Making the Most of Your Summer Break in the UK

For those students studying an undergraduate degree in the UK, you will normally have a break over the summer months! For those students on a master’s degree, you will usually write your dissertation during the summer.

For both situations, I’ve written about some of the best ways to take advantage of your summer break while living and studying in the UK.
 

Undergraduate Students

During your summer holidays, you may choose to come home, but if you feel comfortable enough to stay in the UK, I highly recommend it! You can work on a student visa, and in non-term time (aka the summer!) you can work up to 40 hours a week*. Whether you work part-time or full-time, it’s a great way to not only make some extra money but also meet new people. Take advantage of university career centres or temp agencies to find a position! The university staff in the career or international offices are a great help when it comes to finding work, and career advice in general.

Summer is a great time to investigate your university’s unique opportunities, since you may not have had time to do so while you were studying. Look into clubs and societies that you may want to join in your next year of study, events that go on during the summer months, or ways to get involved on campus! You have at least 3 years of an undergraduate to complete, and while you may have taken your first year to ease in, the rest of your time spent in the UK is a great chance to participate in your university’s social communities.

Finally, take the opportunity to travel. If you have the means to explore Europe or the rest of the world, fantastic! My advice to everyone, though, is take the time to explore the city you are living in (galleries, concerts, festivals, markets, shops, museums, etc!) as well as the UK itself. There are so many amazing places to visit in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, so don’t forget about travelling around the UK while you plan your trips!

Postgraduate Students

For postgraduate students, summer looks a little bit different. Most students will be writing their dissertations, and while not in classes, there is much time that needs to be devoted to this endeavour. This is not to say you don’t have the opportunity for summer activities!

Working part-time or even full-time can be an option while you write your dissertation. Take it from me, I worked full-time over the summer, and it helped me to be more organized because my time off needed to be spent wisely. Working in the UK is a great opportunity to meet new people outside of uni, as well as build your CV for future job applications.

Spend time to act as a tourist in your own city. Take study breaks to visit new places in town that you haven’t been or check out that café you’ve been meaning to but haven’t found the time for. It’s so important to step away from your dissertation and clear your head, so you are ready and refreshed for the next bout of writing. You don’t have to travel afar to have new experiences. You can also find new spots to study, whether it be an unfamiliar wing of your uni’s library, a new coffee shop, or a quaint little bookstore! New surroundings can give you a new perspective on your research.

If you’re reading this and are a prospective student, you can find out more about studying in the UK by contacting one of our Advisors.

*Based on visa polices at the time of this student's studies in the UK. Always check for the latest Home Office policies.