Free time is sometimes a rare thing for us busy university students, and when we get it’s easy to throw away. I wanted to give you a few tips on how to spend your free time and make the most of it. We can all be tempted to sleep in and waste away our days, and although we all need that to de-stress sometimes, it’s good to get out and get things done!

  1. Organise. When you have free time try and plan your workload to fill it. Make a list of what you need to get done, set alarms and make plans. Get as organised as you can with your work, and you’ll feel a lot better about enjoying the free time you have left.
  2. Volunteer. Volunteering is great for your CV and it is a fab opportunity to help others. It can also be really rewarding too. This would get you out of the house, while also learning new skills and building up your CV. Even half a day a week would make a difference both to you and to others.
  3. Research and learn new things. Reading is a great way to spend your free time and you’ll find yourself learning something new. Why not try reading up on a language, a new exciting type of exercise or look into a new hobby?
  4. Exercise. Go on a run or get down to the gym. Exercising can take as long as you want it to which is why it’s a great way to fill time. This will also help you to feel good, give you a clear head and you’ll stay healthy.
  5. Get outside. Make sure you get out of the house. Lounging around is important sometimes, but so is getting fresh air and being in a new environment. If you have uni work to do, try heading out and do it in a cafe or in a new space. Going out for a walk is also good exercise and will help to clear your head. Especially now we are starting to get some sun in Leeds!
  6. Get a job. If you find yourself having a lot of free time then It may be a good idea to get a part time job. There are part time jobs all over Leeds which would be fun - from restaurants, to trampoline parks. Just make sure you don’t take on too many hours and that you put uni first, however a job will mean that you can earn some money in your free time. It also looks good on your CV when you go for a graduate job that you’ve managed your time effectively at university and picked up extra skills.
  7. Have a clear out. A clean room means a clean mind, and I swear by this. If you have an hour or so to yourself, just have a clear up. Clean your room and desk. Do some washing or clear out unwanted clothes and sell them or give them to charity. Clearing up is never a priority when you are busy so try and make it one when you’re not.
  8. Shop and treat yourself. If you have a busy lifestyle then finding the time to do some retail therapy can be difficult. If a day becomes free then head into town and have a shop about. A food shop could also be done in your free time so that it’s out of the way for the rest of the week.
  9. Chill. It’s important to take time to relax and have some ‘me’ time. Have a bath, have a pamper, a face mask, do your nails or stick on a film. It’s important to rest and to recharge your batteries.
  10. Cook and meal prep. At the start of the week if I have free time I like to make lunches for my week ahead or make a nice meal. This is a great way to also save money and to get better at cooking or learning a new hobby. Cooking is good fun but can also be very time consuming so if you have the time to do it, do it!

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