It's your last Summer before leaving home, moving to uni and, dare we say it, before you have to become an actual adult. So you have to make the most of it! With the help of some of our students we’ve created the ultimate list of things you should tick off before starting your degree this September.
With the help of some of our students we’ve created the ultimate list of things you should tick off before starting your degree this September.
The fun stuff
1. Throw a party with your friends
As you move away from home to forge brand new friendships it means leaving others behind, some of which you may have had since you were in primary school. So why not throw one big party for you all to say goodbye to each other and celebrate your new adventures?
2. Watch films
"Watch as many films as you can and take full advantage of your free time." (Quinn, Film Production student)
What better way to kick off your Summer than by doing absolutely nothing. You’ve had a mega busy few months with revision, exams, coursework and more exams so treat yourself to a marathon of all the movies you've been putting off to study. After all, come September you’re going to be even busier with work. If you haven’t got a build-up on your Netflix, or a pile of DVDs to get through, why not start with IMDB's top 100 rated films. It’ll give you a nice goal to work towards!
3. Go on a road trip
The extended summer break, the (mostly) great weather and being free during the weekdays make a perfect opportunity for road trips! Gather a few friends together, pick somewhere at random and head out on an adventure. It’s a great way of spending time with your friends before moving away. Our student Naheda recommends getting out of the house: "Once you get stuck into uni and your modules you’ll be indoors studying."
The practical stuff
4. Go on a shopping spree
You're moving into a new room in a new flat. This means only one thing… a big old shopping trip! What better way to recover from exams whilst also looking forward to uni than to get some new kit for yourself and your new place.
5. Work
Media and Communication student Jemma’s advice is to pack in the hours of work. "Definitely work, get money!" Your loan may not hit your account straight away, and with most of that going towards your accommodation it’s wise to pack in the hours at work while you can. It may not seem like the most fun in the summer, but you'll be thankful in the long term. As Tia says in her vlog above: "Save save save!"
6. Do some volunteering
First year student Suzanne thinks volunteering should go on the list. Don't want to spend all your hours working but still have a bit of free time? Then why not volunteer locally. It'll beef up your CV before starting at university and make you feel good, all at the same time.
The prep stuff
7. Explore the town you’re moving to
Coming to Birmingham?
Student Tennib also says: "Birmingham has lots of things going on and will be a great experience before starting." There’s nothing stopping you getting a bit of homework in whilst you can and getting to know where you’re going to be living. You could even tie this in with your road trip!
8. Tackle the reading list
Getting ahead with your reading list is important says Eva, one of our Fine Art students. It's true that your reading list can be pretty lengthy. If you don’t plan to spend all of the first few months at uni in the library, then it can be a good idea to get ahead with the reading whilst you have a few months free. Maybe you could even squeeze a chapter in between your film marathons?
9. Rest up
Get some rest! You’ve probably had a mega busy year so far and it’s only going to get busier come September. So cash in on all the lie-ins and duvet days while you can. After all, nothing quite beats still being in your pyjamas when Pointless is starting.
The 'this is a bucket list so why not' stuff
Sky diving
Go big or go home right? Well Rachel, an Information and Communications student, certainly thinks so. Her suggestion is sky diving. Why? Why not...
