be volunteering at pet adoption agencies, scout groups, or church. You may also be able to find some companies related to your degree that need volunteer receptionists or assistants.
Internships and career development
Most internships have closed their applications for the summer by now however, a few companies might still have some late summer vocational programmes for students to progress their career development and earn some money on the side.
Gaining professional experience while still studying will be an amazing opportunity to learn more about your degree choice and career, whilst setting yourself up for more opportunities in the future!
Some companies, such as law firms, offer remote summer work opportunities as well! Try looking online for remote opportunities and short-term work experience!
tRAVELLING AND CULTURAL EDUCATION
Planning holidays during the summer is an incredible way to take up some space in your schedule and promote cultural skills! Travelling will help you learn how to embark in new cities for the weekend, try different foods and make new friends. Spending some time outdoors and walking around is also a great way to improve your mental and physical health.
This doesn’t have to be overseas such as Greece or Australia, but even just taking a bus down to a new city like Oxford or Leeds for a day or two will give you fantastic new experiences!
Personal growth and self-care
A great way to pass the time whilst being productive is to focus into your personal growth and self-care. This can range from trying out journaling your feelings to buying yourself a new candle.
There’s a range of fantastic and enlightening hobbies that can help promote your personal growth such as meditation, yoga, jogging, creative writing and setting yourself new goals!
Give yourself a weekend for “you time”, watch your favourite movies, call some friends, take a bubble bath and give yourself the time and space to breathe.