The end of exams is fast approaching and for many this means it’s nearly time to move home for the summer. This can be great but we also know that sometimes tensions can arise you’ve become somewhat used to your freedom and you’ve acclimatised to eating when you want, coming home when you want, and going out when you want – no matter how much you miss your family when you’re at uni.
If you feel as though going home might feel strange, you’re not alone! Compared with Manchester, where there seems to be something going on every day, summer at home can feel like a welcome release after the stress of exams, but also like a long stretch ahead. Missing your university friends, independence or being concerned about what you will do for the holiday is normal. So we’ve put together these tips to try and help make the adjustment period smoother.
Plan to keep busy
If you’ve got no plans for the summer other than being at home, keeping busy can help with boredom. Staying busy can include going on a long walk, learning new recipes, exercising, reading a book, getting a part-time job, or catching up with friends. If you manage to fill each week with activities, you’re more likely to have a productive and fun filled summer. You could also try to a new hobby or find new activities in your local area. This is a great way to meet new people and fill up your activities for the summer.
Organise trips
Everyone tends to miss their friends from university over the summer, yet summer is a great chance to meet up with friends for a weekend. With a railcard you can get cheap tickets booking 3-4 weeks in advance, and National Express and Megabus also do cheap travel.
If you can drive, taking the car for a road trip can be a great way to see some sights, and it’s relatively cheap once you split petrol costs. Planning a trip away with your mates will give you something to look forward to and summer is the perfect time for a catch-up before freshers week starts.
Plan to reduce any family tensions
Now you’ve lived independently it can be difficult at times to combine your lifestyle with your family. To reduce any tensions, why not talk to your family members before going home and set yourself some boundaries. It also couldn’t hurt to do some small favours for your family members if you feel you are able to give back.
Build up your experience
It’s never too early to start thinking about life after graduation.
Any sort of experience – retail, bar work and summer camps will stand you in good stead and show that you’ve spent your summer productively, and give you skills to talk about in future job interviews.
Keep in touch
It’s important to stay in contact with your friends over summer, especially if you feel a bit lonely at home. Keeping in touch and updating each other on summer activities and making plans for next semester will make you feel less uni homesick.
Enjoy yourself!
You’ve worked hard this year by seeing off countless deadlines, attending exams, reading and library time. As well as trying to keep on top of your academics, there’s the social side of university and the extra responsibility you have living away from home. All of this can get a bit exhausting, so make sure to relax and enjoy your summer! Whatever you do, have fun doing it.
No matter where you are this summer, University support is still available and services still open. And if you’re in Manchester this summer, take a look at what’s on in Manchester and what activities you can still get involved in.