10 ways to make the most of your summer

Holidays at Elutec are real opportunity to do something different that could be of great value to you as you prepare for your next step. If you’re wondering what to do with yourself over the long summer holiday, here are a few antidotes to 6 weeks of lie-ins and binge watching Game of Thrones!

Here are 10 things you could do to make the most of your time when you break up

 

1 Get yourself a summer job 

You might think the two words don’t go together, but a summer job is a great way to build your work skills while earning yourself a bit of spare cash. Make those skills count on your CV.

 

2: Be prepared for results day… and beyond

Do you go weak at the knees just thinking about results day? You will be prepared well in Year 13 as you make plans for you next step. We will also prepare you for the clearing process if you don’t get the results you expect.

 

 

3: Going on a gap year?

Taking some time out first before university? That’s great, but it doesn’t mean you can’t make it count towards your career. You should also make sure your year out is properly planned (if you haven’t already).

 

 

4: Off to Uni? Know what to expect

Not every student does. Accommodation will probably be your biggest expense, so choose wisely - and know your way around student finance if you haven’t already sorted it. If you’re just finishing Year 12, you will be engaged in your personal statement preparation and UCAS application over the summer.

 

5: getting ready for your apprenticeship

If it’s an apprenticeship you’re doing, make sure you’re ready for your first day at work (and that you know what to wear). If you’re not sure about uni - or you’re in Year 12 - find out about degree and higher apprenticeships, which are a way into high-skilled careers via a paid job with training by looking at the National apprenticeship website. We have all the materials you need in sixth form support if you are thinking in this direction.

 

 6: Read a book a week

Keep those thinking muscles in trim and ready for the next challenge be it work or further study. Find an author you really like and read all their books. Get into a habit of reading and you never know… you might get hooked. The more you read the better you English will become. You need to be able to read and write effectively and efficiently when you get to Uni. Your EPQ qualification at Elutec will have helped equip you with skills in long report writing.

 

7: Grab a holiday

Make some time for letting your hair down with a complete break from routine. Family or with friends, both are valuable as you think about moving away to halls or residence at your chosen university. This is also a good time to try out camping holidays as they are cheap and fantastic fun. Go with a group of friends by car or train. Explore both the UK or abroad. Find the best ways to travel cheaply by booking well in advance.

 

8: Start cooking lessons

It’s never too early to start cooking for yourself and some friends. Not just throwing some sausages and burgers on a BBQ, although this is something you should do anyway, preferably by a beach.

Whether you are off to Uni, off camping or generally fending for yourself at home, it is a good to experiment and practice cooking some the simple basic foods you might want to eat at home. Check out https://www.studential.com/university/student-cooking for some good ideas. Try your cooking out on some friends.

 

9: get or keep fit

Getting fit or keeping fit over the summer break is important. Try and establish a routine that means you don’t stay in bed till lunch time…! Play sport regularly, both indoor and outdoor. Some of the best exercising to be had includes walking and cycling. Getting a bike repaired and ready for university life is also a good idea as it will be the cheapest way to get around once there. Make sure your padlocks and a chain is to hand as well.

 

10: get to a music festival

V, Reading, Glastonbury and a wide range of other music venues are a must and you should try and get to at least one. Plan to go with friends and camp on site. Prices are high for food so think ahead. If you are into sports or other hobbies, try and get to an event that features them as well.