Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
How to make the most of the rest of your summer before starting university
Hi, I’m Molly! I recently graduated from Leeds Beckett University, and if you're starting university this September, I’ve got some tips to help you make the most of your summer before your 'uni era' begins.
I always refer to the summer after my A-levels as my "Year 13 summer," and let me tell you, it was one of the best summers ever. It was the last summer before we all took on more serious jobs or began higher education, with fewer responsibilities and plenty of freedom. I think you should approach the summer before university with the same mindset. You’ve earned your place at university and are about to begin an exciting new chapter in your life, so make the most of these last few weeks before your studies begin.
While starting your university journey is exciting, don’t rush through this time! Soon, you’ll likely spend a lot of time in the library, on your laptop, reading, or revising. Some courses might require you to do preparatory work, so if this is you, make sure to finish those. Otherwise, enjoy this time to the fullest!
Make sure to have some R&R
You’ve worked incredibly hard for your exams, and the waiting game of Results Day has likely taken a toll. It’s important to wind down and prioirtise some well-deserved rest and relaxation. Doing things that help you relax, like spending time with loved ones, enjoying hobbies, or simply taking it easy, will help you reset before the demands of university life begin. Remember, you’ve earned this downtime, and it’s essential for your well-being as you prepare for this exciting new chapter ahead. These pockets of time where we can simply unwind don’t come around often in life, so it’s important to make the most of these moments of doing nothing.
Spend time with people you’re going to miss
If you’re moving to a different city, try to make plans with the people you’re leaving behind before September arrives. Once your first term starts, you'll likely be busy with Freshers' Week, meeting flatmates and course mates, and diving into your studies. It's a good idea to spend time with the people you’ll miss while you're settling into university life. This might seem obvious, but once you start shopping for university essentials and preparing to move, you might find yourself very busy!
You and your friends might soon be studying all over the country, so schedule some quality time to make the most of your days together before leaving. Create lasting memories with the people you care about. If you enjoy hosting, consider throwing a goodbye party. You could also suggest attending a festival or visiting local bars to soak up time together. Take plenty of photos to look back on in case you ever feel homesick at university.
This applies to your family and other loved ones as well. Don't take for granted those morning coffee chats or dinners together. After the move, you might find yourself missing the simple pleasures of home, so make the most of them while you can. Go on a dog walk with your siblings or say yes to a family trip.
I know it’s not the same for everyone, but moving to Leeds for university was absolutely amazing and I loved the independence, but it made me appreciate home so much more as well.
Enjoy yourself
If you thrive on social activities, fill your schedule with fun events before the study sessions begin. If you prefer peace and quiet, make sure to carve out some me-time. You’ll soon be meeting many new people and immersing yourself in new experiences, so savour these last moments of freedom and make the most of the summer sunshine.
If you're working this summer to save up for university, ensure you're enjoying the process. Once your first term begins, university responsibilities might leave you with little time outside of studying, so use your pre-university time wisely. I worked several part-time jobs and took on event gigs to save money, choosing roles where I liked the work environment and the people. Working at local festivals was particularly fun and a great way to earn money while having a good time.
Take lots of photos
Remember how I said take lots of photos with people you love? I would recommend getting some of those photos printed out before you start university, either for bedroom decoration, a scrapbook or just for keepsakes. In my first year of uni, I ordered a lot of my photos from FreePrints which I framed or stuck around my bedroom in Halls to remind me of my family, friends and of course my dog whenever I was missing home. You can read more about FreePrints and how to make halls feel more homely here.
Prepare to move away
Start by creating a list of everything you'll need and begin adding to it right away. Check out blogs, TikToks, and YouTube videos with advice on what to bring to university, and tailor your list to fit your personal needs. This will ensure you know exactly what to buy before moving into your Halls or starting your course. For specific tips on what to bring when moving into Leeds Beckett accommodation, you can read more here or check out Essentials for Freshers’.
If you’re moving away from home for uni, spend this summer learning how to cook! If you haven’t already done so, start taking notes from what your family, friends or other people cook for you at home. By the time you get to university you’ll at least be slightly prepared with how to make a few meals. Trust me, this will save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
Starting university is a major life event, and while it's natural to feel a bit nervous, don't forget to enjoy the anticipation and excitement of what's to come. This summer is a unique time of transition, so take it all in—whether you're making memories with friends, learning new skills, or simply enjoying some well-deserved relaxation. When Welcome Week rolls around, you'll be ready to dive into university life with confidence and excitement. Embrace the changes ahead, but for now, make the most of these last few weeks of freedom. You've earned it!
