Your summer will fly by, so make sure you are making the most of it.
Summer for university students is a gold mine. Exams are all done, and weeks of free time stretch far with endless possibilities. Besides binge-watching Netflix and sleeping the day away, having fun with your friends should be your number one priority this summer.
From road tripping to BBQ antics, the summer offers many opportunities to relax and let your hair down. Plus, you will be wanting to make the most of those student discounts whilst you still can. Looking for some inspiration to get your summer plans rolling? Here are our suggestions.
Festivals
Still, have some of your student loans left? Well, not for long. Get your mates together to plan to party the summer away at a festival. English festivals are all well and good, but you can ditch the mud and enjoy some incredible sick festivals across Euro. Check out Benicàssim in Spain, Hideout or Outlook in Croatia, Flow in Finland, and so many others.
Is your bank account running empty? Try some more local festivals like 2000 Trees, Lost Village and Y Not. If you are still strapped for cash, try volunteering. All the fun for a fraction of the price.
Go Camping
You more adventurous types may want to try out camping this summer. This might not be everyone’s cup of tea so make sure you enjoy the outdoors before taking a massive leap into the wild.
Exposure to the natural world can grant you a greater appreciation for the outdoors. Camping is a very cheap way for skint students to indulge in a little bit of fun in the wild.
Host a BBQ
Sunny weather means that every man and his dog is out BBQing. So, if you are looking for something fun to do with your friends, having a BBQ is a no-brainer. One of the best things about a BBQ is that it can be hosted as a potluck where everyone brings something. Means you don’t have to do all the cooking, right? It’s a great way to catch up with old friends over a few drinks!
Travel
Obviously, travelling is a classic summer activity and for good reason. Leaving uni means that a lot of your mates might be going back to their home cities, so what better way to celebrate your time together than having one last adventure anywhere in the world. Go from sun, sand and sea to forests or a city break. The world is your oyster.
Whether it’s an international trip or just travelling around the UK, the only thing that matters is that you are making memories. Just make sure you’re back in time for your results…
Drive-in cinema, anyone?
Try out a less conventional way to watch a classic film. With locations currently based in Kent, Chichester and Birmingham screening, you can watch Dirty Dancing, Mean Girls, and Notting Hill for a proper girls’ night.
Create a city scavenger hunt
Take note of your favourite student bars and city locations and create a scavenger hunt for your friends. Make it a lazy search with pints in between; that will make it fun. End the hunt at a beer garden for a good old catch-up.
Amusement parks
We all love a theme park, right? It’s a classic day out for you and your mates. Visit Thorpe Park or Alton Towers for a thrill fuelled day. For those looking for more of a fantasy theme, why not try out Warner Bros. Harry Potter studios?
Take on a sporting challenge
Are you and your friends more on the athletic side? Well then, challenge yourselves by partaking in an event such as a half-marathon, triathlon or tough mudder.
Go on a UK road trip
With some of the most scenic places in the world, the UK has a lot to offer even if we do take it for granted and what better time to travel than the summer. Pack up the car and take to the road.
Book a spontaneous city break
In need of a little bit of city exploring this summer? Book a city break with your closest group of friends. Look on Skyscanner for flights and search for the cheapest destination everywhere to save yourself a pretty penny.
Host a bake-off
Any activity involving food is a winner, right? So this summer, channel your inner domestic goddess and host a bake-off with your friends. Each person needs to pick a recipe (preferably for something sweet), and then everyone gets to vote on the best-tasting bake at the end. Remember, the more friends you invite, the more sweets you get to try.
Inspired by The Great British Bake Off to get into the kitchen? Why not host a bake-off with your mates. Everyone can pick one delicious sweet treat to bake, and everyone can vote for the tastiest cake or pastry. Don’t forget, the more friends you invite, the more treats for you to try.
Take a hike
Living in the UK, we all know that warm weather isn’t always guaranteed, so we need to take advantage of the sun whilst we can. A great way to do this is to get out and about on a hike. If you are lucky enough to live near a hiking trail, that’s amazing; if not, there are lots of beautiful trails you can drive to. When you live in a busy city, just getting out for a walk around your local area can be just as fun.
Whatever you decide to do this summer, you need to make sure you are making the most of your time off. Before you know it, you will have to enter the working world where 8 weeks of freedom is just a distant memory. Have the best summer!