Essential Summer Guide

Essential Summer Guide

Essential Summer Guide Your exams are over; coursework signed off and assignments handed in. It’s time to relax and enjoy the most anticipated months in the British calendar - summer.

If you were thinking of spending your summer like you just spent the previous semester (surgically attached to your mattress, eyes hypnotically glued to insert box set here), think again.

These ten essential activities below should help to give you the motivation and inspiration you need to peel yourself out of bed every morning...

1. Go on a Summer Holiday No summer is complete without a summer holiday.

Whether it’s the annual lads/ladies clubbing jaunt or a laid back couples getaway with your significant other, going abroad is one of the things you must do this summer.

Popular destinations for party animals include Ibiza, Zante, Ayia Napa, Sunny Beach and Magaluf.

Strapped for cash? Wishing you’d kept some of your loan instead of spending it like it was going out of fashion? You may want to take a look at No 9……

2. Go to a Festival If you’ve been lucky enough to have attended Glastonbury or T in the Park this summer then you’ll know that there’s nothing quite like the collective positive buzz that fuels the atmosphere of a festival. If you haven’t, don’t worry. Try and grab some tickets for UK-based V Festival or Creamfields, both of which kick off in August.

Not a fan of camping? There are numerous cool and quirky one day non-camping festivals popping up all over the country, check them out here.

Look further afield and you could find yourself in Croatia, which is fast becoming the undisputed home of electronic festivals. Whilst Hideout and Ultra have been and gone, you could try snag tickets to Dimensions or Outlook Festival in August and September respectively.

3. Host a BBQ Grab a few mates, turn the music up and start grilling, because nothing says summer like a BBQ party. You don’t have to be Gordon Ramsey to be able to knock up a smoky summer feast and gain the admiration of your peers in the process.

However, if you’re the type of person who struggles to get beans on toast right, then you might want to take a look here for some pointers to produce perfectly-cooked meats and tantalising marinades.

Top tip: make sure you cook your meat thoroughly to avoid poisoning (and becoming very unpopular with) your friends.

4. Get Fit If you’re like most of us, you probably spent the majority (possibly entirety) of your free time last semester doing three things: sleeping, eating microwaveable meals and watching TV. So find a local gym, sign yourself up and start working off those extra pounds. If you’re maybe feeling a little apprehensive about the whole experience then going to classes could be a great way of starting out. You’ll have a supportive class trainer who can make sure you’re doing it right, whilst you’ll also meet and make friends with your fellow gym-goers who will motivate and encourage you.

If you find yourself catching the gym bug and getting a real kick from working out, then make sure you use the facilities in Sports Central when you’re back in September.

5. Take a Trip to the Beach If you have the luxury of living in a coastal area then there’s really no time like the summer to enjoy and appreciate your surroundings.

Those of you who are still in Newcastle can enjoy some of the best fish and chips in the region at Tynemouth beach, which is only a short 20 minute metro ride from the city centre.

Do you live close to one of Britain’s 20 best beaches?

These are well worth a visit on a sunny day.

6. Volunteer Abroad Is there a more satisfying feeling than knowing what you are doing is making a positive impact on others?

For those of you who want to give something back, get involved with volunteer projects abroad and you could find yourself teaching English to children, protecting and conserving vulnerable wildlife or helping to rebuild a damaged community.

Not only will you be making a difference to people’s lives, you will also enjoy a deeper travel experience than the typical tourist. You’ll gain confidence, make new friends and learn new skills through this unique opportunity.

7. Go Interrailing Take to the rails and experience some of the diverse culture Europe has to offer as you move from one country into the next, soaking up the scenery and atmosphere as you go.

Whilst this is guaranteed to be the experience of a lifetime, it’s certainly not for the faint hearted! Make sure you prepare in advance – plan your route well and keep to a pre-determined budget.

Try to sort out some accommodation before you travel – that is unless you enjoy using your rucksack as a pillow.

Check out www.interrail.eu for more info, stories and tips from fellow travellers.

8. Learn Something New With no daunting 9AM lectures to think about or life-consuming assignments to hand in, this is the most free time you’re going to have all year.

So instead of relentlessly refreshing your news feed wondering what Kim Kardashian had for breakfast this morning, why not better yourself and put it to good use? Try learning a new language online or through a beginner’s class. That instrument you’ve always wanted to play since you went to your first rock gig? Pick up a second-hand one on the cheap and start learning.

You could do anything, from learning a new skill or a sport to a form of the arts. With time and practice it’s possible to pursue your creative interests and accomplish something you never thought you could.

9. Get an Internship/Job Whilst this one may not be an idea that has you shaking at the knees with excitement, it certainly does have its benefits.

An internship is a sure fire way of making yourself stand out to employers. A part-time job is also great to be able to have on your CV and shows that you’re willing to work.

Plus, it means that you’ll be able to fund all the other activities on your summer bucket list.

Those nights out aren’t going to pay for themselves……

10. Visit the Capital There’s always something going on in the Big Smoke.

Summer in the city is no different. Alongside London’s typical tourist attractions both conventional and underground, summer brings with it an array of pop up events, parties, markets, stalls, exhibitions and displays.

Regarding travel, look out for some great Megabus deals, where you can get return journeys for as cheap as a couple of pounds if you book early enough.

Ready for Summer...

It’s likely you’d struggle trying to fit all of these things into your summer plans; however hopefully they will serve as a little inspiration and assist you in planning the most epic summer ever.

It only comes around once a year, and before you know it you’ll be back up to your eyes in assignments with your head firmly buried in textbooks. Therefore, it’s up to you to make the most of it!