Weekends are precious – they're the only part of the week when most people can get away with not working, not studying and generally being idle without guilt. However, some ways of using your weekends may be more fullfilling than others… Here are some top student activities, to make sure you get the most out of your deserved two-days off.
1. Travel
Weekends are great for travelling a little further afield. Not only do you get two full days of fun, but travelling also helps to broaden your mind and enrich your life experiences. It’s safe to say that my favorite part of studying abroad was the opportunity to travel around the country by train or bus. And contrary to popular belief, travelling can be student-budget-friendly and eventful at the same time – providing you plan well ahead and know where you’re going!
Go in a group, stay in student hostels and remember to research the destination before you go. Don’t forget to pack a lock – you're going to need it if you want to keep your belongings safe.
2. Explore your local area
Explore your local area too. One of my favorite student activities in London was just wandering around the old streets and alleyways near my school. If you’re into being active and getting out of your dorm room, simply going for a walk is an excellent way to learn more about your local area, find interesting places to visit and even discover little pockets of town that you’ve never came across before. Channel that inner flaneur!
3. Catch up with studies
The most important student activities you have as a student is to do well academically. Student life can be relaxing and fun, but don’t we all have times when there’s one more essay to rush, or an important deadline to make?
During the week, dashing from lecture to lab to library, it can be difficult to think clearly. So the quieter moments of the weekend can be a good chance to really digest what you’ve learned, start preparing for the next part of the course, and do that extra reading you keep meaning to get round to!
4. Earn some money
Another great idea for student activities during the weekends is to secure a part-time job, either within the university or elsewhere. Some of my friends work for their university’s administrative department, and some who are good at IT opted to contribute to the school’s technical support network. Obviously make sure you don’t take on too much, but this can be a good way of earning some extra money, and also gaining useful experience.
5. Focus on your health
I can’t stress enough the importance of getting adequate sleep and exercise during your university years. Being a 'weekend warrior' may sound off-putting, but any exercise is better than no exercise – especially if you have a tight schedule during Mondays to Fridays.
Sleeping in on Saturday and Sunday can help repay your sleep debts, and make use of the weekend to spend some time cooking healthy, nutritious food. Maybe even make a large batch and stock up your fridge and freezer, so that you’re never out of fuel for the long study sessions ahead in the weekdays.
