Things To Do During the Summer before University

All exams and coursework are a distant memory, it’s July and there are 2 months left of summer before university begins. The question is how to fill this important life stage? Two months of practice, play, rest, travel or work? It’s got to be notable, that’s for sure.
Gap years or programs that allow you to travel under the guide of an organisation who sets up work or volunteering have been well covered here in our blog so we wanted to talk about what other options are available for just the summer.

Here are some valuable things to do during the summer months…

The Sensible Option – Work, work, work

If you’re thinking about a career in a competitive field like journalism or advertising, you might feel pressured to start work experience. We would definitely encourage you to start racking up the hours you spend gaining any experience as soon as possible but make sure it’s the right experience with a company you will learn from.

Working to Save Money

Alternatively you could get a summer job to simply make some money for your first year at university (not everyone has rich parents). Try and get jobs where you’re going to enjoy the environment, this way you’ll likely stick with it. It could be the people you work with that make it fun or the job itself or even where the work. Search for work with festivals or caterers for festivals, events companies, being a live-in nanny, a bar job or waiter at a good establishment where there’s likely to be good tips are just a few ideas to help out the bank account.

Bonding with the ‘Rents – Cheap Holidaying

Travel with your parents as an adult; choose a destination together and with them paying you could see some fantastic cities or countries. They are going to miss you when you go to Uni (empty nest syndrome) so they’ll be pleased to hear you’d like to spend some time with them. Your parents are a fountain of knowledge so use the holiday to get to know them as an adult; you might be surprised at how much fun you’ll have.

The Intellectual’s Choice – Literature

Read the books you’ve always wanted to read. As soon as you start studying you’ll be reading books you have to read and perhaps you’ll never get time to read the greats…Hemingway, Orwell, Dickens, Amis, Wells or Waugh. Write a list and get them downloaded. Some of the greatest lessons in life can be learnt from a novel as well as improving your vocabulary, it’s a win win.

Sentimental Shenanigans – Friends

It’s likely that your friends are going to be studying all over the country and this might be the last time you’re all together. Get some quality time in the diary to make some memories with the people you care about now. What to do? Here are some ideas, throw a party – not any party, a party to end all parties, be a tourist in your own town or city, get some festivals under your belt and make sure you take lots of photos to look back on.

The Planner – Learn How to Be an Adult

Ok so you’re not going to have to become a domestic god or goddess while at university but it will certainly help if you know how to use a washing machine, cook a few basic meals, know about food hygiene practices i.e. freezing food and fridge organisation. Get practicing and take note of everything your mum does for you. List what you’re going to take and what you need for university. Think about what you want to do when you’re there, join which clubs, get involved with what organisations, this is the start of the rest of your life so why not prepare.

For the Linguist – Travel and Learn Something New

You might not plan to study languages but feel that it’s an important skill to have. The best way to learn a language is to throw yourself into the deep end. What does this mean? Well, move to a country where your desired new language is spoken, live with a family, do an intensive course and learn about the culture. A month to 2 months is an ideal amount of time to do this. Not only will you come back with knowledge of a new language but you’ll meet lots of new people too.

Two months will fly by so get organised and ensure you get the most out of the time. You never know where it will lead and come results day you will know what your next step. Check out our guide for preparing for your results.