The 5 Best Ways to Spend a Student Summer…

… by Niamh / from Lincolnshire / BSc Mathematics / 4th Year (UG)

When everyone thinks about starting uni they think of the flat parties, the lectures, the exams and the new societies they’ll join come September. But what they don’t often consider is the panic that will inevitably set in around March/April time when you realise that university will finish soon for 3 whole months and you have absolutely no plan for your summer. That was definitely me during my first year of uni and I think it’s fair to say that most students aren’t aware of all the opportunities that are out there.

Here’s a list of, what I consider to be, the 5 best ways to spend the summers during university:

1. Internships

Now this one may be obvious to some people, but internships are a great idea for any student that’s looking to prepare for their future. Of course, they look great on your CV, but they can also be a great way to earn money, to network with others in the field and, most importantly, to find out if you actually enjoy that job. So many people undertake an internship and come out of it realising that the job isn’t what they want to do and, in the long run, it’s so helpful to know that early on!

The careers advisors at Edinburgh and the careers service website were so helpful when I was trying to find internships and they’re a resource everyone should take advantage of.

2. Work or Volunteer Abroad

Ok this one is pandemic-dependent I suppose, but, in a world where we can travel abroad again, I would HIGHLY recommend any student to work/volunteer abroad.

For me, I worked at an American summer camp during my summers in both 1^st and 2^nd year and it was the best thing I’ve ever done. Don’t get me wrong, travelling to a different country all by yourself is completely terrifying but you will make memories that will last a lifetime. There are so many options out there. For example, one of my flatmates did Operation Wallacea where she went to Madagascar for a month to undertake zoological research and another volunteered in South America providing legal aid to women.

My biggest recommendation to anyone considering something like this is to apply for the University’s Go Abroad Fund – it offers between £350-£700 to students looking to work or volunteer abroad!

3. Work at Home

For some people, working at home is a great option too, especially if you were someone that suffered with homesickness throughout your time at uni. Catch up with your family and friends and just have a bit of normality back in your life!

4. Travelling

If you can: travel. You’ll regret it once you start working full time and only have 28 days off a year so make the most of that 3 months and see the world. It’s also a great way to make new friends from all walks of life.

5. Chill out

I cannot stress enough how this is the most important idea on this list. University is stressful, life is stressful, so please, give yourself a break over your summer holidays.

It’s too easy to scroll social media and be envious of what fellow students are doing but, honestly, sometimes the best thing to do for your own mental health and wellbeing is to do nothing, or to do simple things that bring you joy.

Remember: you do not need to be productive every second of every day whilst at uni.