The moment most of us have all been waiting for is fast approaching. When we can forget about the burdens of university for four whole months. No essay deadlines, no exams and certainly no readings to catch up on. When it feels like you’re drowning in coursework, nothing seems more appealing than having absolutely nothing to do.
Before we know it we’re back sitting in a 9am lecture. It seems like we never left Stirling and summer was just a dream. For those fortunate enough to travel and embrace other cultures, it very much seems like they made the most of their time off. However, if a holiday to Thailand isn’t within your budget right now, you can still have a summer to remember.
We’re all guilty of saying we’ll meet up with friends and never do. With work and other adult responsibilities, sometimes it’s hard finding a time when everyone is free. In four months, we can surely squeeze in a couple of days to spend time with the people we care about. One day, we’re bound to regret passing by opportunities of making memories with friends when we weren’t as busy as we thought we were.
To quote Jojen Reed from A Song of Ice and Fire: “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies.” In the summer, there’s plenty of time to experience different lives in fictional realms. University can steal the joy of reading from the most eager book worm. However, when we’re on holiday it’s possible to rekindle the love we thought we’d never feel again. There’s no need for critical analysis or referencing, just reading for enjoyment.
A lot of people don’t always appreciate where they come from. However, there’s something waiting to be discovered everywhere in Scotland. It could be a pub or a restaurant, an ice cream parlour or a nearby castle. There’s also plenty of hills to climb if you can find a pair of hiking boots.
Volunteering for a local charity is also something worth considering. It’s a great way to meet new people while helping a good cause. As students we’re constantly being reminded to make our CVs stand out, and voluntary work can help make that happen. Whether it’s for a hospital radio or a charity shop, it’s something you won’t regret.
There always seems to be an abundance of festivals in Scotland during the summer. From Eden to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, there is something for everyone. The fact that they aren’t available all year round means they are something to look forward to and they guarantee a fun weekend.
There’s no denying how great it would be to pack our bags and not come back to Scotland until September. Though it doesn’t mean it will be the worst summer ever if we don’t. If we spend each day wondering why life is so boring, it is more likely to suck the joy out of our time off. It may sound like something your parents would say, but the summer is what you make of it.
