How to make the most of the summer break

How should I spend my summer as a student?

For many students, summer is a chance to slow down after a demanding academic year. For others, it's an opportunity to:

• earn money
• explore career options
• gain experience.

There's no single 'right' way to spend the break - the key is finding a balance that works for you.

Ruki Heritage, director of student experience at the University of Bedfordshire, notes that summer offers students something they often lack during term time: 'space to reflect and reset outside the pressures of deadlines and exams'.

She adds that university development 'isn't only academic; it's also about building independence, confidence and resilience.'

Prioritise rest and wellbeing

After months of lectures, deadlines and exams, taking time to rest isn't unproductive - it's essential. Proper recovery can help you return to university feeling focused, motivated and resilient.

Billy Wong, professor of education at the University of Reading, reinforces this, explaining, 'It is critical that students take the break they need to refresh their bodies and reset their minds.'

Ruki agrees, noting that rest is often undervalued. 'Students can sometimes feel pressure to constantly achieve - but rest is not wasted time - it's essential for wellbeing, motivation and long-term performance,' says Ruki.

She also encourages students to rethink what a successful summer looks like, suggesting, 'Try not to define it by how much you do - a meaningful summer looks different for everyone.'

The need for recovery reflects how intense term time can be third of students get fewer than six hours of sleep during exam periods, and over half report higher stress levels, with revision and deadlines having a major impact on wellbeing. Stepping away from academic pressure over the summer can help reset this.

When stress builds, students often rely on simple coping strategies such as:

• exercise or physical activity
• getting fresh air
• hobbies like gaming, art or reading
• listening to music or podcasts
• mindfulness or journaling
• reconnecting with friends and family
• setting clearer boundaries around work and social media
• spending time with friends or family
• taking regular breaks.

Many of these habits are easier to establish when you're not under academic pressure - another reason summer can be an important time for recovery.

Get work experience

It's worth remembering that graduate employability isn't just about technical knowledge. 'University is a time for learning and growth, and this often extends beyond just academic study,' says professor Wong.

A short internship or summer job - whether in your chosen field or something completely different - can help you:

• build industry connections
• develop real-world experience to discuss in interviews
• strengthen your CV and job applications
• test different career paths.

If you're interested in a specific job sector, consider contacting smaller organisations directly. Your university's careers service can also help you find opportunities you might not find advertised elsewhere.

Even if a role isn't directly related to your career plans, it can still be useful. In fact, over three-quarters (78%) of recruiters say they prioritise candidates with strong soft skills over those with purely academic achievements or technical expertise, making summer an ideal time to gain hands-on work experience and boost your employability.

As Ruki notes, Students sometimes underestimate how transferable their skills are.'

Experiences outside a chosen career field often develop:

• adaptability
• communication
• confidence
• problem solving
• teamwork.

For example, retail or hospitality roles can help you develop:

• communication
• leadership
• teamwork.

Explore the top 5 customer service skills to mention on your CV.

If in-person roles are limited or you need flexibility, virtual internships and online insight programmes are increasingly common. These short, project-based opportunities allow you to explore industries remotely. Platforms such as Springpod offer a free online experience across a range of sectors.

Discover how to ask employers for work experience.

Learn something new

Choosing to learn independently over the summer shows motivation and curiosity - qualities employers value.

It's also a chance to experiment with how you study. 'Everyone learns differently - the summer can be an opportunity to build and test what works,' says professor Wong.

You might try simple changes to build a new routine, such as:

• getting up early
• going to the library
• splitting your day into timed sections.

Keeping these changes simple is key. As Ruki explains, 'The most effective habits are usually simple and sustainable.'

Summer also provides the opportunity to develop new knowledge in a more flexible, low-pressure way. 'These small steps can make a significant difference,' adds Ruki.

For instance, you could:

• attend a webinar hosted by a professional body
• build knowledge by listening to podcasts
• learn coding, design or languages.

If you're interested in a more structured option, summer schools offer an immersive way to explore a subject in depth.

For example, the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning International Summer School at Birmingham City University is a three-week, full-time programme where you'll:

• build skills in exploratory data analysis and data visualisation
• develop an understanding of data analysis, AI and machine learning
• explore the real-world applications and impact of AI
• gain insight into the latest advancements and trends in AI.

The course costs £2,300 for both UK and international students.

To find options that suit your interests and budget, search for summer schools in the UK.

Short courses and microcredentials are another flexible option. They allow you to build specific skills and are increasingly valued by employers, offering clear evidence of practical ability and job readiness beyond your degree.

Employer research highlights strong support for this type of learning:

• 96% believe microcredentials strengthen a candidate's job application
• 90% agree they would offer higher starting salaries to candidates with credit-bearing microcredentials
• 85% say they are more likely to hire a candidate with a recognised microcredential than one without.

