Chapters
- 01. Internships
- 02. Learn New Skills
- 03. Volunteer and Give Back
- 04. Take Up a New Hobby
- 05. Get a Job
- 06. Read
- 07. Travel
- 08. Look After Yourself
- 09. Spend Time With Family
- 10. Summary – Enjoying a Constructive Summer
You’ve finished your exams, stripped yourself of your school uniform and now you’re ready for a long summer break of no studying and no school.
So, what now? It may appear appealing to laze about and do near to nothing for your entire summer break, but believe me, I’ve attempted that in the past, and it isn’t exactly fun. There are numerous things one can do during their summer, which doesn’t necessarily have to be “hard work” if what you’re looking for is a laid-back summer. The first thing I’d suggest to those thinking about what to do in their summer holidays is to get out there and get involved with some fun and constructive activities.
Summer should have some rest and relaxation, of course, but it is also a time to get ahead.
Internships
Summer could be a great time to get an internship! Often, they are unpaid, but you may get paid expenses and you could also put yourself ahead in career terms. Email the company you’re interested in interning with ASAP, and sell yourself as the ideal intern for the job! You never know, they may even decide to offer you a permanent position in the company once you’ve finished your internship.
University students, in particular, may use summer internships, which can be a big part of how the industry works. They can also help you to get ahead in certain subjects such as financial and accounting subjects.
Learn New Skills
Summer is the perfect time to acquire new skills or explore hobbies you've always wanted to pursue. Whether it's learning to play a musical instrument, trying your hand at painting, mastering a new language, or delving into coding, the possibilities are endless. Online tutorials and courses make it easier than ever to embark on these exciting journeys.
Join workshops taking place in your local museums and art galleries. There are always interesting workshops going on in art galleries and museums, simply go to their website, and register yourself.
You could also try learning a new language. Many universities and colleges offer summer schools or evening classes, ranging from languages, to subjects such as media, computer science, or even mathematics.
For those who want to combine relaxation with learning, summer courses and workshops can be an ideal choice. Many universities and organizations offer online or in-person courses during the summer, allowing you to explore subjects of interest or get ahead in your academic pursuits.
Volunteer and Give Back
Consider giving back to your community by volunteering for a local charity or community project such as one of the many UK summer camps. Volunteering not only feels rewarding but also allows you to develop empathy, teamwork, and leadership skills.
It's an excellent addition to your CV and can open doors to future opportunities. If you're stuck for things to say on personal statements for university applications, for instance, having volunteered is a good opportunity to chat about a constructive way you have helped out.
Volunteering is something that you may even choose to continue doing when you return to school, if time allows.
There are a number of places that may be looking for older teenagers to help out. Check out if you have any nearby summer camps to get involved in.
Charity shops may be looking for volunteers as well as numerous youth organisations around the UK. It can be a very noble opportunity to learn, do something for society, and even meet new people.
Take Up a New Hobby
Never had professional painting classes, never played guitar? Now’s the time to start! Summer can be long, so it’s the perfect time to start something you’ve always wanted to. What’s stopping you?
We live in an age where it is easier than ever to take up a new hobby, as there is so much information online. Some hobbies require equipment, but many of them are affordable to get started with.
If you have a local sports team you may be able to join, this could be the perfect time. Football teams tend to be in their pre-season phase while cricket teams are right in the middle of their summer. Tennis is another sport played a lot during the summer.
Get a Job
If possible, find somewhere you’ve always wanted to work, and apply! There’s no harm for most, though there are some pros and cons.
You’ll have the opportunity to earn money, which means you’ll be able to afford those few (or many) things you’ve always wanted.
As a young person, it can be hard to find work, and we often have to start at the lowest rung of the ladder. Some of the sorts of jobs that might be willing to take on people include:
- Restaurants that need servers or people to wash up
- Delivery services such as leafleting or newspaper delivery
- Home services or gardening services
The Children's Society provides the guidelines required about working as a young person:
"During school holidays you can work for a maximum of 25 hours a week if you are aged 13-14, and 35 hours if you are aged 15-16. However, you can't work more than eight hours a day during holidays or Saturdays.
If you are aged 16-18, you cannot legally work for longer than eight hours in a 24-hour period, or for more than 40 hours a week. You are entitled to a 30-minute break when you work for more than four and a half hours."
Getting some money behind you can also be good for the coming academic year when you may have travel costs or other costs related to your studies.
Read
“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.”
Walt Disney
One of the most constructive and enjoyable activities you can undertake during the summer is reading. Whether you prefer gripping novels, thought-provoking non-fiction, or exploring new topics, reading can expand your horizons and improve your language skills. Create a reading list and dive into captivating books that pique your interest.
If you are about to embark upon a course in September that you know reading will be required for, you can also get ahead on this reading. For example, some university and college courses actually have reading lists that you can check out and start to read.
You may also choose to start to work your way through some classical literature and those books everyone says you should read.
Most scientists agree that reading increases your intelligence, and as the old saying goes, "knowledge is power." Reading can be a wonderful way to get ahead in life, plus it is great fun. You can read fiction or non-fiction and boost your brain power ready for the upcoming year.
Travel
If you're old enough, travel can be a way to enjoy your summer, and it can be a learning experience, too.
If you have the opportunity, traveling during the summer can be an educational and eye-opening experience. Exploring new cultures, trying different cuisines, and visiting historical sites can broaden your perspective and create lasting memories.
Traveling is something that gets harder once you enter the world of full-time work, so if you have the resources and independence to do so while you are young, it may be the ideal opportunity. There are some camps with summer live in programmes where young people can combine volunteering and learning with travel.
Look After Yourself
Yes, it is definitely a good idea to do something constructive with your summer. Do you really want to get to the end of it and think you didn't really achieve anything?
However, it is also important to look after yourself and recharge your batteries after a long academic year. This can come through rest, but also through eating the right foods, going to the gym, and being outside in nature. Summer is a time when you are able to take a little more time to do these things, and your own wellbeing should always be at the top of your list of considerations.
Spend Time With Family
“In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony.”
– Friedrich Nietzsche, Philosopher.
Time spent with loved ones is something to cherish. While you are on holiday, you will have more time to spend with family and siblings. Whether that means helping out around the house or enjoying some family movie nights, it is really up to you. However, strengthening your family unit and spending time with those you love is good for your mental health, and theirs.
Summary – Enjoying a Constructive Summer
Summer is one of the best opportunities you have to network, get yourself heard, as well as have as much fun as you can. You may have had a summer before where it has seemed to rush by in the blink of an eye. So how can you make sure this doesn't happen in the next summer holiday? The key is being constructive and setting yourself some goals for the summer period.
Whether you are looking to find kid summer camps to visit or just ways to make the most of your time while at home, it is a good idea to make the most of your time in the summer months.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
