Using your holidays wisely

Mid-semester breaks, long weekends and end of semester holidays are often on the radar right from week one. We’ve put together some ideas to make the most of it all.

You may have been lucky enough to get a timetable that gives you a day or two off during the week, and even better if it’s a Friday or Monday off. If not, there are still enough long weekends and mid semester breaks to enjoy.

Take time out for yourself

There’s no doubt things get stressful at times during the semester and it’s hard to have fun when you’re feeling burned out. Mental health is just as important as physical health, so take some time to rest and recover before going again. Do what’s best for you; for some it means spending a day or two off the grid in a quiet, comfortable place and for others it’s being around friends, family and pets as much as possible. After all it’s a break, so use it in the way you enjoy most.

Catch up on readings

This is the perfect time to catch up on any readings that you skipped while being swamped with assignments, or review lecture notes that you take during the semester. Reviewing your notes will give more chance of retaining important information. Some students benefit from re-writing their lecture notes and others prefer to catch up in a group setting to discuss course readings.

Plan ahead

There’s one thing to be sure of by getting organised and planning ahead in your studies – your future self will thank you for it. Mid semester breaks provide the opportunity to do this in a relaxed environment. Try setting goals for the rest of the semester or the next semester.

Catch up on sleep

Sleep debt can quickly accumulate as your deadlines approach. Whether it’s going to bed earlier, sleeping in or taking a few naps during the day, try to catch up on sleep however possible. Getting back into a proper sleeping pattern will ensure you’re feeling refreshed when you’re back in class, and that you’re not one of those students falling asleep in a lecture or in the library.

Travel

You might be fortunate enough to have the funds available for an interstate trip or a short overseas trip. If not, there are still other options. Whether you spend a day exploring your city or jump in the car and go for a road trip out of town, there are plenty of cheap (even free) ways that you can travel and explore right around Australia.