You can find microcredentials on platforms like:

• Coursera
• FutureLearn
• LinkedIn Learning

Volunteer

Giving up your free time to volunteer is a valuable way to gain experience while making a positive contribution to your community.

Growth at university isn't limited to academic achievement. 'Part-time work, volunteering or personal projects can also help students better understand themselves, their strengths and the type of work environment they enjoy,' says Ruki.

Professor Wong agrees, 'There are many aspects of life, such as part-time jobs, volunteering and other personal interests that will add value to their wider experience.'

Volunteering can also improve your employability. Government research suggests it increases the likelihood of paid employment among 16 to 25-year-olds by 9%, rising to 17% for those who volunteer at least once a week.

As well as building experience, it can help expand your professional network and show employers that you:

• are committed and reliable
• care about wider social issues
• take initiative.

Read our tips on volunteering with animals or children.

Start a personal project

If there's an interest or hobby you haven't had time for during term, summer gives you the perfect opportunity to focus on it.

Focusing on a personal project can help you:

• build practical skills
• boost your confidence
• create strong examples to use when answering common job application questions.

Career-focused ideas include:

• creating a digital marketing portfolio or content creation project
• earning money by gigging locally or performing at events
• setting up an online shop on platforms such as Etsy, eBay or Vinted
• starting a blog or podcast, or gaining hands-on media work experience.

Professor Wong advises students to avoid overloading themselves and to be intentional instead. 'I would recommend students to be realistic and choose one thing that will likely help them grow,' he says. 'They don't have to pack the summer full of activities or events.'

For more ideas, see side hustles for students.

Prepare for the next academic year

Spending a small part of your summer preparing for the year ahead can make the return to university feel much less overwhelming.

Ruki notes that students often 'overlook the importance of planning ahead, particularly around workload, finances and wellbeing,' adding that the most successful transitions come from 'realistic expectations and good organisation'.

Professor Wong also highlights a common misconception: that expectations stay the same as you progress. 'Often expectations will increase, especially in terms of quality, depth and criticality,' he explains. 'Students should expect the standard to rise over time.'

Summer is also a valuable time to build practical skills. As Ruki explains, this could involve 'academic writing, research techniques or digital skills at a manageable pace,' helping you 'build confidence and readiness'.

To get ahead, you could explore free or low-cost academic skills courses. These can help sharpen your study techniques and make the transition back to university more manageable. Examples include:

• Critical Thinking - Oxford Home Study Centre
• Essay and report writing skills - the Open University
• Go The Distance: Academic Writing - the BBC
• Listening Skills to Succeed at University - The University of Leeds
• Making the Most of Your Time at University - The University of York
• Research Methodologies - Queen Mary University

If you're approaching your final year, summer is also a good time to start thinking about potential dissertation topics. You could explore the Royal Literary Fund Fellowship Scheme, which offers guidance on structuring arguments, developing ideas and refining your academic writing style.

At the same time, it's important to keep preparation light and focused. As Ruki says, 'Preparation doesn't need to mean spending the entire summer studying. Light-touch activities are often the most effective.'

This might include:

• organising notes
• reading around subjects of interest
• refreshing key concepts before returning
• reviewing feedback from the previous year.

Reflection is another key part of preparation. As Ruki puts it, 'Reflection helps students recognise how much they've already achieved and identify what works best for them.'

Taking time to look back on challenges, successes and feedback from the previous year can give you insight into both your study habits and personal development. She says students who reflect honestly are often better able to 'set realistic goals and approach the next academic year with greater self-awareness and confidence'.

Reflecting on what went well - and what you'd like to improve - can help you set clear, realistic goals and get more out of lectures and seminars.

What is the best way to spend the summer at university?

Every student's ideal summer looks different. Some will prioritise work experience, while others focus on rest, travel or learning - and many will combine several of these.

'Success at university is rarely about doing one thing perfectly - it's about maintaining healthy habits, looking after wellbeing, staying curious and developing confidence over time,' explains Ruki.

If there's one guiding principle, professor Wong suggests keeping expectations realistic. 'Making the most of the summer does not mean doing a lot of things every day or every week,' he says. 'For some students, the most important thing may be to rest and recover.'

Ultimately, 'the key is to think about what would genuinely help you grow, but to do so without seeing the summer as a source of pressure'.

As Ruki concludes, 'a meaningful summer looks different for everyone' - whether that means gaining experience, resting, supporting family or simply rebuilding confidence after a difficult year.

Find out more

• Consider 4 routes to take after graduation.
• Discover 10 things to do before starting university.
• Learn more about studying at the University of Bedfordshire.