You’ve been working hard all year. You’ve earned the right to lie back in the sun, an ice-cold lemonade in hand, and forget that school ever existed, right? Sort of. It is important to make the most of your summer break and de-stress as much as possible. So when you go back to school in September, you’ll be rested and refreshed. But to make sure you hit the ground running next term, you should think about how to use some of this time effectively. Trust us, you’ll be grateful you did.

1. Look over your notes from the previous year

Start by brushing up on the areas you didn’t quite understand last term. Maybe look up some online material that might help you out. Check out our educational blog posts on a range of different subject topics. This prospect might not fill you with joyful anticipation right now, but when you’re back at school you’ll enter class as an ocean of calm.

2. Get ahead on next year's reading

If you’re studying a book-heavy subject like English, it’s a good idea to get started on the set texts you will be reading next year. You don’t have to read the entire book, but getting a head start will save you a lot of time when the new term begins. It’s also a nice, low-stress way of getting back into studying — reading can be a really fun way to pass the time (honestly!)

‍3. Read (or watch) around your subject

You don’t just have to read the material you’re going to be working on in class. There are so many other ways to learn passively! If you’re beginning your A-levels, for example, you’re about to embark on your first year of studying only your favourite subjects. You’ve been waiting for this moment since year 7 - (practically) no more forced learning! Watch films, documentaries or YouTube videos that will really get you excited about your subjects.

‍4. Do some work experience

Work experience is a great way to fill those summer days and explore the adult world. You’re young; this is the time to experiment professionally! Getting a feel for an industry that interests you is the only way to know whether you’d like to pursue that particular line of work. It may even help you decide what you want to study at university. 

If you’d rather not spend the whole summer at work, that’s fair enough; many companies in fact offer work experience for a period of two weeks or so. You can relax and learn flexibly — the best of both worlds.‍

5. Research stress management techniques

Buy all your stationery, folders, notebooks, etc, as early as possible. Don’t leave it until the day before you go back. It’s always such a scramble, you’re bound to forget something. Plus, you’re going to want to spend that day making the most of being anywhere but a classroom; don’t waste it waiting in line to buy pencil cases!

It’s been a tough year for everyone. Students in particular have been incredibly stressed about virtual learning, exams and university entry. Use these summer weeks to a) recover! And b) to catch up on what you may have missed last year as a result of all this pandemic-shaped uncertainty. Then you’ll be able to swagger into school next year feeling confident and ready for the next stage. Roll on September!

One last note...

We're not for one second expecting you to just be working all summer. That would be madness. In fact, there are other ways to be productive - and even have fun! So if you're struggling with boredom and unsure what to do over the holidays, check out these 50 cool activities. Now you have absolutely no excuse to feel restless.