The summer between finishing exams and starting university again could be the longest period of time you ever take off work or study. While that’s almost a horrible thought, it doesn’t have to be! Make the most of your time off now doing absolutely whatever you want. But if you’re stuck for ideas, here are a few suggestions…
Learn a language
Learning a language is probably one of the most useful skills you can acquire. It opens your doors to living, working and travelling abroad.
I am a domestic student, and I have come to Warwick in absolute awe of all of our bilingual and even multilingual students. Sometimes I struggle with the reading required for my course, but I quickly realise that many of my coursemates and doing exactly the same as me but in a non-native language. I think that is an unbelievable talent, and something I wish I had!
That being said, learning a language is definitely not easy. It takes time, effort and commitment. As a beginner, you’re unlikely to fully master a new language in just one summer but you can certainly lay the foundations and get started. Or if you’ve already picked up some of a language, perhaps at school, this summer you can polish it off and increase your confidence.
And there are so many ways you can learn.
Apps like Duolingo are a fantastic way to incorporate language-learning into your everyday routine. Or, you could invest in the Rosetta Stone software, which is an award-winning method of learning languages. But there’s no better opportunity to learn a language than getting yourself out to a different country and getting a conversation going in a different language. It’s the idea of full immersion and just forcing yourself to master a new language.
Get fit
When you’re at university and strapped for time with exams and assignments, usually you have to forgo something. For me, that’s exercise. I just can’t find the time to go to the gym! With a long summer, and ample time, this is the prime opportunity to get yourself into a nice exercise routine. Whether classes at your local gym, a regular jog or even a home exercise routine, there are so many possibilities for you to employ.
Earn some money
Instead of juggling a jog while you’re at university, you could spend your summer working. Earn some money to top up your income for the next year! If you’re still around campus for the summer, check out Unitemps for work opportunities.
Have fun
Definitely, most importantly and absolutely imperatively – have fun! University is hard, and you don’t get a lengthy break from revision throughout the rest of the year. Even if you’re not studying all the time, it’s often a preoccupation right until your final exam or assignment. Therefore, however you have fun, just do that and do lots of it this summer!