It’s now summer and although you might be looking forward to a few months of not worrying about deadlines, cooking for yourself or stressing about whether your flat mate hasn’t done their washing up again, the novelty of the summer period can sometimes wear off after a while. It might leave you struggling over summer or perhaps even reluctant to come back when September rolls around again.
So, we’ve got some helpful tips on how to look after yourself over summer and ensure a smooth transition back to uni!
Tips for over the summer:
- Don’t fall out of a routine. If you’re used to getting up at 9 am everyday then try and stick to what you usually do. During summer, it’s tempting to sleep in till midday but getting up at a fairly reasonable time will ensure you don’t waste your days and feel productive. The same applies for other things you regularly do and enjoy too, so if you go to the gym or do yoga weekly keeping up with those can help with your transition from summer to back to term 1 again. You’ll thank your past self when term starts again and you’re not struggling to get back into a regular routine.
- Stay in touch with your uni friends. If you’re all going home for the summer, planning meet ups in each other’s home towns can be fun and a good way catch up. Plus, you might get to visit somewhere new.
- Plan some exciting things. Summer break is great chance to explore and make the most of the free time you have, so getting some day trips planned in can be a great way to spend your days in the summer.
- Look at summer work opportunities. If you’re the kind of person who always likes to be busy and you don’t have a summer job lined up, then perhaps looking into what short courses, summer placements or volunteering opportunities are available could be a great option. There are always lots opportunities on FutureHub to keep you busy over the summer months.
- Take some time for rest and relaxation. Uni life can be quite stressful at times so taking some time in summer to rest and recuperate will help you to feel refreshed when you return in September.
- Spend some time getting your head back into your course. Towards the end of the summer break, perhaps do some reading, look over what’s in store for your next academic year on NOW or organise things from previous years you may need for this one. This will help with a smooth transition back in September as well as getting you mentally prepared.
- Think about or revisit your goals. Having a break away from worrying about deadlines can be a great time to think about what goals you might have both with your degree and within your life. Having something to work towards can be a great motivator and can help you achieve what you want – just remember to keep them realistic and don’t beat yourself up if they don’t go to plan. You always learn something along the way to any goal even if you don’t reach it in the end!
For help and advice whilst studying at NTU, take a look at the following for sources of support.
Personal Pastoral Support at NTU (general worries and anxiety, homesickness, loneliness, a relationship breakup, or a bereavement)
Support from NTU
Silvercloud: SilverCloud is our online system designed to help with a range of mental health issues.
Depression advice
Counselling
Wellness in Mind: Advice and support for anyone in Nottingham experiencing issues with their mental wellbeing
Struggling at Uni? Go to Student Minds
10 Keys to happiness
Healthy NTU 